A person does not need to have full mobility to gain benefits from active exercise. If you are in any way disabled, there are still many ways you can exercise to improve your lifestyle circumstances. There are several approaches that you can take to make sure you get the necessary exercise without put yourself at risk for injury.
When you exercise, your body release chemicals that boost your energy levels and trigger a sense of well-being If you exercise regularly, this could make a big difference in your attitude about your life situation. If your disability includes chronic breathing problems or your body is frail, you might find it more difficult to keep a regular exercise schedule. However, there are still some things you can do to maintain or even better your condition.
Even with limited mobility you should focus on certain types of exercises, such as: Cardiovascular exercises which raise your heart rate and builds up your endurance. Exercising in a swimming pool or therapy pool may provide you with the right amount of resistance without over straining your body. Flexibility training is important for increasing your range of motion, preventing injuries and reducing pain. Even if you are immobile in one region of your body, you can still stretch in all other areas.
Whatever type of exercises you plan to do, you need to be sure to prepare properly. You should consult with your doctor to determine how much exercise you can handle and what type of exercises would be best for your condition. You might have some medications that would need to be adjusted based on your exercise habits. If you are using a trainer, be sure to employ a certified therapist who has experience with patients with your disability. Should you incur a personal injury while in supervision of your trainer, or at a certified gym, you might need to seek legal counsel, such as The Colleran Firm, to consider your legal rights. Otherwise, just be sure to start slow and make exercise a part of your daily routine. And stick with it.
To reduce the potential for injuries, be sure to properly warm-up your body before engaging in strenuous exercise. Be sure to stop exercising if you experience pain, discomfort, nausea or lightheadedness. These could be signs that you are pushing yourself a bit too hard for your current condition. Be sure to drink plenty of water so that your body stays properly hydrated. And, wear appropriate clothing that will stretch with you as you exercise.
For many people, with or without disabilities, exercising can be a mental challenge as much as a physical challenge. Be sure not to focus on your mobility and not your disability. Enjoy what you are doing and recognize the benefits that will come in time. Be excited that you are getting the opportunity to improve your overall strength and independence. So many times, we allow ourselves to become the biggest barriers to our success at exercise. Thoughts about being self-conscious about our disability, fearing certain training equipment, feelings of inadequacy in coordination and flexibility. Everyone feels these emotions at one time or another. You can press through those emotions by bringing along a partner that can encourage you as your exercise. An exercise coach or buddy that knows you and your specific limitations, but that will push you to achieve your goals.
You can do it. Begin with a doctor’s visit. Then get out there are improve your overall health and well-being.
