The bodies of people with visual impairments are just like yours and have the same exercise needs. An adequate physical fitness program helps prevent obesity, improves overall health and provides a sense of well-being, according to the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, or NCPAD. Unfortunately, low expectations on the part of others often lead visually impaired persons to forgo regular exercise. The fact is that a visually impaired person can do most types of exercise as long as appropriate accommodations are available.
The Challenge
The first step in exercise for the blind is to assess the individual needs of the person. American Fitness points out that a person who is totally blind and cannot relate to visual descriptions must be taught exercise activities differently from someone who has some useful vision. For example, an aerobics instructor may have to use touch to demonstrate a movement. Visually impaired persons with even a little useful vision may be able to grasp at least some visual concepts, but this should not be assumed. A second challenge is to choose appropriate accommodations. Safety and function are critical concerns. For example, a totally blind person may require a sighted guide for running outdoors. Someone with low vision may be able to run alone, at least on a familiar route or track.
Walking and Running
Walking and running are excellent exercises for achieving cardiovascular fitness and for weight management. There are several strategies commonly employed to provide guidance. For running outdoors, sighted guides are commonly used. The visually impaired runner holds the elbow of the guide, who should be the faster of the two. Alternatively, a guide rope may be used. Ropes can be placed around a track, gym floor or even a backyard. This frees the blind person from dependence on a guide for exercise. The same is true of a treadmill, if regular access to one is available.
Swimming
Swimming is another fruitful exercise for the blind person. Instructors will need to demonstrate techniques via touch. For example, an instructor may use her own body to demonstrate a stroke while a blind student follows the arm motion with his fingers. Students also have to learn to use lane dividers and pool walls to stay oriented.
Cycling
Cycling is another choice as exercise for the blind. A stationary bike may be used and requires no modification and little instruction. A popular alternative is the tandem bicycle. With a tandem bike, the lead rider is sighted and the rear rider is visually impaired. Learning to ride is a matter of some skill, but no special equipment other than the bike is required. If a cyclist has some vision, riding a regular bike may be feasible, at least in quiet areas or on a track.
Sports
Exercise for a blind person need not be limited to basic workouts. Once a visually impaired individual has achieved a good level of physical fitness, a wide range of competitive sports is available. Blind athletes participate in the Paralympic Games in running, swimming and cycling events under the auspices of the United States Association of Blind Athletes, or USABA. Other sports popular with visually impaired people include powerlifting, judo and skiing. The USABA sponsors International Paralympic Committee sanctioned competitions and works closely with local sports clubs. The USABA can put you or a visually impaired athlete in touch with an appropriate organization in your area.
