Exercise Equipment:
Exercise Equipment Options for the Disabled
by Ainuddin Mohamad
No matter whether you are temporarily disabled because of an injury or
permanently disabled, exercising with a disability brings out a whole different
set of challenges than exercising without one. Thankfully, more equipment is
being made available to assist the disabled in developing fitness routines. Many
products can also be used as therapy exercises for those recovering from illness
or injury. Here are just some of the products available.
Recumbent steppers allow users to use a step machine from a seated position.
Portable, they can be used in a variety of locations or by different users. The
user steps down on the machine with a motion like you would use for walking or
climbing stairs. Usually done with a hydraulic cylinder system, they respond to
the amount of pressure applied to them and have adjustable resistance. Using a
recumbent stepper can help improve balance and endurance, strengthen lower body
muscles, and lose fat without impacting the joints or back.
Another option is a recumbent bike. There are several styles available. For
users who are able to transfer to a seat, a standard recumbent bike can be used.
The sitting position makes it easier on the joints and the back. It is also more
comfortable for those who have loss of mobility due to arthritis.
For users who are confined to a wheelchair, an ergo meter may be a good choice
for exercise. Some styles are a large machine that allows a wheel chair to be
rolled directly onto the machine for leg or arm use or has an optional seat
attachment for users not confined to a wheelchair. Other styles are more
portable, and can be brought directly to a table for upper body use or placed on
the floor for lower body use. They are good for a cardiovascular workout as well
as building upper and lower body strength.
Sit-to-Stand machines can help with rehabilitation in building the muscles
needed to get stand up from a sitting position. It is perfect for those who have
been confined to a wheelchair due to injury or medical conditions. The seat is
adjustable so that you can find the perfect height, and the percentage of
assistance can be adjusted as well. The patient is then able to perform a
sitting and standing motion exercise without the need of a therapist manually
lifting and lowering the patient. The therapist can adjust the assistance as
needed to complete the workout.
Stretching machines can help with rehabilitation as well. From simple rollers
that slip onto shoes for ankle stretches to full body machines, stretching has
many benefits. It can make movements easier and improve posture. It can increase
flexibility for those who suffer pain due to lack of flexibility in major muscle
groups or joints and increase range of motion. It can also improve circulation,
which can help prevent degenerative diseases like arthritis or osteoporosis.
Take care to perform stretches properly, as improper technique can lead to
injury.
Balance boards are often used in physical therapy exercises to help improve
awareness of the body. Use of balance boards can help improve balance and
coordination, build core strength and stability, improve posture and lower body
range of motion, and speed reaction time to prevent future injuries. The
patience stands on a board that has a ball or rod on the bottom. By keeping his
balance while the board wobbles helps to build up the different core muscle
groups.
Disabled users can often use standard exercise machines as well. Arm curls and
lateral pulls can often be done from a wheel chair, and some lower body
exercises on machines can be performed without using the upper body. Assistance
may be required to adjust weights or height of equipment. Free weights and ankle
or wrist weights may also be used for additional resistance in some cases.
Regardless of what exercise equipment you choose, it is important to work
closely with your doctor or physical therapist when coming up with a workout
routine. Depending on the circumstances behind your disability, improper
exercise could cause further injury. Choose exercises that are both fun and
effective and try to vary your routine to prevent boredom. Always listen to your
body to know when to stop. Stop if you feel winded, fatigued or experience pain
or dizziness.
About the Author
Ainuddin Mohamad is the Webmaster of
http://www.BestWebsites.com.my which is a Directory of Best Websites. Since
July 2000
BestWebsites.com.my has featured thousands of best websites in many
categories of interest with descriptions/reviews given by leading publications
and webmasters.
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