3 accessible exercises for wheelchair users you should know!
By: Triumph Mobility
Tags: Excercise, Mobility, Panthera, Triumph, Wheelchair

Working out works wonders

We know working out is hard for everyone. And the post-workout muscle aches? Ouch. But let’s be honest — working out and staying healthy is important for everyone, regardless of physical ability. Plus, working out can help us stay social, while also making us happier, healthier, and stronger!

According to the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), there are many benefits we can look forward to when we engage in the recommended amount of physical activity for our age group. For those with disabilities, exercising may help reduce feelings of fatigue, while also making it easier for an individual to move their body over time. In general, we can all benefit from a little bit of exercise each day. For example, if you play catch with a friend, you can make staying fit fun!

If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve included some excellent workout videos below:

1. It’s Always Arm Day (10 Minutes)

This arm-raising exercise, provided by Move with MS, is a fantastic way for those with limited mobility to stay fit. There is no need to use your legs, and as you’ll see in the video, this routine can be adapted to suit your range of motion, as well as your own personal comfort level. That’s why we love it! Optional materials include: two light weights (We recommend starting with a two to three-pound weight, but you can definitely do this exercise without the weights, too).

2. For the Dancer in all of us (21 Minutes)

This workout is provided by Ballet24 and is perfect for those who dream of being a ballerina. It’s great for anyone who wants to add a bit of music to their workout, too. With a light and fun soundtrack, you might forget you’re working out at all! It requires no additional equipment, and it’s especially good for those who lack lower body control. At one point, however, the instructor bends down to touch her toes. But you can modify this step by stretching as far as you like, or you can skip it all together. While the instructor does sit in a folding chair, you can dance in your wheelchair, if that’s best for you.

3. No Equipment, No Worries! (17 Minutes)

The last exercise we’d like to highlight is another great option for those with no equipment at home. This workout is provided by Adapt to Perform and it is an introduction to HITT (that’s High Impact Interval Training) workouts. With this workout, you can complete exercises like arm raises, touching your toes, and punches. The instructor encourages participants to move at their own pace, and even offers tips which make each exercise suitable for varying degrees of physical ability. We hope this exercise encourages you to hit the gym!

Ultimately, exercising is a chance to have fun and stay active, and should be a part of everyone’s lifestyle, regardless of individual abilities. If you choose to try any of the exercises on this list, remember to check in with yourself, and to never be afraid to adapt an activity to suit your needs. If an exercise routine is too long, simply hit pause when you feel tired. Perspiration does not require perfection!