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Top Exercise Activities for People with Disabilities

Guest Blog Contributor: Suzanne Tanner from Ablesafety.org

Everybody needs exercise, regardless of their limitations in life. However, for people living with disabilities, it can be more difficult to find ways to stay active, especially if you have limitations with mobility. Nonetheless, there are ways to get around this. The following examples are just a few activities that people with disabilities can use to improve their fitness levels. 

Cardiovascular activities

Cardiovascular activities are important for heart health, which is why it is so important to partake in exercises that will get your heart rate up. Furthermore, you don’t have to be out and about to do so. For example, you can do 10-minute sessions of stretch and movement exercises to work your arms and torso, as well as your legs, hips, and thighs, with hip marches and ankle stretches. Just be sure to choose a chair that is sturdy with no wheels to prevent injury from occurring. Moreover, you should attempt to get at least two and a half hours of cardiovascular activity every week, in addition to strength training exercises, at least two times a week. 

Activities to strengthen the muscles

If you are using a wheelchair, it is important to focus on strength training exercises to help build up those muscles you aren’t using all the time, such as your back muscles. Additionally, strength training exercises for your shoulders and arms can help to build strength in these key areas so that they are less prone to injury down the line. For example, bicep curls work well to condition the arms using dumbbells or resistance trainers. Exercises to help build upper-body strength include chest presses and the butterfly, which you can do with a resistance training band. 

Looking to the future

Perhaps you’re even starting to think about your long-term future regarding how you plan to stay active even as you age. Then it might be useful to look into assisted living with adequate space so that you can continue to exercise from here on out. Therefore, be sure to do some of your own investigating online to have a look at what’s on offer regarding their payment options, their pricing information as well what their facility reports indicate to ensure you’re making the best choice for you. Also, have a look at reviews from others who are in a similar boat as you regarding the best assisted living facilities your area has to offer. 

Get adequate rest

Getting adequate rest is just as vital as getting enough exercise. Moreover, resting allows your body and mind to recuperate and recover from activity so that you have the energy to keep on keeping on. For example, you may appreciate the benefits of mindfulness, where you focus on just the present and little else. Additionally, you concentrate on your breathing by taking slow and steady breaths in and out to feel calmer and more relaxed overall. 

At the end of the day, getting adequate exercise is essential, regardless of your circumstances in life. The better you take care of yourself now, the healthier you’ll feel later.