Best Exercises for the Disabled

Exercise is used to improve the state of our health and overall well being. Although exercise can be beneficial to everyone, not every type exercise is right for every body. People with disabilities can use exercise to improve their condition and to help prevent further health-related complications.

But traditional exercises may not be appropriate for people with disabilities. The best exercises for people with disabilities will help improve their strength, stamina and physiological well being. Exercises should be challenging while still remaining within the individual’s physical or mental abilities.

How to Choose an Exercise

The most important step to take before choosing an exercise routine for a person with a disability is to talk their your doctor. A doctor will discuss the abilities and limitations of the patient, depending on the type of disability. The doctor may also be able to provide a list of exercises that you can start with.

Several factors should be considered when choosing the best exercise for people with disabilities.

• The exercise should involve movement. The type of movement should not inflict any type of pain or discomfort to the person with the disability.
• Make sure that the activity is entertaining and fun. This will make the person want to do the activity more and enjoy doing it everyday.
• The activity or exercise should challenge the person mentally and physically. This will improve the their health on multiple levels.
• The activity or exercise should be performed everyday.
• Be sure that the person does not become overworked. The activity or exercise does not have to done for 30 to 60 minutes at a time. Instead, try short bursts of 5, 10 or 15 minute intervals.

Types of Exercise

There are several types of exercise that people of different types of disabilities can do. Most of these exercises are simple and most can do. You should always consider the individual’s fitness level before beginning any type of exercise program.

• Walking. For disabled individuals who are not in wheelchairs or otherwise mobility challenged, walking can improve stamina and help improve mobility in their lower limbs. Short walks are best when first starting out, and as the individual builds strength, the length of time can be extended gradually.
• Aerobic Exercise. This type of exercise is best for those who are more physically fit. Aerobic exercise helps the circulation of the body and helps lower blood pressure. It will also strengthen muscles all over the body and improve mental health. Also, the production of red blood cells increases and enlarges the heart muscle, helping the heart to more effectively pump blood and improving oxygen transportation.
• Swimming. Swimming is a less strenuous exercise that most people with disabilities can do in some form. It can improve the mobility of the muscles without putting pressure onto the joints of the body.

A person with disabilities should always have individually appropriate supervision when performing any type of exercise or physical activity.

References

disaboom: Information and Resources for People with Disabilities: Benefits of Exercise for People with Disabilities - https://www.disaboom.com/adaptive-fitness/benefits-of-exercise-for-people-with-disabilities

Disabled World: Aerobics Exercises for Seniors and People with Disabilities - https://www.disabled-world.com/fitness/exercise/aerobics/