The Benefits And Importance Of Wheelchair Exercises For All Ages

By Karen Sullivan


Being wheelchair bound is difficult whether it is temporary or permanent. For those who are forced to sit all day, muscles can weaken and begin to atrophy quickly. Unless aggressive measures are taken, individuals may be able to do less and less for themselves. It is possible to create an exercise regime to fit whatever condition has put the person in this situation. Wheelchair exercises can strengthen and tone crucial muscles.

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.

It may help to remind yourself of the benefits you receive when you make the effort to do some sort of exercising every day. Exercise has some obvious physical benefits that include improving blood circulation, posture, and spinal stability. It tones muscles, increases flexibility, and keeps you from gaining weight. In addition to the physical benefits, exercise reduces stress and generates endorphins, which are powerful anti-depressants.

It is important for everyone to spend a few minutes warming up before beginning an exercise routine. Chair bound individuals can increase upper body strength by doing push ups. After securing the brakes on the chair, you should try to push yourself up from the chair using the armrests. To strengthen arm and back muscles, some therapists suggest doing a series of overhead stretches using dumbbells or free weights.

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.

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.

It is easy to become depressed and anxious when you are confined to a chair or bed all day and night. Exercising is one way to improve your mental state. A regular exercise routine also tones and strengthens the muscles you need to remain as independent as possible.




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