The Science of Aging Well: How Your Beliefs Affect Your Health
Starting simply
Today’s inventive modified equipment, such as various bicycle styles or wheelchairs, have opened doors for individuals and athletes with disabilities to participate in just about any sport. However, depending on your disability type — and your physician’s blessing — there are plenty of fitness options that don’t require special equipment and that you can enjoy simply for the participation rather than the competition.
Swimming is a good example. Like other water sports, it offers many strength benefits and provides both indoor and outdoor opportunities that make it largely available as a year-round activity.
Equine therapy also provides many emotional and physical fitness benefits. Simply being around a horse and caring for it can help elevate mood and decrease stress. Therapy on the horse, or hippotherapy, improves balance, fitness, and even helps with speech and cognitive disabilities.
If you are motivated by the grit and success of Amy Bockerstette, the first golfer with Down’s syndrome to play in a college national championship, you’ve made a fine choice! Golf is a great game for all ages, and you can walk or ride in a cart, depending on your abilities. And since most golf courses are well-cared for, you get to enjoy the outdoors in beautiful settings.
Of course, if you aspire to the level of a Paralympian, you have plenty of examples to inspire you in every sport imaginable, from shooting to equestrian sports and more.
Amplify your efforts
As fun as fitness activities can be, everyone has days where they need a little extra “push” to get motivated. Being able to see your progress, whether measured in yards, miles, weight, or heart rate, is easier than ever these days with available technology, including wearable devices such as smartwatches. You have a wide variety of free and low-cost smartphone fitness and health apps, as well as interactive and virtual technology that can add variety to your fitness routine.
Music is a common denominator for many fitness classes. A good, uplifting beat can not only inspire and stimulate you, but it allows you to focus on the music instead of your workout intensity. If you are in public or in groups, you’ll appreciate the value of a good set of affordable headphones during your workout routine. You won’t be bothering anyone else, and the music of any fitness neighbors won’t bother you, either. Just remember that they can still hear you singing along!
Keep in mind that many of today’s wearable technology also have sensors and features that can detect falls and contact family, friends, and even emergency personnel. Some even have medication reminders. Depending on your disability and type and location of activity, this feature may be one worth having.
Ready, set, go!
Don’t let any self-doubts dissuade you from trying any physical fitness activity that appeals to you. Start slow and small until you find one that you can see yourself investing a lot of time and energy into. Your physical and emotional well-being will empower you to see beyond your disability, and once you exude that confidence, you’ll find that others will see beyond it, as well.
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