Being physically disabled presents a series of challenges. Many people with physical limitations may use it as an excuse to take a pass on activities that will make them as healthy as possible. But there are definite paths disabled people can take to help them lead the most productive lives possible within their given set of circumstances.
Disabled people, especially those confined to wheelchairs, need to undertake a physical fitness regimen to ward off an increased susceptibility to health problems they can face.
Aside from enjoying the benefits that regular physical exercise can provide for your body, exercise can also provide a much needed mental boost as well. Warding off depression can be just as important to a disabled person’s overall health as much as anything else. Becoming more physically fit despite your disability will stimulate a feeling of self-reliance and improve your self-confidence, ultimately boosting your level of independence.
Wheelchair users should focus on regular aerobic exercise that raises their heart rate and combine it with muscle-strengthening exercises to help them with the challenges they face in trying to maneuver or push a wheelchair. The combination of these two types of exercise will prevent muscle strains in the upper body that can come from the stress put on certain muscles, and help ward off weight gain, which is a chronic issue for people with confined mobility.
