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's not hard to get depressed when you are bound to a chair every day. In order to improve your circumstances, setting goals and making concrete plans to achieve them may help. Family and friends can often be enlisted to encourage and keep you on track with your exercise regimen. If you set aside a specific time each day for some sort of exercise, it will soon become a habit.

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.

It's always important to warm up before starting any exercise routine. Your doctor may recommend push ups to strengthen your upper body. Overhead stretches with free weights are great for your back and arms. In order to do these kinds of exercises, it is important to make sure your chair brakes are in place.

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.

Participating in team wheelchair sports is a great way to get vigorous exercise and to interact with individuals in similar circumstances as your own. There are opportunities to join basketball, football, soccer, golf, skiing, and table tennis teams, depending on your interest. Playing sports not only burns calories and increases energy levels, it is also a great way to exercise your heart and lungs.

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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