It’s important for everyone to stay active and exercise.

• Exercise keeps you healthy.
• There are many activities you can do. Some examples are:
• Range of motion exercises
• Yoga and Thai Chi
• Resistance training
• Weight training

Talk to your doctor before starting new exercises.

• Your doctor will check your:
• General health
• Medications
• The way you move
• Talk with your doctor about:
• Which exercises are best for you
• How to stay safe when exercising

Ask your doctor about safe range of motion exercises.

• Range of motion exercises are stretching exercises.
• Ask a partner to help you.
• Warm up slowly.
• Start slowly and rest if you get tired.

Try some of these exercises:

• Arm Cycling: Bicycle with your arms instead of your legs
• Chair Aerobics: Move and stretch your body to music
• Rowing: Pretend to row a boat – in your chair or on a special piece of equipment
• Water Exercise: Enroll in a class for swimming or exercise

You could also try Yoga or Tai Chi.

• Yoga involves special breathing and stretching exercises.
• Tai Chi is a series of dance-like movements.
• You do not need any special equipment to do these exercises.
• For more information check with your library or park and recreation district.

Learn to do resistance training.

• You need a resistance band:
• It is like a large rubber band
• You can buy one at a sports store
• Wrap the band around:
• Pulling the bands will exercise your muscles.

Try lifting weights.

• Lifting weights is also called weight training.
• Use weights or cans of food.
• Start with 1-2 pound weights.
• Work up slowly to 5 pounds or more.

Remember, before you start exercising:

• Talk to your doctor first
• Ask someone to show you how to do the exercises
• Start slowly
• Exercise with someone else
• It is safer and more fun

When you exercise:

• Eat food at least one hour before you start
• Warm up before you exercise
• Stretch before and after you exercise
• Drink water frequently
• If you feel really tired or feel dizzy, STOP

Learn more about exercising in a wheelchair.

• How to Exercise in a Wheelchair
• The Safe Way to Exercise

Learn more about exercising in a wheelchair.

• Weight and Resistance Training
• Resistance Training

Download: 

Exercises You Can Do in a Wheelchair Presentation