Staying active and healthy is important for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for people with disabilities. Whether you are living with a physical or cognitive impairment, it is important to find exercise options that help you to stay healthy and improve your quality of life. In this article, we will explore some fitness options for people with disabilities that can help you get active, stay healthy, and feel great.
Nutritious Breakfast for Optimal Workouts
Eating a healthy breakfast is important for everyone, but it is especially crucial for people living with disabilities who need enough fuel to power their body and mind throughout the day. A healthy breakfast can give you the energy and nutrients you need to get the most out of your workout. Consider eating foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates such as eggs, toast, oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit. Also, stay hydrated before and after your workout.
Adaptive Yoga
Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, balance, and mental focus. Adaptive yoga is designed specifically for people with disabilities and can be tailored to your individual needs and abilities. It involves using props such as blocks, straps, and chairs to help support and adjust your poses. Adaptive yoga can be done seated, standing, or lying down and can be modified for different levels of mobility. It is also a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Adaptive Yoga Studios in Edmonton:
Yoga Life Studies Edmonton
Yoga Wellness
Adaptive Yoga Studios in British Columbia:
Cerebral Palsy Association of British Columbia
Pathways Central Okanagan
Get Your Heart Pumping While Sitting Down
Aerobic exercise is important for building cardiovascular health, improving energy levels and reducing stress. Seated aerobics is a great fitness option for people with disabilities who need to stay seated during exercise. It involves performing exercises such as arm raises, leg extensions, and seated marching to music while sitting in a chair. It is a low-impact activity that is easy on the joints and can be done at home or in a group class.
Aerobic Exercise Classes in Edmonton:
University of Alberta Steward Center
Sit and Be Fit with SEESA
Aerobic Exercise Classes in Victoria:
Silver Threads
Victoria Pilates
Hand Cycling
Hand cycling is a great option for people with lower limb disabilities to get cardiovascular exercise and improve upper body strength. It involves using a three-wheeled or four-wheeled device that is manually powered by the arms to cycle. Hand cycling can be done outside on the road or inside a gym on a stationary hand-cycle machine. It’s a great way to explore the outdoors, enjoy nature and get a great workout. Hand cycling machines can be purchased at your local department store.
The Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints and offers a great workout for people with disabilities. It can help improve cardiovascular health and provide a full-body workout. If you have a physical disability that limits your mobility, there are many adaptive swimming programs available that can help you get started. You can also hire a personal trainer or work with a certified swimming coach to help create a customized workout program based on your individual needs.
Adaptive Swimming Classes in Edmonton:
SOAR, for children between 6-13 years.
Aqua Fitness Classes
Adaptive Swimming Classes in British Columbia:
Swimmers with Disabilities
Adapted Swimming at the Stan Stonge Pool
Thrills of Wheelchair Basketball
Wheelchair basketball is a great way to participate in a team sport and get exercise. It is a highly competitive and physically demanding sport that provides a full-body workout and helps improve upper-body strength and endurance. You can find wheelchair basketball leagues and clubs in many cities, and there are also adaptive sports organizations that can help you get started.
Find a Team
Edmonton: Wheelchair Sports Alberta
Victoria: Wheelchair Basketball Victoria
Boccia: A Strategic and Inclusive Game for All Ages
Boccia is a sport that is like lawn bowling but is played indoors on a mat as opposed to a lawn. It is an inclusive sport that is designed for people with physical disabilities and can be played competitively or recreationally. Boccia is played using soft leather balls and can be done from a seated position. It helps improve hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness and enables players to work on their upper body strength and flexibility.
Programs in Edmonton
Programs in British Columbia
Final Words
Staying active and healthy is important for people with disabilities, and there are many fitness options available that can help you get started. From adaptive yoga, seated aerobics, hand cycling, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and Boccia, there is something for everyone. By incorporating daily physical activity into your routine, you can improve your physical health and mental well-being.
Article written by guest Suzanne Tanner from Able Safety and edited by Kat Whiston
Suzanne Tanner is following in her mother’s footsteps to become a physical therapist. Growing up, she watched her mom work with patients of all backgrounds: individuals who were born with physical limitations and wanted to become stronger; people who suffered a trauma and were working to rebuild strength they’d lost or figuring out a new way of life after losing some of their physical abilities permanently; and senior citizens whose abilities had changed with age. She started her site, Able Safety, as an extra credit term project, but she decided to keep it going as a passion project. On the site, she shares tips, resources, and exercises for people with disabilities and seeks to empower and inspire people to live life on their terms no matter their abilities.
