Hi Ron,
I do weights and stretch bands at home constantly. I had very late diagnosis due to flexibility.
My father who is 89yrs has severe ankylosing spondylitis, he is constantly active (managing 6.5 acres of land) himself until recently. It has only been the constant movement with lifting and stretching that has kept him mobile. His disease is so severe he is hunched over and has spinal pain infusions every 6-8 weeks
I believe in constant physical activity appropriate to the disease, that is with minor alterations with flares, even then you can do chair exercises. You don’t need a gym.
Jenni

Hi Ron, I've been going to the gym and lifting weights for 45 years. I still do it and I try to do it 6 days a week. The 4 spine surgeons I have consulted all say it is the reason why I'm not in a wheelchair, can still walk on my own and why I can still talk.It has helped to keep me from having many surgeries. It is the best thing you can do for yourself. However, it is extremely important that you do it correctly, with proper form, and dont overdo it by pushing yourself to the max the way you will see bodybuilders do in the gym. There is no need to go that hard. Try to get appointments with a physical therapist to show you proper technique and form for exercises to build strength in your core that will support your neck,spine, and hips. If you can't see a physical therapist your next best option is a certified personal trainer. If you can't use one of those, then look online for personal trainers or physical therapists or chiropractors demonstrating how to do the exercises and pay close attention to the placement of hands, feet, back and neck, always pull in your lower abs to support your back. Begin every exercise with rolling your shoulders up, back, and down, a backward shoulder roll basically, to keep the pressure off of your shoulders and neck when you perform the exercise. Dont hunch your shoulders up! And go slow. Stay low weight in the beginning weeks, do slow movements. No more than 2 sets of 15 exercises. Stretch gently at the end and take time to stretch each muscle group. Stay strong Ron! Never give up!💪🏋‍♂️

You've got to push yourself a little but, but not to the point of unacceptable pain. (Don't ask how I know that) 🤪 My trainer actually had me stop for now since my inflammation was so bad, & flares were hitting me from all over. It wasn't doing my body any justice. But I'll be back - I try to keep that "Rocky" mentality going, only now its my body telling me 'yes or no' instead of my mind. If you like swimming or being in the water, even a tub - I would highly recommend it, it helps so much with your joints & they have water weights for your ankles and wrists too! I find that I can actually do more reps being in the water. Just make sure someone is there to help you out if needed. (Don't ask me how I know that either) 😃

Keep strong & moving along!