For many years it was thought that people with arthritis and related conditions shouldn't exercise because it would damage their joints. Today, however, doctors and therapists know that moderate physical activity can improve your health without hurting your joints. With this in mind, the Arthritis Foundation introduced Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP).

AFEP is an exercise program designed specifically for people with arthritis that uses gentle activities to help increase joint flexibility and range of motion and to help maintain muscle strength. It also helps increase overall stamina. Because there are many different types of arthritis and related conditions, levels of fitness, and degrees of limitation, two levels of AFEP classes are available – basic and advanced.

Instructors who have undergone a special Arthritis Foundation instructor-training workshop conduct classes. The exercises you learn in the AFEP program, however, should not replace therapeutic exercises prescribed for you by a therapist.

Participants previously enrolled in the AFEP program have experienced such benefits as increased functional ability, increased self-care behaviors, decreased pain and decreased depression.

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