True life stories of Paralympic athletes never fail to inspire. We salute their persistence and relentless determination in overcoming physical impairments. Watching them, our perceptions of disability are shifted and we gain a newfound respect for those whose life is spent in a manual or electric wheelchair.
The hard work and physical slog for these athletes in adapting is one of intense personal grit and motivation. But the basic steps for anyone whose legs are supported by wheels is to strengthen body and mind and to regain a quality of life that pushes the limits. That takes guts in the face of adversity.
If your days begin and end in a manual or electric wheelchair, physical exercise is vital to your overall health and mental wellbeing.
Exercise endorphins make us feel good, overcome feelings of depression and help us to sleep better. Our muscles need to be strengthened and we all need a cardio workout – even if that is from a wheelchair. In fact, it is probably even more important, due to unique challenges facing your body.
At Shoprider, we believe in a holistic approach when it comes to supporting our electric wheelchair customers. Helping you find a matching wheelchair for your lifestyle from our new and pre-owned models is just the first step. Encouraging you to live your life to the fullest, despite mobility restraints, is a continuation part of our vision.
You may not be the next Paralympian, but here are some exercises encouraging you to improve your overall health as you do a wheelchair workout.
Get your body warmed up
Exercise gurus advise warming up and cooling down after exercising to avoid the risk of pain and injury. This is no different for those in a wheelchair. Investigate wheelchair Yoga and Pilates to further maintain flexibility and core strength.
Get your heart rate up
A cardiovascular exercise regime from a manual or electric wheelchair might seem challenging – but the main aim is to get your heart rate up and your blood pumping. Wheelchair basketball, netball and badminton are great team sports to try out. For the individual, use a rowing machine to work your upper body and get your heart racing. Of course, if you do have Paralympic aspirations, then hit the track and try out wheelchair sprinting.
Get your muscles pumped up
Depending on your strength – start off with light weights for arms and core muscles, which are important even if you train in an electric wheelchair. Try wheelchair push-ups by placing your hands to the side of your body and lifting your body upwards out of the seat.
Just as it is vitally important to consult with a physio or doctor to devise an exercise plan that will best suit your body and lifestyle, it is equally as important to consult with us at Shoprider as to the best manual or electric wheelchair that will comfortably fit your body and lifestyle.
Do not hesitate to start your healthy exercise routine today and reap the short and long-term benefits. And do not hesitate to visit our shop today to view our wide range of wheelchairs to suit your unique and personal needs.
If you are planning on taking part in the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan, please let us know. We’d love to be a partner to your vision.
