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Gout is a disease that belongs to the arthritis family.  While arthritis may be caused by things beyond our control, gout is often the result of bad choices we have made.  This is not entirely true as heredity can play a part, but outside of heredity, we usually are our own worst enemies.  Many gout attacks could be reduce or even prevented if we made better lifestyle choices.  If gout patients can eliminate most of the common traits that exist from people who have this disease, they should see a serious reduction in gout attacks.  Here are three common traits of people with gout.

1. Obesity. A large percentage of people who have gout are either overweight or obese.  This makes sense in that the list of foods that cause gout tends to be fairly unhealthy.  There are exceptions such as venison, but many of the foods you should avoid such as alcohol, bacon, and soft drinks are simply not healthy, especially when consumed in large quantities.  By simply making better food choices and by eating in moderation, you will not only lose weight, you should also have less flare ups in the long run.

Make sure not to lose weight too quickly, though, or you will be sure to have an attack.  The body is trying to adjust to the “newer” you when losing weight and your uric acid can get too high for your lower weight causing an attack.  So, while it’s important to overcome obesity, don’t try to lose your weight all at once.

2. Not physically active. While some people who have physically demanding jobs get gout, many gout patients tend to live sedentary lifestyles.  This can lead to the first common trait, obesity, and this can cause extra strain on the joints from being too heavy.   Perform exercises that are lower impact until you get to an acceptable weight. This will ease the stress on your joints.  Moderate exercise can improve your overall joint health assisting you in reducing the likelihood of more severe attacks.

3. Most are men over 40. While this common trait can’t be eliminated, it does give someone the ability to know they are susceptible to gout attacks.  Therefore the older you get the more important it is to make better food choices, and to get control of your weight and to continue to be physically active.  This is especially true if you have a family history of gout.  While men do get gout more often, women can and do get gout.  Women tend to get gout after menopause.

So, if you are obese, physically inactive, and a middle aged or older male who has had gout or a family history of gout, consider eliminating your excess weight and becoming more active.  Consider looking for treatments for gout that you can implement that will help you keep clear of this painful disease.

You don’t need a gym to get in shape there are lots of other fun ways to get fit and lean. Some of these ways are so much fun and not as much effort as a gym workout, so you will probably not even see them as exercise. But that is what this type of exercise is all about – getting in shape the fun way. Here are 10 of them:

1. Zumba dancing

Zumba dancing is the newest craze. It is inspired by Latin dance types and is very an upbeat and high energy dance type. You will burn loads of calories while getting into shape.

2. Take up Pilates

Pilates is another fun and great way to get in shape. The supreme pilates machine is one of the best ways to start practicing Pilates with a machine. A resistance pilates band can help you to do pilates on a mat (Pilates matwork).

3. Tap dancing

Tapping your feet to the form a rhythm can do wonders for your body as it is a cardio-loaded workout and you will have so much fun, you won’t even notice that you are doing a cardio exercise.

4. Jazz dancing

Jazz dancing is a very creative dance style where the dancer can showcase his or her own original style and creativity. It is also lots of fun and so energetic that you will also burn lots of calories.

Learn to Salsa Dance Video Series (click on image for details)

5. Ballroom dancing

Grab a partner and get in shape the ballroom way. You can choose from a variety of dances or do them all. Ballroom dance styles includes cha-cha. rumba, salsa, waltz and two step.

6. Belly dancing

Belly dancing is great for your core (the areas of your lower back, abs and hip flexors) and regular belly dancing will give you a defined mid section. It is also great to improve your sensuality.

7. Tennis/squash tournaments

Register for tennis and squash tournaments and get fit the fun and competitive way.

8. Cricket/ Football/ Basketball club membership

Your social life and figure will flourish if you join a sports club. You will be getting in so much exercise and meeting so many new people!

9. Kick box Aerobics

Kick box aerobics is one of the best ways to get rid of stress and even anger. And as it is a high intensity exercise, you will get in shape in no time.

10. Walk your dog

You can also get in shape from walking your dog regularly.

Getting in shape has never been as fun when you do it with one or more of the above ways. Just do some of them regularly and watch your waistline disappear.