There Are Important Physical And Mental Benefits To Wheelchair Exercises

By Karen Sullivan


Being wheelchair bound is difficult whether it is temporary or permanent. For those who are forced to sit all day, muscles can weaken and begin to atrophy quickly. Unless aggressive measures are taken, individuals may be able to do less and less for themselves. It is possible to create an exercise regime to fit whatever condition has put the person in this situation. Wheelchair exercises can strengthen and tone crucial muscles.

It's not hard to get depressed when you are bound to a chair every day. In order to improve your circumstances, setting goals and making concrete plans to achieve them may help. Family and friends can often be enlisted to encourage and keep you on track with your exercise regimen. If you set aside a specific time each day for some sort of exercise, it will soon become a habit.

Although it takes time to see the results and appreciate the benefits of an exercise routine, you will eventually be rewarded for your efforts. You will have more spinal stability, and your blood circulation will improve. You will sit up straighter. Toned muscles will give you a healthy appearance. You will have more flexibility and are less likely to gain unnecessary pounds. Your mental state should improve as well because exercise generates the endorphins you need to fight depression.

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.

Arm and leg extensions can be accomplished with the use of resistance bands. These can be tied to a door handle or some other stable object to stabilize them. Resistance bands are good choices for people at all strength levels. Many purchase and use bands of varying strengths depending on the type of exercising they are doing.

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.

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.

For those with restricted movement, maintaining as much independence as possible is crucial. Although it may be hard to avoid falling into depression, it is important to remain strong both physically and mentally. It helps to have a vigorous and aggressive exercise routine with friends and family who support your efforts in every way.




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