| Small amounts of exercise can help increase your | | | | training. This is done by lifting small weights or |
| strength, flexibility as well as improve mobility and | | | | dumbbells. If you don't have weights or dumbbells try |
| strengthen the heart and lungs, and of course help | | | | cans of food or bags of sugar etc. Look around. |
| control or reduce weight. | | | | Weigh them if you can. Start with 1-2 pound weights |
| Before any exercise session, it's always a good idea | | | | and work up slowly. |
| to warm up, stretch and cool down for about ten | | | | The benefits of strength training include the ability to |
| minutes before and after. Always start slowly and | | | | perform daily activities, like pushing wheelchairs, |
| work up to more challenging exercises, don't go crazy. | | | | carrying items and transferring. Many wheelchair users |
| An upper body workout would include exercises for | | | | have an inefficient 'push' and strengthening the muscles |
| the arms, torso, neck, and shoulders. It all helps. | | | | involved will greatly help. |
| If you are concerned its always best to consult with | | | | Remember to always keep a positive attitude. Use |
| your doctor first to find which exercises are best for | | | | discipline to get into a regular exercise and fitness |
| your needs. | | | | program you've created for yourself and continue to |
| One type of exercise you might do from a wheelchair | | | | do it. It is so easy to give up but important to keep it up |
| is so called 'resistance training' It uses large, stretchy | | | | but remember don't do anything you know or feel you |
| rubber bands called resistance bands. Wrap the bands | | | | shouldn't. Start slowly. Keep your eye on the end result. |
| securely around a door, pole, arm of your wheelchair, | | | | A good fitness and wheelchair exercise program can |
| or other stable object. (make sure it is stable first) then | | | | significantly improve your health and increase mobility |
| pull the bands towards you or away from you to work | | | | for you as a disabled person. If you find yourself |
| your muscles. You can use the bands to do arm and | | | | getting bored, stick some music on, it helps a great |
| leg extensions, shoulder rotations and pull downs if you | | | | deal. |
| are able to. | | | | Good luck and good health. |
| Another type of wheelchair exercise is strength | | | | |