Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates are low impact exercises that use body poses to enhance body strength, health and fitness. For people with osteoarthritis, these exercises can be effective in relieving arthritis pain.

Find out which exercise is right for you:

Yoga originated in India as a path to spiritual enlightenment. It involves a series of structured poses practised with breath control. For people with osteoarthritis, yoga can help improve mobility, flexibility, strength and endurance. Yoga poses can also prevent osteoporosis and, in the long-term, improve your posture and prevent back pain.

Tai Chi began as a Chinese martial art designed to harness the energy of nature. Through flowing movements and poses, Tai Chi can help improve balance, poor posture and relieve joint stiffness. It’s also clinically proven to provide sustained improvements for people with knee or hip osteoarthritis.

Pilates is a 20th century form of exercise that focuses on physical fitness. It challenges the body to work against resistance, which can be created by poses or by using special equipment. For people with osteoarthritis, Pilates can help improve flexibility, muscle strength, muscular control of the back and limbs, and balance.

Make sure you talk to your doctor before you start any exercise program.