Those with disabilities require adaptations to traditional exercises to promote physical fitness. Being disabled is not synonymous with weight gain and a lack of physical activity. Conversely, calorie-burning exercises for the disabled can promote increased mobility through weight loss and strength training. These exercises result in improved cardiac and lung function as well as increased self esteem.
Chair Aerobics and Sports
Depending upon the severity of the disability, chair exercises are a fun way to burn calories. You must be able to use your upper extremities to participate safely. Aerobic chair exercises, such as chair dancing and basketball, get the blood pumping and boost metabolism. A faster basal metabolic rate means the body burns calories consumed more efficiently. You can adapt rowing machines as a chair exercise and burn 252 calories in approximately 30 minutes for an 150-pound person. The University of Iowa Healthcare encourages maintaining 30 minutes of exercise at least four times a week for best results.
Bands and Weights
You can attach resistance bands to your wheelchair arms or a nearby stationary object. Make sure the wheelchair locks are on and loop one end of the band around a doorknob or pole. The thicker the band, the higher the resistance and effort needed to stretch it. These bands provide similar resistance training as the pulley systems in physical therapy. Weight lifting in a chair requires 1 to 2 lb. dumbbells or cans of soup for the beginner. Curls, abductor exercises and presses are types of weightlifting done in a chair and can burn 108 calories in approximately 30 minutes.
Games
Games are an engaging way to burn calories and have fun. Board games, computer games and wheelchair races burn calories and lift the spirits. Veteran's Affairs reports that just propelling your wheelchair burns anywhere from 60 to 80 calories in 10 minutes. Board games you play with family or friends exercise the upper body and burn 180 calories for 30 minutes of play. With the advent of motion-controlled computer games, the calorie-burning potential is limited only by playing time and fatigue.
Member Comments