Question:
Are there any other wheelchair bound people who cannot exercise, what do they do?

   — Laura G. (posted on September 11, 2000)

September 11, 2000
it depends on the reason for being in a wheel chair. Any motion, done repetively, for sustained duration will count as exercise. This includes activity such as arm curls, waving your arms over your head, using weights with your upper body, doing straight leg lifts by holding your legs out in front of you in an isometric (sustained contraction) for increasing periods of time, i.e., 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 2 minutes, etc. This uses up calories. Additionally, many exercises can be done in bed (NO, not THAT one!) Exercises such as leg lifts or waving your legs around in the air, one at a time,if necessary, will help increase flexability and circulation. The key is MOVEMENT, of any kind burns calories, aims to increase strength and flexability. And, if you keep moving long enough, even it it is just arm waving, or stomach crunching, until you sweat and start breathing heavily, you can improve your cardiovascular fitness. I know, I kept walking, even when I was over 500 pounds. I could only make it to the end of the driveway, but I kept stretching because I knew someday, one day, I would start to recover from this hideous disease. Good Luck. I hope this helps....PS, using Richard Simmons, Sweating to the Oldies from a sitting down position is GREAT if you are in a wheelchair.
   — merri B.

September 11, 2000
Hi, I am wheelchair bound. Had my surgery last October 29th. I have lost 122 pounds so far, with about 100 more to go. I was not doing any exercises at first, though I wanted to. My knees have severe osteoarthritis, and that makes it tough. I went to physical therapy, and started water therapy, where there was supervision while I was in the pool, and could do non-weight bearing exercise. There are upper body exercises that we can do, which will help. If you want to talk with me further, feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] Alice
   — Alice G.

July 21, 2001
YES; I am in a wheelchair have been for 6 yrs due to Phen-Fen had 3 strokes; I am now able to sit on a mobile bike and exercise abit. but you have to want to do it bad enough and I am determined. God Bless Dee aka Rollinchair
   — DEE G.