The importance of keeping fit: It is essential for a wheelchair user to stay fit. There are several obvious benefits to this, including physical and mental health.
Keeping fit can help prevent injury. Wheelchair users can face several health challenges
Pushing a wheelchair incorrectly can cause tight and injured chest and shoulder muscles and weaken back muscles. Users of manually operated wheelchairs are especially prone to shoulder injuries.
By spending too much time in a wheelchair, there is an increased risk of osteoporosis and reduced bone density.
Developing pressure sores can be life-threatening if they become infected. To help prevent them, users can relieve pressure, change their seating position and use an air cushion.
Exercise can improve mental health. The feeling of blood pumping around after a workout and looking physically better can boost personal emotions on appearance. There is also the social side of exercise, such as attending a gym or being a member of a sports club or team.
But It’s Not for All
However, exercise is important for wheelchair users, and there are many ways to stay active. It’s not for all.
Muscle-strengthening exercises can help prevent injury and strengthen the back muscles. Wheelchair users can do these exercises at home with resistance bands or at gyms with adapted equipment.
But if You Want to Play
The importance of keeping fit. Wheelpower can help. Find a sport that excites you and interests you but also suits your capabilities. There are many sports that wheelchair users can participate in. Wheelpower is a national charity that is the heart of wheelchair sport in the UK.
If you are disabled, you can claim free resistance bands from Wheelpower that will help maintain fitness and look after shoulder health.
Keeping Active
It’s a good idea for a wheelchair user to participate in regular physical activity. This helps to maintain a healthy weight and is also important for general health and well-being. Whatever your level of physical ability, there will be an activity or sport for you. Try to choose activities that improve your heart health and muscle strength.
Wheelchair Skills and Fitness
Keeping fit will help you use a manual wheelchair safely and confidently. Combined with good wheelchair skills, it can help create confidence and independence.
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