Made by People with Arthritis For People with Arthritis

Top Tips for staying active with arthritis

Quick reads on pacing energy, easing stiffness, and staying motivated. Pick any tip that speaks to you.

Outdoor Walk

Benefits of Physical Activity

Getting Started Safely

Adapting Physical Activity for RA

Managing RA Flare-Ups with Gentle Activity

Flare Hub: What to do in/after a Flare?

Building a Balanced Movement Routine

Make it social build your movement TEAM

Staying Motivated and Consistent

Expert FAQs

It’s a common fear, but the right kind of movements can actually help. Gentle, low-impact movement reduces pain and stiffness, improves joint function, and helps protect your joints over time.

That’s completely understandable. Sometimes it takes experimenting with different types of activity—or getting guidance from a professional—to find what works for your body. Don’t be discouraged; it’s okay to start over and try again at your own pace.

It can feel that way as fatigue can make it really hard to move more. But even gentle movement—like stretching or a short walk—can help give you more energy and help you sleep better. Just start small and listen to your body. It’s okay to do less on days when you feel extra tired, and do a bit more on days when you have more energy. Remember, any movement counts!

That’s a valid concern, especially if you’ve experienced falls before. The good news is that regular, safe movement can actually improve your balance and coordination—reducing your risk of falling and helping you feel more confident in daily life.

You’re not alone! But physical activity doesn’t have to mean high-intensity workouts. It’s really about moving your body in ways that feel good to you. Even light stretching, walking, or dancing to music counts. Start small and focus on what brings you joy.

Not at all! Moving more doesn’t have to be fancy or cost money. You don’t need a gym membership or special equipment. Simple things like walking, stretching, dancing in your kitchen, or even shoveling snow can help you feel better. If you want to try a gym, local recreation centres usually cost less than regular gyms. There are many simple ways to add physical activity into your life that can be done at home using just your body weight. Walking outside, stretching, or using household items (like a chair or water bottles) can be just as beneficial. Plus, there are plenty of free online resources to guide you.

In many cases, gentle movement can actually improve other health conditions—like high blood pressure, diabetes, or depression. Talk to your healthcare provider about safe activities that can support your overall health.

It’s tough when life is busy, but even short bursts of movement—just 10 to 15 minutes—can make a big difference. Try breaking it up into small sessions or building movement into your routine, like walking while on the phone or taking the stairs.

Some rest is definitely important during a flare-up, but too much can actually lead to more stiffness and weakness. Gentle, slow movement—like stretching or walking—can help you stay mobile without making symptoms worse.

Not at all. High-impact activities like jumping, running, push-ups, or chopping wood can be too much for your joints if they are swollen or painful, but there are lots of gentle movement options that are safe and effective—like walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga. The goal is to move in ways that feel supportive and helpful, not stressful.