I was diagnosed in 2012. Before then I was very active. At first I was so sick I had to remain fairly immobile in a chair all day but as soon as I was able I crawled to my gym and began to stretch any way I could and then to stationary cycle and swim. I think it saved my life. I work out a minimum of an hour every day and sometimes more. I stretch, cycle and use light weights in my home gym and then swim laps for a half an hour every other day. I really feel it if I miss even one day. Now, so long as I remain on my meds, I do not have very much pain or stiffness and people have no idea I even suffer from this disease. Exercise is absolutely mandatory for me.

My doctor has said I can walk, bike or swim. But basically anything low impact is good. The thing is honor your body and don't do more than you feel you can or should do. Nobody can tell that point but you. Stretching is also very important. Remember that @exercise helps creates synovial fluid, the lubricant inside your joints, so helps prevent further bone breakdown by cushioning your joints. I also take a product called MOVE FREE which seems to take the edge off of my joint pain because it contains ingredients to improve joint health. I haven't found any other joint supplement to work as well.

The person that was talking about biking was too difficult because of balance should look at an adult tricycle they have them at Walmart website.

Swimming is great because it's gentle on your joints but go at your own pace. Don't try to go all out at the beginning or you'll regret it. I find that swimming is not only good for my joints my muscles but it's also good for my heart and lungs. Plus I enjoy it.