Muscle atrophy is when the muscle is no longer in use and it basically turns to unused muscle tissue. This is very common in people whom are bedridden or confined by limitations that limit what they can do. Therefore, some people need assistance with their exercise program from an individual who has been instructed on the correct range of motion and limitations for that person. Limitations are set by, muscle paralysis, osteoporosis, arthritis, degenerative joint disease or heart disease. These limitations present an individual with the need to communicate with their physician on the structure of their exercise program.
Aerobic exercise is a challenge for anyone with physical limitations.
The key is to find an exercise program that will challenge your cardiovascular system. This would result in increased heart rate with the long term result of weight-loss, better fitness level and muscle toning. There are many options, if someone is bedridden they have portable lower body exercise systems that you can create resistance with to simulate anaerobic exercise. For people confined to wheelchairs there are upright upper body machine or tabletop system that can also simulate aerobic exercise. Joint or arthritis problems pose a challenge that is easy to solve, aquatic exercise.