Monday, March 27, 2017

OLD-SCHOOL WHEELING- REPORT OFFERS TIPS ON HOW TO GET AND STAY IN SHAPE

I wrote this piece for The Phoenix on July 14, 2006..

The famous Mayo Clinic recently issued a report on exercise and disability. The article provided some good tips for people who may have a disability, yet want to stay in shape.

Eating healthy is a key. And with any sort of physical exercise, always consult your doctor first. Otherwise, here are some good tips:

* Start slowly- Again, get your doctor's approval. Do some stretching to warm up. Always start slow and build up your endurance.

* Get creative- Wheeling or walking around your neighborhood is considered exercise. You don't need to go to a gym, or buy expensive exercise equipment to get a good work-out, Strength training is important, such as using resistance methods like Isometric exercises. Instead of wights or dumbbells, using soup cans or water bottles as weights have the same effect on your muscles.

* In the water- Swimming or water aerobics are great exercises. Water is very therapeutic.

* On the road- Of course, running or jogging is great exercise. So is power walking. Riding a bike is tremendous, but if you can't use your legs, you can still do bicycle exercises. Hand cycles are available. Just always remember to wear a helmet.

On the slopes- If you are really adventurous, you can have a disability and still ski. It's fun and good exercise. A Mono-ski is a device where one sits down in a chair and heads down the hill.

Other sports- Various sports which able-bodied people enjoy can also become adaptable to a disabled individual with certain modifications. For instance, volleyball can be great exercise, only with a bigger, lighter ball and a lower net. Tennis and golf are two sports which wheelchair users can play. Also, many communities have local wheelchair leagues in sports such as bowling, soccer, basketball and floor hockey.

Again, the key is each individual's condition. Everyone is different.Keep that in mind when choosing an exercise to meet your needs and situation.

* Keep it fun- Whatever you do, have fun doing it. Exercise and keeping in shape should be a fun experience, not a chore you dread to do.

Your reward? Better health and improved quality of life. Disabled or not, isn't that what we all want?


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