Though the fitness industry generally targets a young, able-bodied audience, doctors and disability advocates are working to change this limited perception: Everyone, they say, should have the opportunity to be active. Regular physical activity is essential to achieving optimum physical and mental health; exercise has been shown to boost the mood, strengthen the heart, improve coordination, and build stronger muscles and bones. Getting out and getting active is also a great way to forge and maintain social bonds, helping to combat the isolation that many elderly people with limited mobility often face. Read on for our wheelchair accessible ramps guide.
6 Steps To Getting Active : Our Wheelchair Accessible Ramps Guide
If you are disabled or have impaired mobility, take the following steps to get—and stay—active:
1. Talk to your doctor. Your GP will be able to advise you about the type of physical activity that’s right for you, as well as being able to suggest a suitable amount of activity to start your fitness regimen with. Remember that it’s important for anyone of any age or ability level to begin slowly when taking up exercise; overdoing it can easily lead to injury.
2. Find a trainer. Your doctor should be able to recommend a trained exercise professional who has the knowledge needed to work with an elderly or disabled person. Alternately, you can check with your local fitness centre.
3. Look for an accessible exercise centre. Find a fitness centre in your area that includes all of the accessibility features you need to be comfortable, such as wheelchair accessible ramps, disabled steps, accessible showers, a heated pool to accommodate those who suffer from joint pain, etc.
4. Plan your fitness regimen. Working with your doctor and your fitness trainer, create an exercise plan that balances resistance (strength) training with aerobic exercise. Both types of exercise are needed to maintain good health; resistance training builds muscle and strengthens joints while aerobic exercise improves the cardiovascular system.
Be sure to modify your schedule to allow you time to hit the gym; most people can expect to dedicate between 2-3 hours of the week to exercising.
5. Don’t limit yourself to the fitness centre. Though working with a fitness trainer is an excellent way to build up your fitness level, many people who limit themselves to repetitive gym routines eventually get bored with exercise. Keep things fresh and exciting by changing your exercise schedule now and then, and try to work in some enjoyable outdoor outings as well (research suggests that exercising outside confers additional mood benefits). If you’re concerned about encountering accessibility challenges while out, consider investing in portable accessibility aids such as portable wheelchair accessible ramps. Portable wheelchair accessible ramps are light and easy to carry and can help you navigate curbs and steps.
Wheelchair Accessible Ramps Guide : Final Note
Find a workout buddy or group. Another way to stave off boredom when exercising is to make it a social activity. If you find someone to work out with, or join a local exercise group for people with mobility issues, you will likely feel a lot more motivated to stick with your fitness schedule. After all, no one likes to cancel plans with a friend.