As the new year begins, many of us are setting goals and making resolutions to get in shape and improve our overall health and well-being. For people with lower body disabilities, staying physically active can be a particular challenge, but it’s just as important to maintain physical fitness.
Fortunately, there are a wide variety of adaptive sports and activities that can be adapted to meet the needs of people with lower body disabilities. Here are a few options to consider as you make your fitness plans for the new year:
- Wheelchair sports: There are a wide variety of sports that are adapted for people who use wheelchairs, including wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, and wheelchair racing. Many wheelchair sports organizations offer equipment loans or rentals, so you can try out different sports without having to invest in your own equipment.
- Handcycling: Handcycling is a type of cycling that is powered by your arms, rather than your legs. It’s a great option for people with lower body disabilities, and it can be done indoors on a stationary bike or outdoors on a handcycle. Handcycles can be expensive, but there are organizations that offer equipment loans or rentals.
- Aquatic exercise: Water provides a safe and supportive environment for people with lower body disabilities to move and exercise. Activities such as swimming, water aerobics, and aquatic therapy can all be adapted to meet your needs. Swimming pools may have a variety of adaptive equipment such as pool lift and pool wheelchair.
- Adaptive yoga: Yoga can be adapted to meet the needs of people with lower body disabilities. It’s a great way to improve flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. Many yoga studios and gyms now offer adaptive yoga classes, or you can find videos or classes online.
- Home workout equipment: Depending on your disability, you may find that it’s more comfortable to exercise at home. There are a variety of home workout equipment that can be adapted to meet your needs. For example, you can use resistance bands, or weight machines such as a seated leg press or a seated leg curl.
- Cross-country sit ski: It’s a form of skiing that’s done on a specialized ski with a seat attached to it, which allows you to use your upper body strength to propel yourself forward. This is a great way to get outside and enjoy the winter weather, while also getting a full-body workout. It’s a low-impact activity that can be a great way to improve cardiovascular fitness and build upper body strength.
If you’re not sure where to start, it’s a good idea to speak with a physical therapist or a certified personal trainer who can help you create a workout plan that’s tailored to your needs. They can also help you find the right equipment and provide you with guidance on how to use it safely.
Remember that physical activity can be tailored to each individual needs and that it’s not one size fits all. It’s always good to consult with a healthcare professional and an adaptive sport professional before starting any new exercise program. Most importantly, make sure to enjoy the journey, set realistic and achievable goals, and be patient with yourself.
With the right mindset and some planning, 2023 can be the year that you take control of your health and well-being, no matter what your physical abilities may be.
