Today I’m sharing tips on how to stay active with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis as part of my Wellness Wednesday series. Adding a fitness routine to your life can be beneficial for your mental health as well as your physical health. Psoriasis raises your risk of developing other illnesses — such as heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome — so exercise is especially important. Try these 10 tips for getting — and staying — active while managing your psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

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  1. Go Easy at First. When beginning an exercise regimen, you don’t need to commit to a marathon at the get-go. Start slowly. Set your alarm for 15 or 30 minutes earlier than usual so you can incorporate a brisk walk or at-home yoga session into your morning routine
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  2. Buy the right shoes. Having the right pair of walking, running, or fitness shoes is vital to maximizing your workouts. Shoes that don’t fit correctly can lead to muscular imbalances, raising the risk of foot, knee, and hip injuries. Ask an employee at a sporting-goods store to help you find the right fit.
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  3. Set out your clothes ahead of time. If you like to get your workout done in the morning, be prepared by laying everything out the night before. If you exercise after work, have your clothes ready and waiting for you when you get home. If you have to search for your workout clothes, you might decide to skip exercising altogether!

Read the other seven tips for staying active with psoriasis on HealthCentral.com