Living with a physical disability presents some increased challenges when it comes to staying active. However, for years disabled people have been constantly superseding the ‘confines’ of their wheelchairs. While not everyone with a disability has the ability to remain active, it is amazing how creative some have been in maintaining an aerobic exercise routine, remaining social and engaging in a wide arrange of activities.
With spring here and summer on its way, it’s important to get outside, enjoy the sunshine and get some much-needed vitamin D! The bellow list has some great ideas about ways to remain active in your wheelchair this spring and summer.
Yoga
The National Center on Physical Disability and Activity (NCPAD) suggests that yoga can be a great way to foster physical exercise in your wheelchair. Hatha yoga specifically can be performed easily while sitting in your chair. Hatha yoga strengthens, tones, stretches, are known to alleviate depression and anxiety.
Sports
Organizations such as Wheelchair and Ambulatory Sports USA, gather groups of wheelchairs in communities to participate in team sports. Archery, billiards, basketball, swimming and wheelchair races are some of the activities this organization puts together.
Go Camping
This may sound surprising, but there is a host of wheelchair accessible campgrounds across the country. Camping is a great way to disconnect from electronic devices, enjoy the great outdoors and spend time making memories with loved ones.
Picnic at the Park
Picking a favorite local park to enjoy a sunny afternoon lunch at is a great way to enjoy the spring and summer weather. Getting outside for some fresh air doesn’t have to be a strenuous activity. Pack up some sandwiches and salads and treat yourself to this simple activity that is often forgotten.
Check out a Museum
If the weather is particularly warm, take your activity indoors by going to your local or semi-local museum. Check out a new exhibit and make the experience a whole day trip including lunch or coffee at the museum café.
Host a Book Club!
Regardless if you invite wheelchair users or not, hosting a book club is a great way to gather friends and have a monthly social get together. Book clubs are a fun way of catching up. Pick a book, set a meeting when participants should have it read and ask everyone to bring a dish to share.
Host a Game Night!
Similar to the book club idea, gathering a group of friends for a game night is a great way to catch up. Pick a few options such as board games or cards, have everyone bring a dish or beverage and let the games begin!
Living with a disability that requires wheelchair assistance doesn’t mean you have to stop living life! It just means you have to get creative and creating a social network with other wheelchair users in you area is a great way to do that. Using social media or the internet is a great way to start a group. Meetup.com is an interface used to place people together seeking various groups.
Are you searching for a wheelchair accessible van for you or your loved one? Classic Vans has a large selection of quality, new and pre-owned mobility vehicles. Call (866) 370- 8222 or browse their inventory, www.classicvans.com.
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