People with a spinal cord injury, be it a new injury or one sustained many years ago, may find it difficult to exercise due to physical limitations, inappropriate fitness center accessibility, lack of motivation or many other reasons. However, just as with the able-bodied population, these are merely excuses and exercise is critically important, perhaps even more so for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
We have all heard of the many benefits of exercise including weight loss, a decreased risk of heart-associated illnesses, increased strength, increased energy, and a long list of other health benefits. But to someone with a spinal cord injury, exercise can also help to decrease spasm, increase range of motion, improve posture and decrease the risk of shoulder injuries. Increased strength can help make transfers easier and may allow one to unweight, decreasing the risk of pressure sores.
If someone is not knowledgeable on how to exercise on their own, fitness centers are an option. One of the biggest concerns is not accessibility, as most gyms are ADA compliant, but finding a facility with a staff that has experience in working with people with disabilities, as not all injuries present the same. When you are considering working out at a gym, don’t just look around at the equipment. Ask a lot of questions. Interview the trainers. Look to see if members of a similar population are present. Just as it is important for individuals with spinal cord injuries to exercise for specific reasons, caution must also be taken in developing an exercise program for someone with a disability, as there are inherent risks with certain injuries. Make sure that a trainer or fitness staff member who is designing an exercise program for you takes a lot of time to get to know you; your injury, your limitations, your needs and your goals. Your program needs to be unique and individualized, not a “one-size-fits-all” program.
Chapter 126 Sports & Fitness, is an adaptive fitness facility opening in Bristol, CT in October 2014. It is a great example of a facility that has the staff, equipment and accessibility needed to provide a safe, effective exercise program. Designed specifically for individuals with disabilities and the senior population, Chapter 126 has fully accessible equipment, a friendly, experienced staff, fun group exercise classes and provides a great social atmosphere. It is not only ADA compliant, but built to make moving around the facility comfortable and convenient. Chapter 126 will also offer a large variety of sports and recreational programs. If working out in a gym isn’t your thing, you can gain all of the benefits of exercise while having some fun playing sports.
You can learn more about Chapter 126 at Chapter126.com or visit us on Facebook.