It is important for all individuals including those with a disability to have a safe and healthy fitness regime. An exercise routine that proves challenging and encourages the body to move and be active, while also maintaining and improving one’s mental health and wellbeing. Regular exercise is one of the most important things for our health and benefits can be experienced by everyone. 

Some benefits include maintaining a healthy weight, improved mental health, and lower the risk for early death, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Physical activity can also improve mental health by reducing depression and anxiety. For people with disabilities, physical activity can help support daily living activities and independence. Muscle-strengthening activities, like yoga, Pilates or working with resistance bands, provide additional health benefits. 

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or specialist to understand how a specific disability or health condition affects ability levels to safely participate in physical activity daily. Talk to support team members, and family friends about getting started on a new fitness plan. Depending on the disability and also interests, an exercise group may be suited better than another. The most common exercise forms include cardio exercises, flexibility exercises or strength training. 

Some cardiovascular exercises include jogging, swimming, inclined walks, cycling, circuit training and dancing. 

Strength training generally involves lifting weights or creation resistance to increase endurance and build muscle. Some exercises include, Goblet Squat, Plank Rows, Overhead Tricep Extensions and Hammer Curls. 

Flexibility exercises will help your body have a wider range of motion in the joints. Yoga is a good example of this type of exercise. Exercises can be modified depending on your physical mobility, weight, age and medical condition.

To help you achieve your exercise goals, you may also be eligible for funding such as through the NDIS. We are a Registered NDIS provider. 

Why exercise is important for people with a disability