Be Active with Arthritis is an adapted exercise programme developed by Arthritis Ireland and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists. This is a one-hour class held over six weeks directed by a chartered physiotherapist. 

To enquire about courses available for your area just email [email protected] and please note that pre-booking is absolutely essential.

Programme information:

This programme will help to reduce pain and stiffness and maintain or improve mobility, muscle strength and functional ability.

Two essential components to the programme will be included in every session:

• Exercise — including range-of-motion and stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, balance and coordination activities, and endurance routines.
• Relaxation Activities — introducing and practicing various stress management techniques which are helpful for stress and pain reduction

Regular exercise is proven to be one of the most effective treatments for arthritis. It reduces pain, keeps joints moving, restores flexibility and strength and protects joints against further damage. However, only 30% of people with arthritis in Ireland get enough exercise, as overcoming fears about exercise can be very difficult – especially when in pain.

To attend these classes, participants will have to be independently mobile and a basic general health screening will be performed in advance of the class.

Participants are not advised to attend these classes if they have the following:

• Poor balance
• Unable to follow commands clearly
• People with active inflammation

Sign-up for news and updates about upcoming classes and Arthritis Ireland  Donate

This is an in person well-established Be Active with Arthritis course, which will enable you to stay physically active. These six-week courses are led by chartered physiotherapists and are an adapted exercise programme developed specifically for people with arthritis and related conditions. 

The courses are free of charge and are delivered in person. If you would like to be attend please select the are your interested in below and follow the Book link, if you have any problems please email with BAWA in the subject with your name, county you live in and a phone number to Joanne Farrelly on [email protected] and we will contact you. 

Please mark this email address as safe to receive emails from or check spam/junk folder regularly. 

What is Be Active with Arthritis?

Research has proven that people with arthritis should participate in regular exercise to optimise daily function and enhance quality of life.

These exercise classes offered by Arthritis Ireland and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, and delivered by chartered physiotherapists, aim to give participants an understanding of the role of exercise in managing their arthritis. In addition, the classes allow participants to partake in an appropriate exercise programme that improves strength, mobility and conditioning and, therefore, enhances quality of life.

The group classes are one hour in duration. A maximum of ten people take part in each class allowing for individual attention from the physiotherapist.

To attend these classes, participants will have to be independently mobile and a basic general health screening will be performed in advance of the class.

Arthritis Ireland wishes to acknowledge the support of the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government and the Programme: Scheme to Support National Organisations 2016-2021.

Arthritis Ireland also wishes to acknowledge the support of the HSE National Lottery 2016 to 2021 grant allocation