It’s never too late to start a fitness program. Exercise is beneficial for both the mind and body, and almost anyone, regardless of functional capabilities, can participate. Some people exercise to build muscle, others to increase strength, endurance, and stamina, maintain joint flexibility, reduce stress, improve sleep quality, or simply because it makes them feel better. For wheelchair users, exercise is crucial in enhancing health and quality of life.

Exercise is Essential for Wheelchair Users

Exercise provides significant health benefits, especially for wheelchair users. Regular physical activity can help prevent secondary conditions related to paralysis, such as heart disease, diabetes, pressure sores, carpal tunnel syndrome, obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, urinary tract infections, and respiratory diseases.

Research indicates that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who engage in aerobic exercise experience better cardiovascular fitness, improved bladder and bowel function, reduced fatigue and depression, and increased social participation as well as have a more positive outlook.

Benefits of Exercise

While not everyone may regain function through exercise, it offers numerous other benefits. Exercise supports brain health, promoting brain cell proliferation, fighting degenerative diseases, and improving memory. Studies show that exercise enhances alertness and cognitive clarity.

Weight loss is another compelling reason to exercise. Obesity is prevalent in the United States, and people with disabilities are more susceptible due to altered metabolism, decreased muscle mass, and generally lower activity levels. For wheelchair users, carrying excess weight can lead to shoulder pain, joint deterioration, and painful rotator cuff tears due to the stress placed on their arms. Reducing weight can alleviate this stress and decrease the risk of skin issues like pressure sores, which are exacerbated by excess moisture in the skin.

Inactivity can also lead to a loss of trunk control, muscle shortening or weakness, decreased bone density, and inefficient breathing. Despite these risks, many people with paralysis or mobility challenges do not engage in regular physical activity. According to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, people with disabilities are less likely to participate in moderate physical activity compared to those without disabilities. The challenge often lies in the perception of exercise as “work,” which can be a barrier to starting a fitness program.

How to Get Started with Your Fitness Program

Physical activity does not have to be strenuous to yield health benefits. You don’t need to be an athlete to see significant improvements in health from moderate physical activity, ideally performed daily. This can be achieved through longer sessions of less intense activities (such as 30-40 minutes of wheeling yourself in a wheelchair) or shorter sessions of more intense activities (such as 20 minutes of hitting balls at a golf range).

Greater health benefits can be obtained through higher degrees of physical activity. Those who maintain a regular routine of longer duration or increased intensity will likely see greater improvements. For previously sedentary individuals, it’s important to start with short intervals of physical activity (5-10 minutes) and gradually build up to the desired level.

Set realistic fitness goals and stick to your program. Stop exercising if you experience pain, discomfort, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or clammy hands. Always stay hydrated.

Consult your physician before starting or modifying any exercise program. Overtraining or inappropriate activity can be counterproductive and potentially dangerous. Remember, moderation is key.

Visit Stand Up and Play Foundation to learn more about their programs, find local events, and discover how you can get involved. Take the first step towards a healthier, more active life today!