Study Design: This pilot study is a randomized controlled study. Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1) control (CON) or 2) CR program with high intensity exercise (CRH). Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline (week-0) and post-intervention (week-13). The primary measures include CVD risk, levels of systemic inflammation and severity of RA. Secondary measures include weight, waist girth, resting heart rate, resting blood pressure (BP), lipid profile, fasting glucose, aerobic fitness, physical activity (PA) levels, functional ability, tobacco use and alcohol consumption.