Paraplegic losing weight

momnb5
momnb5 Posts: 1 Member
in Introduce Yourself
I'm a new paraplegic who gained a lot of weight in first year and now need to lose weight for a procedure to improve my life and make it easier for my husband who is my caretaker

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  • littlegumnut
    littlegumnut Posts: 18 Member
    Hi, I'm a T12 para, and one of the ways I've kept the weight down is handcycling. When I was first injured ...long time ago ...lol, I played basketball for 15 years, I handcycled on the side, but now I handcycle as a my primary exercise. I have a tiny set of rollers, (sportcrafter mag handcycle trainer), I can set up in the house, or outside if I don't fancy actually going out! The front wheel pops on it, no adjustment or nuts and bolts needed!
    There's a few 'para' fitness people to look for, Tiphany Adams, Ben Clarke... he is 'Adapt to perform' https://www.youtube.com/@AdaptToPerform I really like his videos, lots of cardio stuff, plenty with no equipment!
    Not sure if you have a standing frame at home, but I also do some exercises while standing, mostly resistance bands, helping my core! So I might hold one end in my left hand whilst holding on to the table, and pull out with my right etc. Another simple one.. but great for the core is catching... even though I feel like I'm 10! lol You can laugh... but I also 'pretend run' lol. So I make all the effort of running/jogging, but obviously all it is is my upper body doing the arm movements... and my body shifting side to side as I 'run', I don't care lol, it does increase my heart rate, and when I add some small .5kg or kilo hand weights it's even harder!
    Broomstick, yup.. holding it out in front of you and above your head... scoot your bum forward a bit if balance is bad... or put a strap round your tummy and around your backrest. Neoprene is goos as it allows you to go forward a bit and then springs you back. :) I do pretend rowing with the stick etc etc.. lol
    Have fun with it, it doesn't matter what one looks like whilst exercising! As long as you're moving, you'll find your way! Put a timer on, or if you have a fitbit or similar tracker, get it to give you movement reminders. Every hour, mine tells me to move and try and get 250 more 'steps'. One of the above for a just couple of minutes, more if you can is all you need! ( That's why I like pretend running... it's always available, and I don't really have to prepare anything!
    Have fun, any questions, please ask! :)

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