Staying Active When You Have Lupus

Fit physical activity into your routine

If you don’t have time for long workouts, just do what you can! Start with just 5 minutes a day and build up to more over time. Remember that some activity is always better than nothing. Try these tips to work more activity into your daily life:

• When you’re watching TV, get active during commercial breaks — try some yoga, stretching, push-ups or sit-ups
• Engage in active chores — like walking the dog, raking leaves, or washing the car
• Make social activities more active — invite friends and family to join you for a walk or a hike at a local park

Listen to your body

If an activity feels uncomfortable or painful, stop doing it! There’s no need to push through pain and risk an injury. Try different activities until you find things that feel right for you. And remember that it’s always okay to take breaks and give your body time to rest and recover.

If you feel sore after activity, heat can help ease sore muscles and joints. Try taking a hot shower or soaking in a hot bath.

If you use the RICE, or the Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, method it’s important to proceed with caution while using. Focus this method on large muscles such as legs, arms, or back. If you have been diagnosed with Raynaud’s disease, the RICE method is not recommended for use as ice can trigger the disease in fingers or toes. 

If you’re not sure what activities are safe for you, talk with your doctor. Your doctor can recommend safe activities or refer you to a physical therapist (a specialist who helps with exercise and movement).