For people struggling with arthritis symptoms, exercise can be the key to a better quality of life.

People don't always do what is best for their health, such as getting enough physical activity. Sadly, this is even more common for people with osteoarthritis (OA).

A recent study of more than 1,000 men and women with knee OA found that more than half of the women and more than a third of the men were completely inactive, getting no moderate to vigorous exercise lasting at least 10 minutes over the course of a week. Of those who were active, only 13 percent of the men and less than 8 percent of the women met the U.S. guidelines for physical activity.

Don't let this happen to you! If you've become sedentary, get moving again. If you get a good amount of physical activity now, don't stop. Studies show that the benefits of exercise disappear when people quit.

It can be challenging to start and stick with an exercise habit, particularly for people who are battling pain, stiffness, weakness or fatigue. But these symptoms are the very reasons to make exercise a habit! Scientific evidence shows that people with OA who start regular exercise get significant symptom relief, giving them a greater ability to do the things they need and want to do.

If you are one of those people who need to get more active, take heart. You'll find that once you find a routine that works for you, the positive results – symptom eased or gone and the ability to live life more fully and independently – will encourage you to keep up your exercise habit.

Success begins with a winning strategy and the right tactics

It is possible to plan for success in any endeavor, regardless how challenging. As successful sports coaches, military generals, and business executives know, the key to success is having a winning strategy, or game plan, for achieving your goal and knowing which tactics (actions, approaches) will help you meet that goal.

When it comes to living the best you can with OA, you need to determine what strategies and tactics make sense and are appropriate for you. Here are some suggestions to get you started on your own personal plan for success in managing OA through regular exercise and physical activity.

• Make exercise a priority. Plan and prepare in advance so your time for exercise is not compromised. Adopt the mindset that other things can wait! Exercise is your priority. Remember, you can get activity in many ways, so look for opportunities whenever and wherever you can find them.
   
• Set goals. Set yourself up for success by making goals that suit you, your current fitness level and your interests and lifestyle. It's a good idea to have a big goal, but wise, too, to set small, one or more smaller, realistic goals that will work like stepping stones, helping you reach the bigger goal.
   
• Anticipate obstacles. Pain, fatigue, illness, work or other obligations, and even the weather can mess up your plans. Have a plan B in place, and know when rest is the better plan.
   
• Do what you enjoy. The chances of sticking with an activity will be far greater if it is something you like, that feels good or excites you, or that makes you feel happy while you're doing it. Also, if you keep it simple, you're more likely to keep at it.
   
• Get support; don't go it alone. Studies consistently show that people who exercise with others are more likely to stick with it. You could find an exercise buddy, join an exercise class, work out with a fitness trainer, or make exercise a family affair. A good option is the Arthritis Foundation's Walk With Ease program.
   
• Consult your health care team. Most people with mild to moderate OA can figure out on their own which type of physical activity and how much makes sense. People with severe symptoms, poor joint function or other health problems get guidance from their doctor. You might get a referral to a physical therapist or personal trainer who has experience working with people with arthritis.

Next: Move It: Choose an Active Life