Fortuna Aerobic and Body Language

Everyone needs some form of aerobic exercise to strengthen their heart and reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. This can be particularly challenging for those confined to a wheelchair. Are there aerobic exercises for the wheelchair bound that work?

Aerobic exercise is important not only for weight control, but it also helps to condition the heart, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of some chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Most aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, running, and cycling uses the lower body. Getting a good aeorbic workout can be a challenge for people confined to wheelchairs who have limited use of their legs. Are there aerobic exercises for wheelchair bound people that really work?

Aerobic Exercises for Wheelchair Bound People: No Legs Required

It isn’t necessary to use the lower body to get an aerobic workout. The only requirement is for a person to work hard enough to boost their heart rate into the aerobic training zone for at least twenty minutes. What’s the best way for a person confined to a wheelchair to get aerobically fit?

One of the best exercises for wheelchair bound people is to work out on a handcycle - a cycle that’s powered by the arm movements. “Pedaling” with the arms not only increases the heart rate, but builds upper body strength as well.

You can find hand-powered cycles designed to be taken out onto the street, or stationary handcycles made for indoor use. Both offer an excellent aerobic workout. A stationary handcycle can be used indoors regardless of weather and is safer since it doesn’t require attention to traffic. Handcycles may be too expensive for some people, but some health clubs offer them on-site.

Aerobic Exercises for Wheelchair Bound People: Other Options

Another good aerobic exercise for wheelchair bound people is swimming, although this requires access to a pool that has a wheelchair ramp - for easy entry into the pool. There are also lifts available for transporting a wheelchair bound person into the water. Wheelchair bound people who choose to swim for exercise should wear a life vest and never venture into the water alone.

Another aerobic exercise option for wheelchair bound people is a wheelchair-accessible rowing machine. These can be purchased online for under $500 and offer a challenging upper body workout by adjusting the resistance while increasing the heart rate for cardiovascular fitness.

Aerobic Exercises for Wheelchair Bound People: Chair Aerobics

There are a variety of videos available offering instruction in “chair aerobics”. These exercises are designed to increase heart rate without standing up. Not all of these videos will be appropriate for people who are wheelchair bound since some require use of the legs. There are chair aerobic workouts specifically made for people in wheelchairs and involve only the upper body – such as wheelchair boxing.

Another option for sport-minded people is to participate in wheelchair sports groups. There are ones available for wheelchair basketball, table tennis, swimming, and more. If that isn’t desirable, simply going to a school track or park and wheel chairing around the park offers a good aerobics workout.

Aerobic Exercises for Wheelchair Bound People: The Bottom Line?Aerobic Exercises for Wheelchair Bound People: The Bottom Line?

There are a variety of exercises that work well for people confined to a wheelchair. Choose one that’s enjoyable - and do it regularly for better health and fitness.

Water, a precious gift bestowed on us by Mother Nature, forms a major part of our body constitution. In fact, 2/3 of our body weight is water. The very composition of our body is like that blood is 83% water, muscles are 75% water, brain is 74% water and bone is 22% water. Water is necessary for the very survival of human beings, as it ensures the smooth functioning of body systems.