In a WHEELCHAIR and finding losing weight difficult?

jojokmack

Hi, I am Jo, 44 years old and live in Sheffield, UK....I have recently become a wheelchair user (this last year) due to Avascular Necrosis in my hips. I have had one replacement and am waiting for another. This makes it difficult to exericse....I would LOVE to meet other people in the same boat, and get some help with some ideas as to what I can do to get some more exercise in to my daily routine.

kimberlyblindsey

I am not in the same boat Jo, but I think anything where you are using upper body strength which you will really probably need, if you will be recovering to get back on your feet again. I would start with some light weights and pretty much any weighted upper body exercise that you do standing up can be done sitting down. That's where I would start probably.

neandermagnon

also not in the same boat, but if this condition affects your hips then you should be able to do upper body exercises

there are a lot of videos for chair aerobics on you tube, i.e. exercise routines you can do sitting down. do you have the kind of wheelchair you push with your arms? is it easy to get out and about where you live? because I think pushing yourself around like that for long enough distances to feel tired out would be good exercise as well.

jojokmack

Thank you so much for your replies guys It means a lot

I am pushed by my husband at the moment, but I can walk to the bathroom and back. Standing is quite painful, but I will check out Youtube for chair-obics...........GREAT suggestion. I will also check out some upper body exercises....ALL great suggestions! TY so much for your encouragement

sarrah_n

Check out the MFP groups "Mobility Impaired Fitness" and "physically challanged physically fit." You will likely be able to get in contact with others in a similar sceanrio.

dawnmcneil10

I hope the wheelchair isn't a permanent arrangement for you and you're back to using those hips soon.

Something else I would suggest is using a swimming pool if that is an option for you. The water will take the pressure off your legs and hips and you can use your arms to pull yourself around the pool. As others have already said work the upper body, there's no harm in that if that's all your able to use right now.

terriveller

Do you have access to a pool? Before you start any program I would check with your doctor first or physical therapist. Water exercise should help maintain muscle strength without aggravating primary problem. Upper body exercises great but need to maintain lower body strength also. Good luck on your journey.

beth4dieting3

Jo, I would also consider some water exercises. If you can be supported by a floatation device but still able to move your legs and arms by treading water, it might help you plus won't put pressure on your joints. You might also try isometric exercises and lift your legs (out straight) which might help build your quadracepts, spread your legs while lifted for inner and outer thighs, arm circles for your arms (lots of variations there), twists in your chair back and forth for your stomach and back area, and yes, light weights. My brother was a quadraplegic so I have some experience but not first hand. I wish you the very best. Feel free to friend me. Thanks, Beth

KaelaLee88

Hi Jo,

I'm sorry to hear that you've been so poorly, I hope you're feeling better!

Have you spoken with your Occupational and Physical Therapist at all? They can often offer tailored programmes for your current situation as well as promoting healing in your hip and long-term recovery.

It's also a good idea to discuss your diet if you're making changes to your lifestyle. They may refer you to a dietician and they have specialist advice which is very helpful!

I hope that this helps you and that your mobility continues to improve as you heal and keep getting stronger. MFP has a great community of people from all aspects of life and there's always support around if you need/want it

Kaela x

itslucyr

My sister (a nurse) gave me an NHS sheet of leg exercises to do when I hurt my hip falling down some stairs. I think most physios or even GPs would be able to find something similar - my sister works in a minor injury unit and just posted me a copy. The consultant (or whoever) you see about your hips may be able to recommend appropriate exercises too.

The ones I had were pretty simple and mainly involved things like ankle circles, leg extensions and lifting a cushion off the floor with my feet (legs straight). Might be worth having a look into? I agree with previous posters that there are lots of upper body routines out there - but don't forget about your legs!

Oscarinmiami

not in the same boat but I would think maybe water exercise can help you...

Lonestar5775

I work with a co-worker who is paralyzed from the waist down and he is totally fit in his upper body, I mean ripped. He has a recumbent bicycle, in which he lays down and uses his arms. He competes nationally and there is not an ounce of fat on this guy. Not sure what they cost or any of that but it may be worth looking for a used one or something. Best of luck.

jojokmack

TY Guys,...........you have given me a LOT of food for thought! I will definitely talk to my GP about the referral scheme and start maybe doing some water exercises
Please, feel free to ADD ME as I could do with all the support that I can get!