Exercise and posture control are two of the most important aspects of treatment for people with ankylosing spondylitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that is painful and progressive. It mainly affects the spine, but it can also affect the joints, tendons, ligaments, eyes, and bowel.

Two symptoms that most people with AS experience are stiffness and pain, so staying fit and flexible helps manage the condition.

The benefits of following an exercise program include developing and maintaining a good posture, improving flexibility, and reducing pain.

a man swimming as part of exercise for ankylosing spondylitisShare on Pinterest
Image credit: Eugenio Marongiu / Getty Images.

The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) recommend four types of exercise, saying that an ideal exercise program will include them all:

  • Stretching: These exercises improve flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness, swelling, and pain. They also minimize the risk of fusion of the joints.
  • Cardiovascular: Exercises that increase the heart rate for an extended time, such as swimming or walking, improve lung and heart function, as well as boosting the mood. They also reduce pain and fatigue.
  • Muscle strengthening: Strong core and back muscles help support the spine, improving movement and posture and also reducing pain.
  • Balance: Balance exercises improve stability when still and moving, and they reduce the likelihood of falling. They are especially useful for people with lower bone density.

The following exercises can help relieve the symptoms of AS:

1. Bridge

A gif of a person doing a glute bridge

This exercise strengthens the core muscles and glutes.

  • Lying on the back, bend the knees and place the feet flat on the floor.
  • Lift the pelvis and the lower back off the floor.
  • Hold for 5 seconds, then lower down slowly.

2. Hip and pelvis rotation

A gif of a person doing hip and pelvis rotations lying on a floor

This exercise helps stretch out the lower back.

  • Lie on the back with the hands above the head.
  • Bend the knees and roll them slowly to one side.
  • Hold for 5 seconds and then return the knees.
  • Repeat 5 times on each side.

3. Superman

A gif of a person doing superman exercises

This exercise will help strengthen the upper and lower back and hips, which will help with posture. Be careful to avoid twisting the body or overstretching the neck.

  • Kneel on the floor on all fours.
  • Lift the right arm and left leg until they are parallel to the floor.
  • Stretch and hold for 5 seconds.
  • Lower and repeat with the other arm and leg.
  • Repeat 5 times on each side.

4. Breathing exercises

a woman doing breathing exercises on the floor
Image credit: Fab_1 / Shutterstock.

These exercises move the ribs, which helps with breathing.

  • Lie on the back with the knees bent and the feet flat on the floor.
  • Place the hands on the sides of the body, against the ribs.
  • Take five deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. Push the ribs out against the hands with each breath.
  • Then, place the hands on the upper front chest and take five deep breaths, as before.

5. Cardiovascular

The SAA recommend performing aerobic exercise between three and five times a week for a total of 75–150 minutes per week.

Cardiovascular exercises may include:

  • swimming
  • walking
  • cycling
  • yoga or tai chi

It is best to speak to a healthcare professional before deciding on a cardiovascular exercise because some types, such as running, can place excess pressure on the joints.

6. Other exercises

The SAA also recommend the following exercises for spondyloarthritis, and they provide images in their online flyer:

  • hamstring, quadricep, and hip flexion training
  • other back stretches
  • bending side stretches
  • body rotations
  • neck rotations and stretches

When to exercise

The easiest way to fit exercise into a busy life is to do it at the same time every day. Some people may prefer to do certain exercises, such as stretching, in the morning, to overcome stiffness. However, later in the day or the evening will suit others better.

Back pain from AS can lead people to change their posture to try to ease the pain. Over time, changes in posture can lead to stiffness, weakness, and pain in the muscles and joints.

Exercises that strengthen the core — meaning the back and abdominal muscles — can ease back pain and improve posture.

People can achieve and maintain good posture by:

  • exercising regularly
  • adding specific core strengthening exercises to their routine and doing these two to four times a week
  • being aware of and trying to straighten their posture during daily activities, including sitting at a desk, walking, and watching TV
  • trying posture training exercises

Certain exercises can help with posture when someone has AS, including the two below.

Posture exercise 1

  • Stand against the wall with the back, heels, bottom, and shoulders touching it as much as possible.
  • Push, but do not tilt, the head back into the wall.
  • Hold for 5 seconds.
  • Repeat 10 times.

Posture exercise 2

  • Lie on the belly, looking straight ahead.
  • Place the hands at the sides of the body.
  • Lift one leg off the ground, keeping the knee straight. Lift the opposite arm out in front if it helps.

Get more tips on how to improve posture and learn about other exercises for posture.

Exercise can be an important way of relieving the symptoms of AS and maintaining strength and flexibility. The SAA state that exercise is an “integral part” of treatment

Exercise can help with AS by:

  • improving posture
  • enhancing strength, balance, and flexibility
  • improving cardiovascular health
  • improving breathing capacity
  • reducing high blood pressure
  • maximizing bone density
  • aiding weight management
  • improving a person’s response to medications

Exercise is an important part of treatment for AS. However, it is important to work with a healthcare professional when deciding on an exercise program.

Some sports, including high impact activities, such as jogging, can cause problems. Contact sports may harm people with advanced AS because these activities can increase the risk of joint or spinal injury.

Low impact but competitive sports, such badminton, may be good options. Pilates, yoga, and tai chi are also good choices for people with AS.

Increasing activity levels can help manage AS symptoms, but it is important to do so in a safe manner. Before getting started with exercise, people with AS should:

  • Consult a doctor to determine what is suitable for them.
  • Warm up thoroughly before engaging in exercise to ready the muscles.
  • Exercise in a comfortable, supportive environment to minimize risk of interference.
  • Build up exercise intensity slowly to avoid injury.

Here are some questions people often ask about exercises for ankylosing spondylitis.

What are the best workouts for ankylosing spondylitis?

Various exercises and combinations of exercises can help achieve this. Swimming, tai chi, and other low-impact exercises are good choices.

What exercises should you not do with ankylosing spondylitis?

High-impact activities, such as jogging, and contact sports, for instance, football, are not typically suitable choices. It is best to speak with a doctor or physical therapist about a plan to suit individual needs.

What is the bridge exercise for ankylosing spondylitis?

The bridge exercise starts with a person lying on their back on the floor with their knees bent and their feet flat on the floor. Next, they lift the pelvis and lower back, hold for 5 seconds, then gently lower them to the floor. It aims to strengthen the core muscles and glutes.

How do you strengthen your back with ankylosing spondylitis?

The bridge and superman exercises can help strengthen the back, while hip rotations can enhance flexibility.

Exercise has a wide range of benefits for people with AS. It helps improve flexibility, strength, posture, and cardiovascular health. Regular exercise can also help improve mobility and reduce the risk of fusion.

Official organizations recommend that people use four main types of exercise: stretches, strength training, cardio, and balance exercises.

People can speak to a healthcare professional to work out a personalized plan that suits their preferences, lifestyle, and needs.