The grant to TAS has come through the Community Foundation for Greater Toronto. The programs are to provide people with arthritis a variety of opportunities, within their community, for participation in activities that promote self management. People who exercise live healthier, happier and longer lives than people who are sedentary. This is true for everyone. But it is especially true for people with arthritis.
Arthritis is one of the most common reasons given for limiting physical activity.
Many people with arthritis are out of condition, weaker, less flexible and have more pain due to complications of inactivity, rather than just arthritis. Pain, stiffness, fatigue, and fear if doing harm can make it difficult to be physically active with arthritis. Improvement in physical fitness leads to a better ability to walk, greater ease doing daily activities, and an improved sense of well being. A comprehensive exercise program for those with arthritis should include flexibility, strengthening and aerobic activities, and preferably be led by someone with experience and knowledge in both arthritis and exercise. With the known benefits of exercise for people with arthritis in mind, TAS has promoted and trained leaders to run warm water aquatic exercise programs for many years.