Life in a wheelchair doesn't mean you're doomed to be the proverbial 90-pound weakling. Men and women who use wheelchairs but can move their upper bodies may compete in wheelchair bodybuilding competitions for trophies and other prizes. Wheelchair bodybuilding focuses on developing the muscles of the arms, shoulders, back and torso through weight training and diet.
Benefits
Wheelchair bodybuilding increases strength, develops muscles and lowers body fat. When you're stronger in the upper body, you can maneuver your wheelchair more easily and perform activities of daily living such as getting in and out of your chair with more ease. Working out regularly improves cardiovascular health and increases stamina and endurance. Athletes enjoy improved appearance and better weight control. Bodybuilding can also increase self-esteem and brings the bodybuilder into a community of like-minded athletes who are focused on their abilities rather than disabilities. Bodybuilders who excel in competitions can also win cash prizes.
Competitions
Wheelchair bodybuilders compete in wheelchair-only competitions, such as NPC USA Wheelchair Championship and the USA Wheelchair Nationals, as well as in wheelchair divisions of other bodybuilding competitions. Judges award points for hardness, symmetry, muscularity and leanness, both men and women compete. Men compete in lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight classes, while women compete in a single class. Winners receive trophies and in many cases cash prizes, though the expenses involved in traveling to and preparing for competitions may offset prize money. Some athletes have sponsors to help pay the expenses of training and competing. If you've never competed in bodybuilding before, you may be eligible for a novice classification for first-timers.
Training
Most competitors train seriously to develop the muscle definition necessary to compete as a wheelchair bodybuilder. Competitors work with combinations of free weights and weight machines that can accommodate a wheelchair. Work with a trainer who is familiar with your disability to avoid injuring yourself, and work within your capabilities. During workouts, stabilize yourself in your chair to avoid tipping over. Some competitors work out every day, focusing on a different part of the body each workout session. Women's champion Fallon Turner, who has cerebral palsy, works out every other day. Men's champion Nick Scott works out 90 minutes a day in two sessions: 60 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening, doing both cardio and weight-lifting.
Diet
A high-protein, low-fat diet helps athletes develop the big muscles desired for wheelchair bodybuilding competition. Men's champion Nick Scott consumes a mixture of high-protein, low-fat foods and supplements in eight small meals a day. You need enough calories to fuel your body, but lower fat to enhance muscle definition. A nutritionist can help you design the diet that's right for you. Talk to your doctor about any nutritional needs to consider for your medical condition.
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