Staying active after a spinal injury may seem like a daunting task, but it’s crucial for your overall physical well-being. Without regular physical activity, you put yourself at risk for a number of serious additional medical conditions like increased body weight, pressure injuries, reduced upper body strength, and decreased mobility. These simple tips can help you stay active while enjoying the benefits of regular exercise.
Start Small and Build Big
You don’t have to spend a lot of time or do highly strenuous exercises to stay active with a spinal injury. Start with easier, light exercise until your body becomes accustomed to new stresses and strain. You could start with a stroll or a roll in your manual wheelchair that lasts up to 10 minutes at first, gradually increasing the distances you cover each week.
Try Interval Training Techniques
Interval training can give you more benefits in less time. Short bursts of activity, such as short trips in your wheelchair to complete your regular errands can help you get a workout in while multitasking. Try to take every opportunity life gives you to add some exercise and movement to your daily life. You could also try out wheelchair tennis or basketball, which require intense bursts of effort for short spans of time.
Do Light Workouts at Home
Working out from home is a convenient way to stay active, with inspiration and guidance just a click away. YouTube channels can be a great way to find exercises that are suitable for people with spinal injuries. There are lots of upper body exercises you can do while sitting or if you are confined to a wheelchair that will help you use your arm muscles more for mobility. This also increases the distances you can cover and your overall enjoyment of life.
Yoga for a Gentle Exercise
Yoga is an excellent way to stay active and reduce mental and emotional stress. It integrates shoulder exercises and stretches, and after a spinal cord injury, it’s essential to maintain strength and flexibility in your upper body, especially the shoulders. This can help relieve aches from exercising the major upper body muscles that are necessary to maintain mobility.
Look for Local Wheelchair Sports
There are many activities and sports available to those who are wheelchair bound. To get started, make a list of sports and activities that interest you, and then contact local or national organizations for resources and information. While some specialist equipment may be required if you intend to get serious, it’s not always necessary.
Regular exercise is vital to maintaining your mobility, avoiding additional medical problems, and improving your quality of life. All it takes is some research and you can successfully make exercise a part of your lifestyle, keeping you on the road to health and wellbeing. Don’t be afraid to take the first step toward an active lifestyle with a spinal injury.
Visit the law offices of Scarlett Law Group at 536 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133 if you need legal help or support related to your spinal injury. You can also call now for a free consultation on (415) 352-6264. Whether you were involved in an accident, or have suffered medical malpractice, Scarlett Law Group can help you get the recognition and compensation you need. Call today!