Stay Active & Stay Healthy: RA Fitness

Developed with the assistance of Marian A. Minor, PT, PhD

Did you know that regular exercise is one of the most important things people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can do to stay healthy? It can even help manage many RA symptoms.

We know this because many people have participated in RA exercise research. The studies listed at the end of this article show that most people with rheumatoid arthritis can improve their health and fitness by exercising regularly.

People with RA who exercise regularly can also reduce pain, stiffness, fatigue, and feelings of depression, as well as lower their chances of developing osteoporosis. Neither your age nor how long you have had rheumatoid arthritis is a barrier to a healthy and successful RA exercise regimen.

Get advice before you start

For people with RA, the challenge often is to figure out what kind of exercise they can and should do. If you have been physically active and participated in regular exercise and sports in the past, you may need to learn new ways to keep being active. And if you did not exercise before, you will want to develop exercise habits that you can maintain.

Doctors and other health professionals who work with people with rheumatoid arthritis know that regular exercise is a necessary part of being healthy. They can help you figure out what exercise to do.

RA fitness programs may be available in your community through organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and your state's Health Department. In addition, you can also build a customized RA fitness program for free with the My RA Fit Kit.

Related Links:

Note: These tips should not replace advice from your physician. Always check with your physician before making any changes to your exercise habits.

References:

Westby MD, Minor MA. Exercise and physical activity. In: Bartlett SJ, Bingham CO III, Maricic MJ, Daly Iversen M, Ruffing V, eds. Clinical Care in the Rheumatic Diseases, 3rd ed. Atlanta, GA: Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals; 2006:211-220.
American College of Rheumatology Subcommittee on Rheumatoid Arthritis Guidelines. Special article: guidelines for the management of rheumatoid arthritis 2002 update. Arthritis Rheum. 2002; 46(2):328-346.
Brady TJ, Kruger J, Helmick CG, Callahan LF, Boutaugh ML. Intervention programs for arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Health Educ Behav. 2003;30(1):44-63.

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Note: The tips on this site should not replace advice from your physician. Always check with your physician before making any changes to your daily habits.

Expert consultants were paid by UCB, Inc. for their contributions to articles on this Web site.

UCB has partnered with The Cooper Institute to develop the content for the personalized exercise program in My RA Fit Kit. The Cooper Institute does not endorse any linked-to entity, or any product or service. The Cooper Institute (CI), established in 1970, is a 501.c.3. nonprofit globally dedicated to preventive medicine research and education. Visit www.cooperinstitute.org to learn more about all their efforts or to support their life-changing work with a donation.

UCB has also partnered with HealthyWomen (HW) to develop some of the content within these pages. HW is the nation's leading independent health information source for women. Visit www.healthywomen.org to learn more about how HealthyWomen partners with other nonprofit organizations, media, government agencies, and corporations to raise awareness of a variety of women's health conditions.

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