Exercising with Limited Mobility

Exercise is an important tool for anyone with limited mobility. Limited mobility can make exercise intimidating; but with some special attention and modifications when necessary, someone with limited mobility can reap the benefits of an active lifestyle. Exercise can increase your strength, boost your mood, and even help you to understand your mobility differently.

Understanding Limited Mobility

Limited mobility refers to any physical impairment that impacts a person's ability to move around freely, easily, and without pain. People living with limited mobility are affected physically to the extent that it impacts their daily acts of living. It is a common symptom of a variety of health events such as arthritis, cardiovascular conditions, and cognitive decline. Limited mobility can contribute to social isolation and poor mental health as it can be difficult to leave the home.

Benefits of Exercise for Individuals with Limited Mobility

Engaging in regular exercise offers numerous advantages for individuals with limited mobility. These benefits include improved strength, balance and flexibility, which can enhance overall physical capabilities. Additionally, exercise promotes better cardiovascular health, contributing to a healthier heart and circulatory system. Mental health and emotional well-being are also positively impacted, as physical activity can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Ultimately, incorporating exercise into daily routines can lead to increased independence and an overall better quality of life for those facing mobility challenges.

Types of Exercises Suitable for Limited Mobility

Please consult with your physician before beginning a new exercise routine!

Gentle Stretching Exercises

• When you start slowly and listen to your body stretching can provide relief to sore and tight muscles. Increasing your flexibility with stretching exercises can increase your range of motion as well!

• Chair yoga and gentle stretching videos can be a great addition to your morning routine!

Strength Training

• Strength training is easily adapted to accommodate for any ability level. Building strength can help you to understand your mobility differently!

• You can use water bottles as hand weights, or even skip the weights all together until you build up your strength.

Low-Impact Aerobic Exercises

• Aerobic exercises are great for building and maintaining cardiovascular health!

• Chair aerobics or water aerobics classes are excellent routines to incorporate weekly or twice per week!

Creating an Exercise Routine

After you speak with your physician and decide to create an exercise routine there are a few important things to take into consideration as you get started. Firstly, remember to start slowly. Set realistic goals and increase the intensity and frequency of your exercises gradually. Try not to overexert yourself. The phrase "Rome wasn't built in a day," applies here, start slow! Secondly, incorporating exercises into your already existing routines will help you to stay consistent and set yourself up for success. Do you watch the news every night? Try doing gentle chair aerobics while you watch. Finally, be sure to track your exercise consistency and progress to stay motivated!

Resources and Tools

• Gym or community center classes: Taking a beginner class at your local gym or community center. Instructors for beginner classes are comfortable training all ability levels and are familiar with modifying exercises to meet you where you are.

• Adaptive equipment: Be sure to use any adaptive equipment that is applicable to your exercise such as; a yoga block or a chair for balance support.

• Online exercise videos: Doing exercise videos at home is a great option for anyone beginning their exercise journey! The huge variety of videos available on the internet works in your favor here, search the kind of exercise you want to do with the key words "limited mobility" to find a video perfectly suited to your ability level! Below is an example of an exercise video specifically tailored to those with limited mobility.

In conclusion, exercise is an incredible tool for those with limited mobility. Through exercise you can increase your strength, boost your mood, and even understand your mobility differently! Be sure to speak with your physician before beginning a new exercise routine and listen to your body. Starting slow is the key when incorporating exercise into your life!

If you are interested in home care for yourself or a loved one call Total at 219-937-2811 for a free in-home assessment today!