The benefits of exercising are endless…

Exercising promotes;

• Good Physical Health
• Good Mental Health
• Overall Healthy Lifestyle

People with disabilities tend to exercise less than people who do not have disabilities.

Due to society’s views, people seem to think individuals with disabilities can’t or don’t need to exercise. However, this is inaccurate.

People with disabilities need to exercise to stay in shape and to live a full, meaningful life.

Exercise Secrets For Special Needs

For people with disabilities, it is essential to keep several things in mind when focusing on Physical Activity and Health.

Physical Activity

The first relates to physical activity. Nothing is written that says exercise has to be strenuous to have health benefits.

Moderate daily activities can obtain these benefits. This can be achieved in a variety of ways ranging from shorter more strenuous activities to longer more moderately intense activities.

Increasing physical activity, in turn, creates more health benefits. Maintaining regular routines of physical activity allows for more significant long term benefits. If a person with a disability has not exercised regularly, it is vital for them to start physical activity programs in regular short intervals and then build up the desired level.

As with any physical activity program, it’s essential to consult a physician before starting.

People with disabilities are less likely to be involved in regular physical activity programs even though they have very similar needs in regards to health and prevention of unnecessary disease.

Positive Support

To aid in increasing the likelihood of regular physical activity, positive support from family and friends must happen.

This can be implemented through many avenues such as;

• Special Olympics
• Family Exercise Programs
• Daily Physical Activity Together As A Family

Physical activity has many short and long term benefits. Some of the benefits include:

• Reducing The Risk Of Dying From Coronary Heart Disease
• Reducing The Development Of High Blood Pressure
• Reducing The Risk Of Colon Cancer
• Reducing The Risk Of Diabetes
• Reducing Blood Pressure For People With Hypertension

Exercising also helps people who have low stamina and muscle strength to increase each of them. It reduces anxiety and depression while improving mood.

It also promotes and enhances the general feeling of well-being.

In order for people with disabilities to feel more involved and engaged in physical activity, it is essential to include the community.

Community Support

Community support can offer support to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

The work out facilities needs to be;

• Conducive For Physical Activity
• Accessible For People With Disabilities
• Equipment Needs To Be Safe, Adaptive And Accessible

Another way to build community support is to allow people with disabilities to be involved during every stage of planning and implementing community physical activity programs.

The community needs to also focus on physical activity through all ages. These can be done by providing quality, K-12 accessible physical education classes for children/teens with disabilities.

Physicians also have a significant role in promoting physical activity by talking to their patients routinely about incorporating physical activity into their life.

What are some ways you stay healthy with exercise?

~Amanda