lundi 21 août 2017

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

By Karen Sullivan


People with limited mobility face all kinds of challenges. This is true even of those who are temporarily incapacitated. Without the ability to move freely, muscles begin to lose strength and will atrophy fairly quickly. This eventually results in the loss of independence. Muscles can be protected however, if individuals commit themselves to a serious regimen of wheelchair exercises. Even the severely afflicted can see their muscles become strong and toned over time.

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's always important to warm up before starting any exercise routine. Your doctor may recommend push ups to strengthen your upper body. Overhead stretches with free weights are great for your back and arms. In order to do these kinds of exercises, it is important to make sure your chair brakes are in place.

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.

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.

Most people who are chair bound suffer from common injuries. These tend to be related to their upper bodies because of the inordinate amount of use they see. Getting in and out of their chairs and maneuvering through rooms requires a lot of upper body strength. It is not unusual for individuals in chairs to have shoulder pain and suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome.

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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