Achieving Your Fitness Goals with Adapted Exercises: A Practical Guide for People with Disabilities

Are you someone with a disability who wants to prioritize their fitness but finds it challenging due to limited mobility or other physical barriers? Well, good news! With adapted exercises, your fitness goals are not out of reach. In this practical guide, we will explore how customized workout routines can help you achieve better health and wellness while working within the parameters of your unique abilities. So grab a pen and paper (or open up your notes app) because it’s time to take control of your fitness journey!

What is an Adapted Exercise?

Adapted exercises are those that have been specifically designed to be more accessible and accommodating for people with disabilities. They can be performed at home, in a gym, or even outdoors. Adapted exercises help you achieve your fitness goals while being safe and comfortable.

One of the most common adaptations is making a movement easier by reducing its amplitude or intensity. For example, a person with low mobility might be able to perform a dumbbell curl using an assisted grip instead of a standard grip. Another adaptation involves making the exercise portable. For example, a person who is unable to use stairs might do lunges on the ground instead.

There are many different adapted exercises available, and it’s important to find one that is suitable for your needs. If you’re not sure what adaptations are available or how to make them, ask your health care provider or physical therapist.

How to Do an Adapted Exercise

Adapted exercises are a great way to achieve your fitness goals, whether you have a disability or not. Adapted exercises allow for more people to participate in physical activity, which is especially important for people with disabilities.

There are different adaptations that can be made to exercises to make them accessible for everyone. Below are four main adaptations:

1. Changing the mechanics of the exercise- This can be done by making the exercise easier or harder, by changing the movement pattern or by adding resistance.
2. Changing the environment- This can be done by altering the space in which the exercise is performed, such as rearranging surfaces and furniture, or by providing auditory and tactile feedback.
3. Making use of assistive devices- These can include prosthetic devices, adaptive equipment, or technological aids such as screen readers and text magnifiers.
4. Modifying exercises to fit specific needs- This can involve adjusting degrees of difficulty, modifying equipment used, and creating new exercises specifically designed for people with disabilities.

Adapted exercise recommendations should be tailored to each individual’s needs, based on their level of disability and level of fitness. The following steps should be taken when adapting an exercise:
1) Determine what level of difficulty is appropriate- If an adaptation is going to make the exercise more difficult, then it should also make it less easy for those who are not disabled. There should be a gradual increase in difficulty from beginning to end so that everyone

What to Do if You Experience Difficulty with an Adapted Exercise

If you find it difficult to complete an adapted exercise, there are a few things you can do to boost your chances of success. First, be sure to consult with your fitness professional to determine the best adaptations for you. Second, be patient and keep at it. Adapted exercises may take more time and effort than regular exercises, but they are worth it if they help you achieve your fitness goals. Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments! Adapted exercise can be a great way to improve overall health and wellness, and rewarding yourself for taking the effort is a key part of continued success.

Conclusion

Whether you are a person with a physical disability or just looking to get in better shape, having the right exercises can make all the difference. In this practical guide, we will outline adapted exercises that can help you achieve your fitness goals. We will also offer tips on how to modify common exercises so they are accessible for everyone, regardless of their level of mobility. Whether you are new to fitness or have been working out for years, this guide has something for you!