There are tremendous benefits that can be attained from participating in exercise and physical activity. This is especially true for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, who may experience higher rates of such conditions as cardiovascular disease, chronic joint stiffness and ache, limited mobility and range of motion, and fatigue. Regular exercise can help benefit these and other conditions.

The benefits of exercise for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis can be tremendous. These individuals who begin and maintain a regular exercise program will likely begin to experience some or all of the following:

• Reduction of and relief from chronic joint pain and stiffness
• Decrease in general fatigue
• Improvement in functional skills and other abilities of daily life
• Improved range of motion and general mobility
• Improved strength and integrity of joints, cartilage, ligaments, and surrounding muscles and tendons
• Prevention and potential reversal of cachexia (accelerated loss of muscle mass)
• Maintenance of current bone strength
• Decreased risk of developing and improved management of other diseases and health conditions
• Improved mood and general quality of life

Additionally, research has shown that exercise, including high-intensity exercise, will not exacerbate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or cause increased damage. Essentially, if a program is properly performed it should yield tremendous benefits at not negative cost to the participant.