Aug 20, 2017

For Those Without Mobility, Wheelchair Exercises Help Maintain Physical And Mental Strength

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.

Resistance bands are great for chair bound individuals. Tying one end to a doorknob, or another object that will not move, makes it possible for people to do leg and arm extensions. The bands are available in a variety of strengths. You can start out with the easier bands and progress to the more difficult.

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.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment