Health & Fitness

Benefits of Exercise Despite Physical Disability

There are a number of reasons to exercise despite physical disability.  Here are a few from The Mayo Clinic:

  • Exercise controls weight
  • Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
  • Exercise improves mood
  • Exercise boosts energy
  • Exercise promotes better sleep
  • Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life
  • Exercise can be fun… and social

Benefits of Adaptive Sports
Adaptive sports also provide tremendous health benefits, including:

  • Strong heart, lungs and bones
  • Toned muscles
  • Blood sugar reduction
  • Weight management
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Balanced cholesterol levels
  • Improved blood circulation
  • Stronger immunity
  • Increased energy levels
  • Prevent secondary conditions

A few commonly cited benefits of playing sports, aside from the health-related ones, include:

  • Boosted self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Discipline
  • Respect
  • Calmness
  • Teamwork
  • Mood improvement
  • Better concentration
  • Stress and depression reduction
  • Improved sleep habits

Fitness instructor Mike Lee explains why exercise is important. (2:30)

Life-on-Wheels (PDF)
A guide for living a healthy, active life with a spinal cord injury

 

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