Hi!

I was wondering what y'all do for exercise? I use a wheelchair. Right now I'm getting quite a bit of extra activity in because my motorized chair is broken... But I'm looking at finding some more enjoyable ways to move when I am "running free" again.

Thanks, AmMen

I too have problems with lack of exercise. I am mobile but only for short distances with the help of a cane. I have always had a weight problem even when I was fit as I have a low metabolic rate but now things are even worse. I am always full of good intentions to exercise whilst sitting down but as this can't be cardio vascular I can't see it helping much

Actually, there is a set of tapes called Chair Dancing that are pretty amazingly exhausting... they're really too hard for me! I think their site is still at http://www.chairdanding.com BUT I think they only have VHS videos, not PAL.... so sorry I can't suggest something for you.

Thanks for answering,

AmMen

I have degenerative arthiritis and was told one year ago that I will be in a wheelchair by now. Well, I took matters in my own hands and started an exercise program which includes Body Flex. It is a breathing and stretching program and I love it. The positions can be done sitting (many of them), lying down on a bed or floor or standing. I have tried all three options at one time or another. Some days I cannot do certain movements, so I substitute others. And some days I do just the breathing with no stretching depending on my pain level. Greer Childers' Body Flex is on the internet and there is a Body Flex Support Group on-line, also. I have found that I have lost weight (50#) and feel much better. I hope this helps. Note: Did not "cure" my arthritis but I feel a zillion times better!!! Worked and is still working for me. Carleen....

I have had 3 hip replacements and I'm now recovering from a broken ankle. Needless to say, my mobility isn't great and at times I have to use a wheelchair to get around. I also use the electric carts in the store and I love to go with my "normal" shopping buddy.

I have a lot of weight to lose, but I'm just now getting serious about it. I joined Weight Watchers (again) 2 weeks ago and lost 8.6 lbs. the first week. From past experience I can tell you that the WW diet does not absolutely have to have exercise to work. It just doesn't work as fast without the exercise. In the meantime, you can do upper body strength exercises and/or any program (like the chairdancing) you are comfortable with. If you drink the water, the WW diet will work faster.

Don't worry about not exercising. Do as the one poster (sorry, I don't remember the name) did and follow an exercise regime you can make up and change with your daily needs.

Good luck to all of us.

Gobbie

I had just reached my highest level of motivation ever...exercise, healthy eating,everything good. Then, two weeks ago, I stepped in a hole while watering plants in my front yard. Now, I have a broken ankle and several ripped up tendons. I have to stay off my foot for four more weeks. Help! I need motivation and an excercise plan. Any suggestions?

Been there, done that... I was down and out for six months, but I was lucky enough to have an HMO that provided physical therapy. In fact, I was on my back for so long that I'm now having aqua therapy and PT to strengthen it.

My suggestion (if you don't have the "Chair Dancing" tapes) is that you go to the library or call a librarian and have them suggest some books that show exercises you can do. The Arthritis Foundation comes to mind as books I've seen. You'd be surprised how much exercise you can do sitting in a chair. I was using the "Chair Dancing" tapes before I started Aqua Therapy and PT and I was somewhat breathless at the end.

Good luck and don't give up.

Gobbie.

Thanks for the reply. I'll check out the library (no pun intended there ) I hope this will be a short term thing. It's just getting very frustrating after only two weeks. I've started weight training program with small dumb bells. Exercise of any kind helps keep me motivated. I hope you made a full recovery!!!!!


Thanks,
MurphyBrown

There is also another program called Oxycise. It is deep breathing and you can do most of this sitting down as well.

www.oxycise.com

I have arthritis in my back and hip and FM and find it difficult to exercise as well. I did finally get started in a water areobics program in June and was feeling really quite good, and then in the first week of February we were in a car accident and that has set me waaaaay back, again. Seems like it is always something. Hopefully, I can get started with short walks again soon and then back to the pool. That is the only thing that doesn't feel like work - more like play.

Richard Simmons has a VHS tape out for people who are chairbound. I saw part of it the other day on TV. He had a varied group of people doing it as he usually does and it appeared to be a good tape! Deb

Hi, I am new to this thread. I have arthritis, been disabled from nursing with it for 10 years now. I walk with 2 canes. Water aerobics really helps me. It is actually the only exercise I have found that I can do completely, and enjoy. I also have started using one of those elastic wide bands to exercise while sitting. Our TOPS club had a young man from the health department come speak, and he brought some of those bands with him and taught us how to use them. Even the young, fit girls in our chapter said they really gave them a workout. I am going to look for that Richard Simmons tape for sitting folks. Sounds like fun. If you cannot find a water aerobics class, even just walking in the water for half an hour is really great. Many pools have lifts to help you get in and out of the pool if you need that. Good luck in finding a class. Mary ann