“Can you exercise?”
We’re willing to bet that it’s one of the questions that people who have mobility issues and disabilities get asked a lot.
As harmless as this question may be, it’s important to understand that many people who suffer from issues that affect how mobile they can be, as well as people who have disabilities, can feel as though they can overlook taking care of themselves physically through exercise because they “can’t exercise” like the rest of the population.
However, if the Paralympics have taught us anything, it’s that having a disability or mobility issue doesn’t have to mean that you can’t psychically move your body to help keep you fit and healthy.
Even if you have to use aids to ascend and descend the stairs such as a bariatric stairlift, there are exercise options out there to cater for all physical abilities.
Why Should I Exercise?
Exercise isn’t only great for the body, it’s fantastic for your mental wellbeing too.
Regular aerobic exercise- the kind of exercise that really gets your heart going and your blood pumping round your body- and muscle strengthening exercise aren’t limited to physically able individuals; so there’s no reason why disabled people can’t get involved too!
Wheelchair users are especially recommended to take part in physical exercise as it can be an extremely straining task to manoeuvre themselves around in their wheelchairs-putting extra pressure and strain on their upper bodies as well as regulating their body weight.
How Much Exercise Should I Do?
According to the Department of Health, adults who are between 19 and 64 years old should be engaging in around 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week and two or more days a week should be dedicated to building muscle strength.
These guidelines are for all individuals, but they do apply to disabled people too.
Phillip Gill is a specialist tutor for YMCAfit who trains fitness professionals who will go on to work with disabled people. He stated that:
“Many wheelchair users will not be doing anywhere near that volume of physical activity. If that’s you, then see these guidelines as a goal, which you should take small steps towards.”
Even a small increase in the amount of physical activity you are taking part in will benefit you. As your strength builds up, you will find that you can gradually do more and more.
Here at ALS stairlifts, we want to get more people involved in becoming more active. As leading providers of curved stairlifts, we know how restricted some people can feel when they have a disability that reduces their mobility, but there are exercise options available.
For more information on how our services can aid you with your mobility issues, don’t delay in getting in contact with our friendly team by calling 0800 046 3438.