Fitness is one of the most vital parts of weight management, yet people with disabilities, such as blindness often don't have the opportunity to exercise in a traditional way. Many types of exercises are sight-based, whether it's demonstrating moves in an aerobics class or cycling through a busy city. If you have a family member or friend who is blind, or if you're given charge of a blind person, fitness can be an important part of a weight loss routine with a few adaptations.
Adaptation
Adaptation can help you create methods of exercise that are appropriate for a blind individual. This allows involvement in mainstream methods of fitness, whether at a gym or privately. For instance, a blind individual could run or jog by using a tether attached to a seeing person. Certain exercise machines can be adapted to allow Braille reading of the monitor. Weight training can be accomplished through lighter weights and more reps and a caring spotter. Even if a blind individual cannot work out on his own, an aide can help him achieve daily fitness.
Exercise Machines
Most gyms across America are filled with a variety of exercise machines, from treadmills and ellipticals to bikes and weight machines. Each machine should be properly demonstrated to you before you use it, but a blind individual might not have that opportunity. Exercise machines can be dangerous when used improperly. Braille overlays can be placed over the surface of monitors so that a blind individual can program the machine, while touch-sensitive demonstrations can help her learn to use the machine properly.
Appropriate Sports
The gym isn't the only place where a blind individual can stay fit as part of a weight loss program. Sports can be enjoyed with a few modifications. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability suggests sports like running track with a tether, cycling with a tandem bicycle, or tethered swimming and treading water. Each sport offers fitness benefits and still be safe for blind individuals. A qualified aide can help to guide and direct the blind for the most safety while engaging in individual sports.
Daily Routine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, so it's important that fitness become part of a blind individual's daily routine. By making exercise part of a daily schedule, the blind individual knows what to expect and how to accomplish his daily fitness requirements. Variety is an important component of fitness, so alternating among three or four healthy and safe forms of activity can help the blind manage their weight and stay fit on a daily basis.
References
- National Center on Physical Activity and Disability; Access to Fitness; March 2007
- American Council on Exercise: Exercise for Individuals with Eye Impairments
- American Foundation for the Blind; Exercising Your Right to Fitness: An Overview of the Accessibility of Exercise Equipment; Darren Burton and Lee Huffman; 2007
- CDC: Physical Activity for Everyone
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