Never permit arthritic patients to participate in strength exercises during periods of pain or inflammation. If any lifting sequence causes pain, discontinue that particular set. And in subsequent workouts decrease the weight to a pain-free level. If the pain persists, avoid the lift and have the individual report the problem to his or her physician.

Finally, when returning from a layoff, start with weights that are 50% of the pre-layoff weights.

And again, gradually increase the intensity.

Copyright 2000