Exercise Equipment Options for the Disabled
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.
Step Machine
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.
Bike
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.
Ergo Meter
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 Machine
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 Machine
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
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.
Standard Equipment
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.
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