Time To Have Fun With Exercise
Exercise options for physically disabled people are ways you can ensure fitness and exercise despite your physical challenges. It is a fact that getting healthy is for everyone. And one of the ways is through exercise. O.K, you may give an excuse that tempts us to say you are allowed to skip exercise. But, No, we will not tell you to skip exercise. Being disabled just means you may need a little help now and again to do a few things. Then again, who says you even need our help. This is the challenge for the disabled and you can do this.
So, you have a disability or maybe a chronic condition that limits your mobility and your doctor recommends you get more physically active. Take your doctor’s recommendation to heart. This is because exercise can help you manage your weight, maintain your independence, and improve your quality of life. Find below some options to explore:
Begin Slow And Steady
It is important to check with your doctor before you begin to exercise. Once you have your doctor’s OK, begin slowly and keep it steady. You can start with gentle activities, such as stretching. You can then steadily increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. Put a brake on your exercise if you feel pain, discomfort, nausea, dizziness or shortness of breath.
Use Your Imagination
You can walk around your neighbourhood or wheel yourself. These two activities count as exercise. Nonetheless, you have plenty of other options, too. For several activities, little changes, such as slowing down the pace, using modified equipment, or playing in a wheelchair, are all that you need.
Home Strength Training
Strength training at home can make it easier to complete everyday tasks. This will also help preserve your independence. So, let’s say you have trouble using your hands, think about using wrist cuffs that tighten free weights to your hands. And, if you have involuntary movements of your arms or legs, you can use strength-training machines for enhanced stability during exercise. There are several cable-based strength-training machines you can use from a wheelchair.
It is also possible to build muscle strength without special equipment. For example, soup cans, water bottles or resistance tubing may work as well as free weights or strength training machines.
And if you have a condition that directly affects your muscles, such as cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis, your doctor may recommend specific strength training exercises or modifications to your technique.
Gym Strength Training
Gym strength training is one of the exercise options for physically disabled people. The gym offers different exercises you can use, and instructors to take you through the routines. Therefore if you want to strengthen your upper torso, consider using weights. If you have one leg, muscle strengthening of the upper body is conceivable. You can use all the different weights to work on different parts of the body. The multi-gym machine is also great. All you need to do is sit down and work out.
Hand Cycling
If you cannot ride a traditional bicycle because of paralysis or amputation, try hand cycling. This is one reason why hand cycling is one of the exercise options for physically disabled people. Handcycles have three wheels. And the idea of hand cycling is you pedal and steer the handcycle using only your upper body. With a recumbent handcycle, your torso reclines and your legs are out in front of you. While an upright handcycle allows you to sit just as you would in a wheelchair. A head helmet when you ride is crucial, just as with any type of bicycle.
Water Sport
If you need to go easy on your joints, try swimming or water aerobics. If you are feeling adventurous, check into a custom-made canoe or raft seat with padding to protect the buttocks and legs. Riding behind a boat on a specially designed wakeboard may be another option. You can sit on a special seat fixed to the wakeboard; with side, skis to help keep you upright on the water.
Other sports
Beyond the basics of sports, it is best to keep an open mind. Perhaps you could play volleyball with a larger, softer ball, or in a seated position with a lower net. Tennis can be played from a wheelchair. As well as golf by using a modified club, gripping aid, or teeing device. It is possible also to use larger balls or reduce the distance to the hole. As regards yoga, poses can be adjusted to meet your needs. In addition, you may find local wheelchair teams for football, basketball, floor hockey, bowling, or other sports.
Keep It Fun And Enjoyable
Whether you go it alone or team up with friends, loved ones, or others with disabilities, enjoy yourself when you exercise. The benefit? Better health and improved quality of life.
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/features/physical-activity-for-all.html
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
