Conditioning or aerobic exercises involve a level of intensity and duration to increase endurance and provide cardiovascular fitness. When children with JIA have less active disease, they should be encouraged to maintain aerobic conditioning through swimming, bicycling, low-impact aerobics, walking, or dancing. When arthritis is less active, isotonic exercises can help regain or improve muscle strength. However, a group of exercises called 'isometrics' will help strengthen muscles without bending painful joints. Isotonic exercises can be done with or without weights. Some people with arthritis avoid exercise because of joint pain.
![isometric exercises for arthritis isometric exercises for arthritis](https://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/03/40/2/Goldmanf04.jpg)
Stretching and strengthening exercises can help a child who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) control pain and stiffness and maintain mobility.