Is anyone else have physical disabilities?

ashybunny
ashybunny Posts: 5
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey there,

I am a physically disabled person who is trying to get in better shape. But I really want to both lose weight and get in better health. It's so hard to exercise about half of my body, and I can't swim or anything either. So I was just wondering if there is anyone else that uses this site that also have physical disabilities?

Replies

  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
    I am not, but I've worked with a few stroke recovery people who were disabled and there are LOTS of things you can do that are tailored to any restrictions you might have. First thing to think about is diet to make sure you are eating healthy and in moderation. Since most disabled people have restricted movement, it is very similar to working a desk job, but for even longer periods, so lower caloric needs on a daily basis. Having good eating habits helps with that.

    Again, check online for exercise movements tailored for your needs. With people I worked with we not only maintain muscle tone (fight atrophy), but also continually work on range of motion for joint health.

    All the best and cheers.
  • Kestrelwings
    Kestrelwings Posts: 238 Member
    One of the regular guys at our gym is in a wheelchair, but in awesome shape and lifts weights really well. It is definitely harder working out when you have physical diabilities, but it can be done (paralympics are a case in point!) but you need to know how to maxmise your abilities.

    If possible, a personal trainer who can put together an individualised programme for you would be great. I have injuries which impact on what I do, but my PT works around them at the same time as helping me to compensate with other parts of the body and overcome the problem.
  • caneshugga
    caneshugga Posts: 1 Member
    I don't know much about Nick Scott, who is a paraplegic bodybuilder, but I read about him on another forum.

    http://nickfitness.com/

    Maybe start there?
  • kendall916
    kendall916 Posts: 4,222 Member
    Hey there! I have a physical disability (I don't have a right leg or lower right arm). Feel free to message me!
  • kendall916
    kendall916 Posts: 4,222 Member
    As for advice on starting out your workout plan....

    I've been on this site for awhile and I can give you some advice (I don't know your disability is per say, but what I can share is the methods I have used to maintain my weight). First and foremost make sure you log in your calories! Even if you have bad days when you go over it is important to log in!

    Second, (depending on your disability) try and attempt some basic workout routines (sit ups, push ups, stretches, basic yoga) that will help you strengthen your core muscles and if you have lower back problems loosen the stiffness.

    The third advice I would give you is use a stationary bike or a treadmill. As my mother says to me all the time, "if you are sweating then you know you're getting your workout!" What I do is try to get on my stationary bike 3x per week for 30 minutes. Sometimes I go over (40 minutes) depending on the mood. Now I know you're thinking jeez that long? But studies have shown that you should have at least 30 minutes of moving/working out in order to slowly feel the results. My secret of not feeling drained by using the stationary bike-I pop in a movie or listen to music. Also when I'm traveling and staying at a hotel I try to use their treadmill.

    I hope this helps. Again, feel free to add me! :smile:

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