#walkertray

Some are under the impression that life in a wheelchair means you can’t get very good exercise. We’re happy to report that nothing could be further from the truth. These are our favorite exercises for wheelchair users. By implementing regular exercise into your life, you will find yourself enjoying it even more!

1. Weight Training

Being in a chair doesn’t need to limit your strength training. If you are a wheelchair user, you should try even harder to keep up your strength to keep your maximum mobility. Free weights can be used anywhere and will help to keep your arms and back strong.

2. Sprinting

You can get your cardio workout in right from your chair. Find a large area free of furniture where you can wheel from one side of the room to the other. Make a goal for how many times you will go back and forth. Each day add another round of wheel sprints to keep your cardiovascular system strong.

3. Back Extensions

Your back can quickly become sore from sitting. Strengthening your back can help with this. While seated, bend your upper body until you are parallel with the floor. Slowly come back up to an upright position.

4. Stretching

Stretching not only strengthens your muscles but it can help prevent injury. Slowly reach to the sky with both arms. Breathe in and out as you raise and lower your arms. This is a great move to do in the morning and at night.

5. Seated Core

Your core is central to overall strength. As you sit in your chair, place both feet flat on the floor. Lift one leg up as high as you can and bend your knee towards you. Hold this for five seconds and repeat on each side ten times. You can do this just about anywhere.

Perks of Movement

Moving is good for all of us, but even more so when you have limited mobility. You may have a more difficult time finding cardiovascular exercises, but heart health is important to us all. Be sure to pursue this to benefit your physical and mental well-being. When using a wheelchair every day, you are putting stress on the upper body that can lead you to be more susceptible to injury. Keep your body and mind strong with daily exercises like these!