It’s important that people with disabilities lead a healthy active lifestyle and that having a disability should not exclude anyone from being active. As the saying goes the “only disability in life is bad attitude”, people with disabilities like to exercise just like anyone else. It’s sad to note that many communities emphasizes on physical exercise only for people without disabilities not providing any services or adaptions for people with disabilities and chronic illness. This is unfortunate since many people with disabilities are inactive and have a higher risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and other diseases that arise due to lack of physical fitness.

There are different types of physical disabilities such as limb amputation, spinal cord injury, stroke, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson disease. Depending on the function level of your disability you may need to consult a therapist who will advise you how to go about with an exercise plan. Please make sure or direct your personal trainer to inclusive fitness certification if you are a person with a disability seeking this service.

People with disabilities may find it difficult to participate in physical activities, therefore activity programs and facilities may have to be adapted, taking into account their functional level and medical condition.

• The first step you should take is to talk to your doctor who will advise you on the type and amount of physical activity that is right for you, also the family and friends can be very helpful for this as you will need their support in your exercise activities.

• The most common physical activities are aerobics which makes you breath harder improving your blood circulation. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend 75 minutes of vigorous activity and 150 minutes of moderate activity.  This has important health benefits such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Aerobic activities may include:-

Going for a push in your wheelchair.

Wheelchair basketball, tennis or softball.

Seated volleyball.

Aquatic therapy.

Water aerobics.

Hand-cycling.

Swimming
3.)   Its also important you get equipment which will help you exercise at home by yourself. This equipment can be easily purchased at gym stores or online shopping; this may include: -Arm cycle (ube). -Wheelchair push gloves. -Therabands. -Speed bag. -FES bike.

4.)   Adults with disabilities should also engage in muscle strengthening activities if they are able to, depending on their physical and health condition this should be moderate and involve all muscle groups on 2 or more days

5) People with disabilities should join groups where they can freely indulge in sport activities among themselves, there is even a chance they can participate in the Special Olympic or Paralympic clubs.

6) Before you hit the gym it important you try it at home first, this will build up your courage and attitude towards physical activity.

Our society we live in might traditionally view physical fitness as exercise in the gym, swimming, running or lifting weights. However, the days of excluding people with disabilities will would continue to build on the misconception that a person with disabilities cannot take part in physical exercise. The fact is despite anyone’s physical condition that you can and should participate fully in physical activities. All you need to do is make the time and find the resources. The potential lies within. Attitude is everything

Ruby Andrew, a guest writer and blogger by profession lives in Bristol, UK. Since for a long time, she has a passion for writing and she could write on any topic. Her areas of interest includes travel, Health, fitness, Automobile, Fashion, technology and wedding. At present, she works as a guest blogger on behalf of ehic card