Exercise is a proven way to promote health, muscle control and circulation. Additionally, it may help protect against various lifestyle diseases.
However, disabled individuals still face numerous barriers when it comes to accessing exercise spaces and equipment. These include social stigmas and a lack of motivation.
1. Walking
Walking is a low-impact, accessible form of exercise that can help you stay fit or stay active. You can do it at your own convenience and at your own pace; plus, it can be adapted for any disability or condition you may have.
Exercise not only benefits your physical wellbeing, but it can also enhance mental wellbeing too. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, leaves you feeling energised and reduces stress.
Walking can also inspire creative solutions to problems. A study revealed that those who tackled problems while walking came up with more inventive solutions than those who sat.
5. Yoga
Yoga is a form of exercise and stress management that can improve overall health and wellbeing. Additionally, it reduces pain and tension while aiding with sleep quality.
Many people with disabilities, particularly those in wheelchairs, have found benefits from yoga practice. This is because it helps improve focus, calmness, concentration and awareness.
Adaptive yoga, accessible yoga or inclusive yoga are common terms for this type of practice. It offers a great option for disabled individuals since it can be tailored to fit almost any body type and ability level.
2. Aerobics
People living with disabilities can reap significant health benefits from regular exercise, despite their physical limitations.
Aerobic exercises such as walking, running, cycling, dancing and swimming improve circulation, heart health and endurance. Furthermore, they may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Strength training, such as using weights or resistance bands, builds muscle mass, improves balance and prevents falls. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with restricted leg mobility.
Adults with disabilities should adjust their physical activity level according to their capabilities. It is best to avoid inactivity, which could lead to additional health issues like obesity, heart disease and stroke.
3. Swimming
Swimming is an ideal activity for those with disabilities, as it works nearly all muscles in the body. Additionally, it may benefit those suffering from chronic pain issues like multiple sclerosis or arthritis.
Aerobic activity builds the heart and lungs, as well as increases circulation. It’s beneficial for people with obesity since it burns a lot of calories, helping you shed pounds.
Swimming sessions can be a wonderful way to unwind, especially for those suffering from anxiety or fibromyalgia. Furthermore, it helps those living with disability support services melbourne build their mental strength and resilience as they strive to reach higher levels of performance in the water.
4. Cycling
Cycling is an enjoyable exercise that benefits your health and wellbeing. Not only does it improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, but it can also help protect you against diabetes and other diseases by decreasing inflammation levels in the body. Cycling should never be underestimated!
Exercise increases metabolism and lowers blood pressure, making it both a fun physical workout and great alternative to driving.
In the UK, there are various cycling training programmes that give disabled individuals an opportunity to learn how to cycle and hone their confidence and skills. Some sessions are loosely supervised while others involve more structured activity.
5. Yoga
Yoga is a form of exercise and stress management that can improve overall health and wellbeing. Additionally, it reduces pain and tension while aiding with sleep quality.
Many people with disabilities, particularly those in wheelchairs, have found benefits from yoga practice. This is because it helps improve focus, calmness, concentration and awareness.
Adaptive yoga, accessible yoga or inclusive yoga are common terms for this type of practice. It offers a great option for disabled individuals since it can be tailored to fit almost any body type and ability level.
