Question:

Hello,

I am currently employed at a nursing home facility, and I am searching for a video of wheelchair exercises for seniors. Can you recommend any?

Thank you,

Dorothy

Answer:

Exercise is an important part of living a healthy, comfortable life. If you spend most of your time in a wheelchair your body will welcome the way exercise promotes blood circulation, easier breathing, how it eases muscle and joint tension and helps you think more clearly. A good wheelchair exercise video will include moves to improve your muscle strength, your flexibility, your joint stability and your overall range of motion.

For beginners the best way to start exercising is with free body weight moves. These include moves like arm raises, torso twists and neck and shoulder stretches - you can perform those easily. Try a video that features free weight exercises with either dumbbells or resistance tubes. Free weight exercises will improve your overall functioning capacity that you need to perform normal everyday activities such as reaching, leaning forward, lifting, etc.

A safe and effective exercise video will consist of a 5- to 10-minute warm-up, cardio and strength training exercises, and a cool down. A portion of stretching will end your video. The stretching portion of your video is vital to perform because it will lessen any pain or muscle soreness you will experience after your workout. Stretching will also improve your overall flexibility, so the more you stretch the more improved your balance, core control and range of motion will be. Stretching will also make those everyday activities a whole lot easier.

Exercise videos designed specifically for those in wheelchairs can be found online starting at about $10. However, don't be afraid to get creative by trying other types of exercise videos  even if they're not wheelchair-user specific. There's no reason why you can't adapt the exercises so you can perform them and get the full benefits.