Strengthen the Body Core
Benefits of physical activity can add new depth to the lives of seniors and the disabled–they simply have to discover the right exercises for their particular abilities. The exercise/fitness market offers so many products, it becomes difficult to find the exercise equipment that will be the best to meet specific needs.
Exercise and fitness strengthen the core, increase flexibility, and improve cardiovascular and overall health–the same as it does for the non-disabled! In the last 30 years, increasing fitness and including exercise in the total lifestyle has been a national preoccupation, especially in the beginning of a new year. We may even start out with best of intentions, then it becomes too much and most people quit their New Year’s resolution.
Disabilities Make Exercise Difficult, But Not Impossible!
The extra challenges of a disability are certainly a valid hindrance to exercise. Overcoming the very real difficulties of trying to live with decreased mobility by adding more mobility may be too much for many persons. The added strain of attaining more movement when it is already too hard can tax the person to the core, and it may be too discouraging to keep trying. Finding appropriate exercise equipment that focuses the person on the specific exercises needed, may make exercise easier and more possible.
Here’s where building resilience and a positive “can do” attitude will guarantee more success! The goal is to do the best possible and take pride in new achievements! Exercise takes the mind off the negative limitations and onto setting new goals for working with what is available.
Lack of Movement Results in Deterioration
Exercise is often lacking in the lives of the physically disabled, leaving them even more open to health problems. Physical inactivity is a contributory factor in susceptibility to diseases and overall poor physical health.
Functional skills in everyday living can be improved with regular physical activity. Even ambulating in a wheelchair is more difficult with a sedentary lifestyle. Adding muscle tone and strength makes using various mobility aids easier, such as walking with a walker or cane. Guidelines for your exercise program can be checked out at The National Center on Physical Activity
Never Forget: Exercise Lessens Stress!
One of the most powerful tools for dealing with stress, anxiety and depression is exercise. The body responds to the natural release of endorphins through exercise, helping the person to feel less stress and more able to manage life!
Pride in mastery of difficult tasks will benefit self-esteem and self-worth. The idea is not to win a marathon, although some do, but everyday to build new ways to manage the disability.
Motivation Is the Key
The disabled can take advantage of many forms of physical exercise, it just has to be tailored to their special needs, and they must find the motivation to keep on truckin’!
Exercise will not only feel remarkably good, it will help manage weight, lessen stress, and increase self-esteem.
Checking it out with their physician or health care providers, such as physical therapist, is a must!
The Least You Need To Know:
1. Exercise is necessary in whatever amount and form you can do.
2. It doesn’t have to be a huge regimine, just whatever you can begin to.
3. Build slowly to reach the goals you set for yourself.
The Mission Should You Decide To Accept:
1. Begin thinking about what you can do, not what you can’t.
2. Check it out with your health care professionals for guidance.
3. You only need to compete with yourself!
