For Those Without Mobility, Wheelchair Exercises Help Maintain Physical And Mental Strength

By Karen Sullivan


People with limited mobility have all kinds of special challenges. Unless they take aggressive measures, their muscles will begin to atrophy and make them increasingly weak and dependent on others. That is why doctors and physical therapists are so adamant that their patients adhere to an appropriate exercise regimen. Routines are created to specifically address the affected individual's condition. Wheelchair exercises have both physical and mental benefits that are important for overall health.

It can be difficult to get motivated to exercise when you are confined to a chair all day. It is important to set goals for yourself and develop concrete plans to achieve them. Some people find family and friends crucial for holding them accountable and giving them regular encouragement. You may find it helpful to set aside a specific time each day to dedicate to exercising.

Some people find it helpful to hang a printed reminder of the benefits their exercise routine is giving them in a conspicuous place. These benefits include improvements in spinal stability, posture, and circulation. Exercise burns calories and helps keep the affected person's weight in check. It increases much needed flexibility and makes you look fit and healthy. The endorphins exercising generates help with depression and stress.

Before you begin any strength training, you need to warm up for five minutes or so. Push ups are great for strengthening your upper body. You should make certain the brakes are firmly in place before you try to lift yourself up from the seat using the armrests. Overhead stretches using free weights or dumbbells are effective ways to tone and strengthen arms and back muscles.

Exercising one's legs can be challenging for wheelchair bound individuals. It can be accomplished however, with the use of resistance bands. You can tie them to doorknobs or other stationery furniture in order to do extensions. These bands have the advantage of being extremely flexible. They may be purchased in various strengths.

One way to get great exercise, and interact with other individuals in similar circumstances, is to find a team sport for people in motorized chairs. You can choose from basketball, soccer, football, skiing, golf, table tennis and more. The vigorous exercising these sports require is excellent for your lungs and heart. You will burn calories and increase your energy levels as well.

While exercising is very important for individuals with limited mobility, taking care to prevent common injuries is also important. Injuries to the upper body are the most common ailments wheelchair bound people complain of. They use their upper bodies to maneuver their chairs, get in and out of them, and perform other daily activities. Shoulder strains and carpal tunnel disorders make up the majority of upper body injuries sustained by those in chairs.

For those with restricted movement, maintaining as much independence as possible is crucial. Although it may be hard to avoid falling into depression, it is important to remain strong both physically and mentally. It helps to have a vigorous and aggressive exercise routine with friends and family who support your efforts in every way.




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