I have Cerbral Palsy and I just started a diet need some tips.

  • I posted this in the introduction section then I saw down here

    Hi I might as well get some personal details out there. I'm a 19 year old guy (a rare sight here I'm guessing) I am completely out of shape and overweight. Here's where the help part comes into play I happen to be disabled as such my ability to exercise is cut down majorly I only can walk period I cant run or jog or any of that stuff. I have been exercising to the best of my ability (I can only stand for about 10-15 mins at a time) and have been eating healthy I was just wondering if any of you could give me some tips on how I can maximise the limited amount of time I have.


    A couple of other notes I started this diet and exercise thing on Monday with the purpose of strengthening my legs and it is already paying off I've gone from 220 to 216 lbs and my legs are feeling better. I just need some tips/moral support.
  • Hi, John, welcome to the forum. I can't give you recommendations for exercise for your specific limitations, but I can give you encouragement. I have been limited at various times and not been able to do any substantial walking, but i found that cutting my calories and losing weight increased my stamina and eventually I was able to do more walking. You have already lost weight and noticed the difference in your legs. Just keep doing what you're doing and post here frequently for support.
  • Hi!

    I would suggest getting into the pool, if you don't mind the water. I love the time I get to spend in the pool, because no matter how strong you are, you always feel like superman when you're in there. You can do anything!

    I find that my endurance & overall strength has increased SO much since i've been using the pool. You don't have to swim laps (I find that reeeeeally boring.) I go to aquafit classes (at the YMCA), or put on some music and play around in the pool. (After 6 months of swimming, I invested in a waterproof mp3 player that I love.)

    Yesterday, after an hour and 20 minutes in the pool, I'd burned off 1600 calories! I know I couldn't possibly have walked/jogged for that long, so the water is a real blessing for me.

    Hope this helps.

    -Yello.
  • hey john welcome so glad you are here. several years ago i had a roommate that has cerbral palsy and she and i worked out together often. she rode the bike for cardio because for her standing/walking was not a option. she lifted free weights because she couldnt not use machines she also did alot of water exercise. good luck to you!!
  • Thanks for the good advice unfortunately I can't drive (leg issues). So that leaves me with really one option until I go to college in the fall... walk oh well I'm only on day 3 and I am seeing improvement. I have till Aug 20th I can only wonder what improvement I'll see by then.


    My goals are be able to walk a mile (dont care about time I just need to do it) and lose 30 pounds.
  • Hi John... Welcome...
    I think you will like this site, lots of support here...
  • John, there are a series of tapes called Chair Aerobics that I got for my husband (disabled and in a wheelchair). You could check your library. You get an amazingly good workout without having to stand or walk.