The Benefits And Importance Of Wheelchair Exercises For All Ages

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.

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.

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.

All people, not matter what their physical condition, can be vulnerable to injury if they aren't careful when exercising. Chair bound individuals, who depend on their upper bodies to maneuver and get them in and out of their chairs, often complain of shoulder pain. They also tend to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome because of their constant use of hand and wrist joints.

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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