 [ Symptoms ] should i be exercising if i have rheumatoid arthritis or just taking it easy most of the time [ Disease ] research has shown that moderate physical activity on a regular basis can help keep joints flexible longer as well as increase muscle strength and improve overall heart and lung health at the same time when a joint is inflamed    warm painful and swollen    rest will help reduce the inflammation talk to your doctor about which range of motion exercises should still be performed during this time to help preserve joint mobility once your flare recedes you should gradually resume a full exercise program as prescribed by your doctor