Three Tips for Staying Active With Physical Disabilities

Staying physically active is essential for everyone. Unfortunately, sedentary behaviors are often associated with people who have disabilities. These can lead to a variety of health risks, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It can also take a toll on your mental health.

Having a physical disability doesn’t always mean you can’t stay active. It simply means you might need to find creative ways to do it.

If you’re ready to take charge of your health and enjoy the benefits that come with being more active, we’ve got a few tips to help you get physical while living with a disability.

1. Consult With Your Doctor

It’s important for everyone to talk with their doctor before starting any kind of fitness program or new physical activity. But, it’s especially important if you have a physical disability and need to adjust certain activities to fit your needs. Staying active is part of living well with a disability, and your physician will likely encourage you to exercise, but they’ll also be able to give you the best advice for doing so safely.

2. Find the Space

If you use a wheelchair, walker, or any other device that helps with mobility, your biggest hurdle might be finding the space to be more active. Simple home modifications can make it easier for you to stay active without having to venture out. Clear out a designated space for exercising, like a separate room that’s easy to access. Or, have a friend or family member help you rearrange some furniture and rugs so you can stay active in whatever room is easiest for you.

There are also multiple benefits to exercising outdoors. It can boost your mental health, give you more energy, and it’s much easier to turn exercise into a social activity when you get outside. Plus, there’s no limit on space.

If you enjoy spending time outside and want to stay active in the sun, consider having wheelchair ramps installed at the entrances of your home. Take note of how the ramps will be used, and make sure to find out the length and weight of your mobility device before building anything or making a purchase. The right wheelchair ramp can offer more independence and allow you to stay active outside without needing assistance.

3. Participate in Adaptive Sports

Living with a disability doesn’t mean sports are off-limits. Some of the best sports for people with mobility issues and other disabilities include:

Archery
Fencing
Fishing
Lacrosse

You can also take part in an adaptive sport, like wheelchair basketball, bowling, or even horseback riding. There are many benefits when it comes to working with horses. They can motivate you to get more exercise, improve your balance and coordination, and boost your confidence while reducing stress.

Whether you decide to work with animals or people, being part of a team as you get involved in sports is another fantastic way to boost your well-being and find more encouragement to stay active.

You might be surprised by how great you’ll feel when you choose to be more physically active. Find what works for you, take precautions to stay safe, and you can enjoy all of the benefits of an active lifestyle.

About Charlie Fletcher

Charlie Fletcher has written 28 posts in this blog.

Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer from the lovely “City of Trees”- Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing pairs with her passion for social activism and search for the truth. You can find more of her work by visiting her portfolio at charliefletcher.contently.com.