How to train with limited mobility

There are so many different possibilities and variables that can come into account when talking about different populations who can not workout or exercise easily. These extremes can extend anywhere from just being lazy, someone who has not worked out before, someone with a broken bone, lack of mobility, amputees or paraplegic individuals. Whether it be a disability or a lifestyle needing to be changed to allow for easier exercise, there is always a way to stay somewhat fit and active.

A major aspect is improving the mobility, access and overall ability to actually perform exercises.  Another important aspect is food intake (what food and how much food the person consumes). If the ability of an individual is limited through being morbidly obese or some form of obesity the first steps start with nutrition. Helpful tips in this regard include general guidelines of:

  • smaller plates
  • chew thoroughly and take longer time to intake the food
  • make better food choices selecting healthier options that fill a person up
  • consume healthy fats

For obese people that may be immobilized, because of the shear amount of mass associated with the limbs a person only needs to do body weight exercise using their own bodies resistance with the ability to then work towards using elastic resistance bands. For populations with lack of mobility exercises to work cardiovascular system, exercises such as:

  • aqua jogging
  • aqua aerobics
  • walking on soft surfaces such as on the beach or grassed parks
  • exercises on soft surfaces or exercises that use equipment to help assist the body move.

This helps elevate the heart rate and create habits for the individuals working their way up to strength training. For a quadriplegic or paraplegic there are always work around conditions and even approaching allied health professionals with a specialization will help generate movement throughout the body. There are specific machines like a vita glide or types of training such as adapted yoga, boxing etc that can also assist. Overall where there is some sort of injury, disability or lack of motivation to want to exercise, there is an alternative way to exercise, allowing a person to stay fit or to become fit in the process.