Wheelchair Exercises – Keep Yourself Fit And Healthy

People on wheelchairs need their exercise too to stay fit and healthy. This is why many wheelchair exercises have been designed specifically to build strength on the upper body. Incorporate aerobic exercise movements, these wheelchair exercises are essential in order to keep the body fit and strong, and capable of fig hinting off illnesses such as osteoporosis, weight gain and cardiovascular problems.

Benefits of Range Of Motion (ROM) Exercises

For a more detailed exercise regime, readers should look into the ROM exercises. ROM stands for range of motion. These are exercises that can be implemented by the person himself (or herself) or through a friend. Contrary to the norm, exercise regimes need not end with a sweat-drenched shirt or with the person panting his heart out. Exercises are conducted to keep the heart moving and to keep certain muscles active. It also helps in sending blood and oxygen flowing to important organs and tissues in the body. A few things to keep in mind before one starts the regime are to lock the wheelchair wheels in order to prevent moving when you don’t intend to. Also, the exercises have to be done on a daily basis and one must never overexert themselves to get faster results.

ROM wheelchair exercises comprise of normal repeated actions that work to keep muscles all over the body active. Starting from the head, one needs to touch their chins repeatedly to the chest and then proceed to doing head turns and head tilts. The number of repetitions is determined by the exercise instructor, keeping in mind not to overexert the person doing the exercises.

Next, they are to move their shoulders up and down, swing them across the front of the body as well as rotate the shoulders as if in a shrugging action. The exercises will then extend to the elbows, forearms, wrists and fingers. If the person is unable to move their legs for the next part of the exercise regime, the instructor or helper has to assist in the leg movements all the way to the foot and toes. These wheelchair exercises are intended to keep the person’s body muscles moving and allowing blood circulation to come full circle for better health. Once used to the idea of exercises, the person can advance to another wheelchair exercise such as push-ups and sit-ups in the wheelchair. To build upper body strength they can also do kayaking or rowing exercises.