Don’t Let Disability Stop You From Reaching You Fitness Goals
By All American Fitness
Having a disability doesn’t have to prevent you from living your best life, including engaging in a fitness routine. In fact, many world-class athletes have significant disabilities yet still climbed to the top of their sports. This doesn’t mean that your disability won’t present a challenge, but with the proper adjustments, you can live just as active a lifestyle as anyone without a disability.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FITNESS
Health professionals have long studied the positive effects of exercise on health. Exercise stimulates the release of hormones that work to benefit health in a variety of ways by strengthening and toning muscles, reducing body fat and improving metabolism among other impacts. It can prevent disease associated with a sedentary lifestyle as well as increase range of motion and flexibility, which can be a particular concern with certain types of disabilities, such as the loss of a limb.
ADAPT YOUR ROUTINE TO YOUR DISABILITY
Many procedures and practices can make exercise easier for individuals with disabilities. Prosthetic implants have become very advanced in recent years and more affordable as well. In fact, Oscar Pistorius, a South African who lost his legs, even won a medal in the Olympics. Spine injuries are complicated, and what you do will depend on how the injury is situated. A physical therapist can recommend specific exercise routines tailored to an individual’s needs, accommodating an injury or disability. Exercise such as yoga, weightlifting, and cardio can even be performed in a seated position. Psychologists recommend focusing on the activities you can perform rather than the ones you cannot.
IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Many people who deal with challenges caused by their disabilities are susceptible to depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health complications. This is often a natural reaction. However, physical exercise has been proven to improve a person’s outlook and mental hardiness. One of the primary benefits of exercise is therelease of endorphins and other hormones, which trigger happiness, relaxation, and self-empowerment. These benefits extend well beyond the initial exercise period and can be powerful ways to improve overall health. The social benefits of group exercise have also been documented, which include an improved sense of connectedness to one’s peers. Many exercise groups focus on certain disabilities, which can be a great way to meet new people and share experiences and challenges by members of the disability community.
Though you might have a disability, there are ways you can incorporate exercise into your lifestyle so you can still achieve your fitness goals. Many exercises can be adapted to accommodate your disability. By exercising daily and continuing to pursue your goals, you will be able to help yourself be both happier and healthier.