There Are Important Physical And Mental Benefits To Wheelchair Exercises

By Karen Sullivan


People with limited mobility face all kinds of challenges. This is true even of those who are temporarily incapacitated. Without the ability to move freely, muscles begin to lose strength and will atrophy fairly quickly. This eventually results in the loss of independence. Muscles can be protected however, if individuals commit themselves to a serious regimen of wheelchair exercises. Even the severely afflicted can see their muscles become strong and toned over time.

It is common for chair bound individuals to suffer from depression. This can make sticking to an exercise regime even harder. Doctors advise their patients to set achievable goals for themselves and develop plans to succeed. Enlisting the help of friends and family who are willing to hold the disabled person accountable can be effective. Working out at the same time each week helps develop the habit of exercising.

Although it takes time to see the results and appreciate the benefits of an exercise routine, you will eventually be rewarded for your efforts. You will have more spinal stability, and your blood circulation will improve. You will sit up straighter. Toned muscles will give you a healthy appearance. You will have more flexibility and are less likely to gain unnecessary pounds. Your mental state should improve as well because exercise generates the endorphins you need to fight depression.

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.

Arm and leg extensions can be accomplished with the use of resistance bands. These can be tied to a door handle or some other stable object to stabilize them. Resistance bands are good choices for people at all strength levels. Many purchase and use bands of varying strengths depending on the type of exercising they are doing.

If you thought the idea of team sports was an impossibility, you are mistaken. There are a wide variety of options available for those in motorized chairs. You can choose from football, basketball, soccer, table tennis, golf, skiing, just to name a few. Not only will you exercise your heart and lungs, you will burn calories and increase energy levels.

Most people who are chair bound suffer from common injuries. These tend to be related to their upper bodies because of the inordinate amount of use they see. Getting in and out of their chairs and maneuvering through rooms requires a lot of upper body strength. It is not unusual for individuals in chairs to have shoulder pain and suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Whether you are permanently disabled or are in a wheelchair temporarily, it is important to keep your muscles strong and functioning well. Exercising is critical to maximize physical health and improves an individual's mental state. The stronger you are, the more independent you will be.




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