Fitness Helps Arthritis Sufferers, Expert Reports

(Health and Fitness), 46 million people have a doctor-diagnosed case of arthritis in America. With the aging US population, this number is expected to grow to nearly 70 million people in the coming decades, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Arthritis is defined as joint inflammation and is used to describe more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues which surround the joint and other connective tissue. The number of arthritis cases typically increases with age and is higher among women than men in every age group, as reported by the data found from the National Center for Health Statistics National Health Interview Survey in 2003-2005.

One of the leading causes of arthritis is obesity. There is a strong correlation between the rise in overweight and obesity levels, reaching approximately 60% of the US population, and the projected rise in arthritis cases. "Obese adults are more likely to develop arthritis and joint discomfort than normal weight adults," reports Aaron Dawkins, owner of two Fitness Together franchises located in the Denver Metro area, in Colorado.

"First of all, our clients that have arthritis usually begin to feel better immediately after starting a weight management program. Our fitness trainers design programs to help clients decrease body fat and increase muscle strength. These benefits help to better manage arthritic pain and improve the way the body responds to normal daily physical activities such as driving, picking up a dropped item and even standing up from a chair."

The CDC (www.cdc.gov) report that many arthritis sufferers do not take part in leisure time physical activity even though the research shows exercise benefits people with arthritis by improving pain, function and mental health. "A host of additional risk factors are associated with not participating in a regular physical activity program, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and functional limitations," reports Dawkins, who is a certified personal trainer himself and has been working with clients since 1999 before buying his first Fitness Together franchise in 2007.

"I have an 86 year-old-client who reports less aches and pains, which are commonly associated with arthritis affecting people his age. He has been using our personal training services three times per week for several years, and has not only lost body fat but has also realized an increase in muscle strength," Dawkins said.

For more information about Fitness Together personal training, or to visit a location near you, visit www.fitnesstogether.com