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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I need advice about exercise vs rest with RA.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Charlotte, NC

I’m a CrossFitter and am struggling with balancing my need for intense exercise and my flares. Being so fatigued but knowing that not exercising isn’t a good option either. I know that weight lifting and HIIT is good for arthritis but sometimes I worry that I’m making my symptoms worse. Does anyone else have this dilemma?

May 26
 · 
Be the first to react
A myRAteam Member

Most important is to exercise to keep mobilei I walk three miles five days a week, I also do some basic yoga. The stretching really helps. Just listen to your body don’t over do it! I have it since 1998 and have made a lot of mistakes on the way. I feel in control more.Flare ups can still catch you out, you just have to work past it.

May 26
myRAteam

Balancing intense exercise like CrossFit with RA is a real challenge, and you're definitely not alone in feeling this tension. Many myRAteam members wrestle with the same dilemma — wanting to stay active while managing flares and fatigue.

The good news is that moderate-intensity exercise does not increase disease activity Show Full Answer

Balancing intense exercise like CrossFit with RA is a real challenge, and you're definitely not alone in feeling this tension. Many myRAteam members wrestle with the same dilemma — wanting to stay active while managing flares and fatigue.

The good news is that moderate-intensity exercise does not increase disease activity in RA. However, the key word here is *moderation* — overexertion is where things can go sideways. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

- During a flare, rest is the right call. Pushing through a flare can make symptoms worse. Wait until it resolves before returning to your routine.
- After a flare, getting back to exercise matters. Regular exercise can actually reduce the frequency and intensity of future flares.
- Listen to your body during workouts. If something hurts while you're doing it, ease off or stop.
- Avoid overexertion. Even if exercise feels great in the moment, doing too much can set you back. For a CrossFitter specifically, it's worth having an honest conversation with your rheumatologist about your training intensity. Asking for a referral to a physical therapist who understands RA can also be a game-changer — they can help you modify your workouts to protect vulnerable joints while keeping you as active as possible.

As one myRAteam member's trainer wisely did — checking in about how the body feels *before* each session and adjusting accordingly — that kind of flexibility in your approach could make a big difference.

May 26

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