Person with RA stretching in a field of wildflowers, symbolizing overcoming barriers to exercise.

Unlocking Mobility: How to Overcome Exercise Barriers in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Practical strategies to help RA patients embrace physical activity and improve their quality of life, despite common barriers."

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presents significant challenges beyond joint pain, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Reduced physical fitness and a diminished quality of life are common consequences. However, exercise is increasingly recognized as a safe and beneficial intervention for RA patients, playing a crucial role in managing the condition, maintaining muscle function and joint mobility, and enhancing daily life activities.

Despite the proven benefits of exercise, many individuals with RA face significant barriers that prevent them from engaging in regular physical activity. Understanding these barriers and tailoring interventions to address them is essential for improving patient outcomes.

This article explores the perceived benefits and barriers to exercise among RA patients, providing practical strategies and insights to help overcome these obstacles and promote a more active and fulfilling lifestyle. We'll translate research findings into actionable steps, empowering you to take control of your health and well-being.

Understanding the Exercise Paradox: Benefits vs. Barriers in RA

Person with RA stretching in a field of wildflowers, symbolizing overcoming barriers to exercise.

Research reveals a complex interplay between the perceived benefits and barriers to exercise in individuals with RA. While the physical performance subscale was identified as the greatest perceived benefit, the physical exertion subscale emerged as the most significant barrier.

Within a rheumatology-specific context, participants acknowledged that 'Exercise keeps my joints moving' as a key benefit, but also highlighted 'Exercise causes pain' as a major deterrent. Furthermore, despite receiving regular biologic drug infusions, many patients felt they 'do not have enough time to exercise'.

Perceived Benefits: Improved physical performance, enhanced joint mobility.
Key Barriers: Physical exertion, pain, lack of time.

These findings underscore the importance of addressing both the perceived benefits and the very real barriers when designing exercise interventions for RA patients. A one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to be effective; instead, personalized strategies are needed to overcome individual obstacles.

Empowering Movement: Practical Strategies for Overcoming Barriers

Less than half of the RA patients studied met the current physical activity guidelines, highlighting a significant gap between recommendations and actual behavior. This underscores the need for targeted interventions to bridge this gap and promote increased physical activity levels.

A key finding was that fatigue related to exercise was a major barrier, aligning with the understanding that fatigue is often an extra-articular symptom of RA. Counter to traditional advice, exercise can be an effective intervention against fatigue, positively impacting overall well-being and quality of life.

Given the challenges and the potential benefits, healthcare providers should consider exercise promotion as a key opportunity when patients attend for biologic drug infusions. By addressing individual barriers and emphasizing the positive impact of physical activity, we can empower RA patients to take control of their health and live more active, fulfilling lives.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What benefits of exercise do people living with rheumatoid arthritis identify?

Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis often find that 'Exercise keeps my joints moving' is a significant benefit, contributing to improved physical performance and enhanced joint mobility. This perceived benefit can motivate adherence to exercise programs, helping to maintain joint function and overall physical fitness. By focusing on the positive impact of exercise on joint health, individuals can better appreciate the value of staying active, despite the challenges they may face.

What is the biggest obstacle preventing individuals with rheumatoid arthritis from exercising?

The research indicates that 'Exercise causes pain' is a primary barrier. This perception can be a major deterrent for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Addressing this barrier involves tailoring exercise programs to minimize pain and discomfort, potentially through low-impact activities or modifications to traditional exercises. Managing pain effectively is crucial for promoting long-term engagement in physical activity.

Why do rheumatoid arthritis patients report not exercising regularly?

Many patients report they 'do not have enough time to exercise' due to various commitments. Time constraints are a significant barrier to physical activity among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Overcoming this barrier may involve integrating exercise into daily routines, such as taking short walks during breaks or incorporating stretching exercises while watching television. Finding small pockets of time for physical activity can help individuals overcome this obstacle and improve their overall well-being.

How does rheumatoid arthritis impact overall health, and how can exercise help?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increases the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Reduced physical fitness and diminished quality of life are common consequences. Exercise is increasingly recognized as a safe and beneficial intervention for RA patients, playing a crucial role in managing the condition, maintaining muscle function and joint mobility, and enhancing daily life activities. It can also improve cardiovascular health and bone density, mitigating some of the risks associated with RA. Therefore, despite the challenges, incorporating exercise into a treatment plan is highly beneficial.

What does research reveal about exercise adherence among rheumatoid arthritis patients, and what interventions can help close the gap?

Less than half of the RA patients studied met the current physical activity guidelines. This gap underscores the need for tailored interventions. Personalized strategies, like physical therapy and low impact exercises, can bridge the gap between recommended activity levels and actual behavior. Such interventions can address individual barriers such as pain, lack of time, and fear of exacerbating symptoms, ultimately leading to increased physical activity and improved quality of life for RA patients.