Wheelchair exercises have many advantages for wheelchair users who participate in them regularly. Many types of wheelchair exercises improve the wheelchair users upper body strength and endurance. The wheelchair user may also experience other benefits of wheelchair exercises.
The wheelchair exercises can reduce depression and improve the wheelchair user's self-image. Exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety. Regular exercise often helps improve insomnia.
Examples of some of the many types of wheelchair exercises are seated aerobics, weight lifting, or competitive sports. There are other types of wheelchair exercises as well.
If the wheelchair user has not exercise regularly, it is better to start slowly and build strength and endurance. Daily exercise for at least 4 to 5 times a week is generally recommended. The typical length of time for exercise is 30 to 45 minutes.
The exercising should start with stretching. Stretching is often overlooked, though it may prevent injury and soreness. When a wheelchair user is beginning to exercise, they might want to know do breathing exercises and stretching before moving onto more strenuous wheelchair exercises.
Lifting weights is a common way to build upper body strength. The wheelchair user can start with light weights and gradually increase the weight as they become stronger.
While lifting weights increase as upper body strength, it is often not enough to build endurance. The aerobic exercise is typically used to increase a wheelchair user's endurance. Aerobic video tapes and Audiotapes specifically designed for people who must exercise while being seated can guide the wheelchair user through aerobic wheelchair exercises.
Many areas have organized, competitive wheelchair sports. Wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair hockey, and wheelchair rugby are examples of common wheelchair sports.
Exercise classes for wheelchair users may be found at local gyms. Some local gyms have wheelchair aerobics and wheelchair yoga. One popular wheelchair exercise available at gyms is water aerobics.
Wheelchair users should discuss beginning an exercise program with their doctors. Local hospitals and gyms may be sources of information about organized sports for wheelchair users. If no organized sports for wheelchair users are available locally, the wheelchair user may want to consider starting a group.
About the Author:
Always check your
wheelchair parts frequently. Especially the
wheelchair tires, as they are the only contact point of the chair to the ground. Be safe not sorry.
Categories
