How to be physically active if you use electric wheelchair?

@klemen

This is a great question.

I'm not certain if you are asking this question for yourself or as a "general" question. As a nurse, and as someone who has cared for those who are in wheelchairs, my experience would say to first do what you can. You know your body's limits. If you are in a position to be able to move your upper body while in a wheelchair, there are various activities that you can engage in using your upper body ability and strength.

There are various wheel chair sports, workouts, activities that you can look up, talk to your doctor about, and work on a plan that is best for you. You can start small, and work your way towards longer time periods and goals. Perhaps starting slow with a few minutes here and there during the day, and adding on to that each day. Maybe 5 minutes at a time, then work your way up to 10 minutes, then maybe 15 minutes and so on.

There are various workouts and activities that can be done safely. And another thing that can be done as well as long as the person is in the position to do so, is to "build upper body strength"! By lifting hand-held weights and other strength-training activities that will add a little muscle and strength to the upper body, to help also build "Endurance"! Endurance will help with one not becoming getting too tired too quickly while doing a workout.

The most important thing though is speaking to and following up with a physcian on what may be best in this situation and also help rather than hinder. Hope this information helps in some way!

@CheerySandi

I stay physically active by doing wheelchair-friendly exercises, stretching, and spending time outdoors whenever I can. Keeping a consistent routine helps me improve my strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. I also appreciate the dependable support of Cedar Valley Electric, knowing I can rely on quality service when I need it.