Table 1.

Summary of general exercise guidelines for RA. This information is derived from ACSM exercise management guidelines [140] and the research literature.

Benefit	Type of Exercise	How best to Achieve
Improve CV health	Cycling	60–80% HR max
	Walking	30–60 mins/session
	Swimming	3–5 days/week
	Dance	Increase duration, then intensity over time
Increase muscle mass & strength		60–80% 1RM
	Free weights	8–10 exercises (large muscle groups)
	Weight machines	8–12 reps/exercise
	Therabands	2-3 sets
		2-3 days/week
		Increase intensity over time
Increase ROM & flexibility for enhanced joint health	Stretching	10–15 minutes
	Tai Chi exercises	2 days/week
	Yoga/Pilates
Improve balance*	One leg stance	On a regular basis
	Stability ball
	Strengthening core muscles

*The effects of balance training alone in RA patients to enhance functional capacity through increased proprioception and coordination and to reduce the risk of falls have yet to be conducted [98]. Thus the effectiveness and safety of balance training are unclear.