Paraplegia is a condition in which a person loses the ability to move his legs. This condition most often results in the individual being confined to a wheelchair. If you're suffering from paraplegia and are confined to a wheelchair, you can still get exercise and live a healthy and active life. There are exercises designed to help strengthen and stretch your arms and torso while providing you with a cardiovascular workout to keep your heart and lungs healthy. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program to ensure that you're healthy enough to perform the exercises.
The Biceps Curl
Sit as straight as possible in your wheelchair with your shoulders directly over your hips. Hold a pair of dumbbells or a can of food in your hands with your palms facing the ceiling. You should use a very light weight initially, usually 5 lbs. or less. Try to keep your elbows as still as possible and tucked into your sides. Bend both arms at the same time to lift the weights up until they touch your chest. Repeat until you can't perform another repetition.
Seated Pushups
This exercise helps develop upper body strength in your arms and shoulders. Sit up straight in your chair with your shoulders over your back. Place both hands on the arm rests of the chair with your palms down. Push with both arms at the same time to lift your body slightly off the chair. Hold this position for a second and then use a slow and controlled motion to lower your body. Repeat as directed by your doctor or therapist.
Arm Raise
The arm raise exercise requires you to use a chair without arm rests, and you will need a couple of cans of food or a pair of light dumbbells. Keep your shoulders over your hips and hold a dumbbell or can of food in each hand with your palms facing your body. Begin with your arms by your sides and begin lifting your arms straight out while keeping your elbows as straight as possible. Lift the weights until your arms are parallel with the ground. Hold this position for a second or two and then lower your arms using a slow and controlled motion. Repeat according to your specific exercise plan.
Triceps Extension
Begin by sitting in your chair with a dumbbell or can of food in your hand. Raise your arm toward the ceiling with your palm facing your body. Lift your arm straight up and then bend your elbow so that the weight is behind your shoulder. Hold your elbow as still as possible and straighten your arm until the weight is directly over your shoulder. Hold this position for a second and then use a slow and controlled motion to bend your elbow and lower the weight behind your shoulder. Repeat for an equal number of repetitions with each arm.
