General guidelines to follow when prescribing resistance training exercise to the client with arthritis include which of the following?

A frequency of 2-3 days per week aligns with ACSM evidence-based recommendations for arthritis populations, delivering sufficient mechanical stimulus for strength and functional gains while allowing adequate inter-session recovery to minimize joint inflammation and flare-up risk.

Restricting intensity exclusively to body weight is unsupported by guidelines; progressive external resistance beyond body weight is safe and recommended for building strength in arthritis patients when load is appropriately managed.

Once per week frequency falls below the minimum effective dose for producing meaningful strength or functional adaptations and is not supported by current ACSM guidelines for this population.

Current guidelines do not restrict arthritis patients to machines only; free weights are also appropriate when proper technique and range of motion limitations are respected.