5 Reasons You Must Exercise If You Are Disabled

Everyone has an excuse for not exercising. However, a lack of exercise can lead to weight gain and other physical and mental ailments. Exercise not only relieves stress, it aids the circulatory system as well as keeps muscles flexible. Exercise burns calories as well. Although exercise may be more challenging if you are disabled, it is not impossible. You simply have to modify your exercise based on what particular disability you may have.

The disabled run the risk of additional complications if they are not active. Muscle atrophy and blood clots are a couple of risks that are especially common. It is important to realize that any movement you make burns calories. It doesn't matter what body part you are moving. It is also important to realize that any exercise, no matter how small, gets your heart pumping faster.

Here are 5 tips to help you find the exercise that is right for you if you suffer from a disability:

-Move where you can. If you are in a wheelchair and cannot move your legs, then find a way to move your arms. Do simple arm reaches. Put on some music and lift your arms high over your head and back down several times. Make it fun for yourself. Play wheelchair basket ball. Use your arms to move your wheelchair. This is great exercise for your arms and it gets your heart pumping. Join a chair exercise class or start one yourself. This is also a great way to start exercising if you are very obese and unable to do regular exercise in the beginning.

-If you cannot move your arms, then get those legs moving. Run, walk, or do leg lifts. All of these simple exercises will help you be at optimal health.

-Exercise with free weights. The use of free weights is a great way to exercise. Lifting weights will increase your metabolism so that you burn calories at a faster pace throughout the day. It will also help your bones and muscles become stronger. You should start with a 3 or 5 pound weight and do 2 repetitions of 12 with a small break in between. Also, it is important to remember to use weights every other day. Using weights every day is not recommended. If you cannot move your arms, you can use some strap on ankle weights.

-Exercise with stretch bands. Stretch bands are a great way to exercise from a chair...whether using your arms or legs.

-Water aerobics. Water aerobics is a great way to get your heart pumping. Many aquatic centers are equipped to accommodate those with disabilities. Water aerobics is great for your heart and puts very little stress on joints.

Never give up. You can exercise and be healthy despite your disability. Not only will you feel better physically, you will reap the emotional benefits too.