Unfortunately, people suffer from restricted mobility for a variety of reasons. Perhaps it comes with the wear and tear of aging, or it could be that someone suffered a sport or work-related injury. Of course, chronic pain and other illnesses can be a cause too, as many people struggle to get around independently.
As a consequence of all these factors, there were reportedly nearly 14 million disabled people in the UK as of April 2018. No doubt that number has risen since then. Still, even though regular and strenuous exercise may not be on the cards, there’re still a variety of ways to keep exercising when mobility is not on your side.
Consequently, here’s a few tips for keeping active when you’re restricted by mobility.
Use a Scooter
If you’re someone who wants to give exercise ago but is worried that they’ll fail soon into the effort, take a mobility scooter with you. Companies like Mobility Solutions offer these pieces of equipment for very affordable prices, and ensure that you can get around regardless of your physical impairment. Keep it close and ready, and you’ll always have a place you can sit down and speed away in.
Of course, a scooter may also enable you to get exercising in places you wished you could but felt unable to. Perhaps there’s a park a mile or two away you’d love to take a quick stroll in but couldn’t get there due to your restricted mobility. Well, you can fold up your scooter and conveniently place it in the car until arrival. Alternatively, hop in it yourself and whiz your way there, you’ll be ready to go in no time!
Join a Group/Club
Exercising can be a social and supportive event, which could be just what you need. Mobility issues come with complications that are beyond the physical side of things and can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing and mental health. It can be isolating, and make you feel lost and alone. Nevertheless, things needn’t stay this way and help is out there.
Try to join an exercise club in your area, such as a walking group or a local hiking club. It could be that they’d be willing to take you on, band around you and help you through your struggles. You may even make some brand-new friends, or people who’re going through similar struggles to you. It could be you’ll pick up new skills too! A bit of moral support can go a long way when it comes to exercising, so if your health permits, join an amateur or leisurely exercise club.
Yoga and Dancing
Exercise is a very broad term, and it doesn’t always mean sweating away in a dark and dusty gym somewhere. Sometimes, it can be as simple as putting on your favourite song, turning up the volume, and having a wiggle with what body parts you still have agency over. Other times, it can be sitting down and loosening up with some yoga – it’s all activity.
You can stay active in your home, too. Obviously try to get out there and exercise occasionally, but if there’s a rainy day or a lazy day here and there (we all have those!), do some indoor exercising. There’re no limits and no one to hold you up to standard, do what you enjoy and feels right. Just remember, some activity is better than no activity, so don’t be too hard on yourself!
Image Credits: Mobility from Kostenko Maxim /Shutterstock