any suggestions of what exercises a person should do if there in a wheelchair

[moma7777]

 

[Delphyne]

The best exercises you can do will be upper body exercise.  Find some inexpensive free weights.  If you the ability to use your lower body at all, then you may want to consider doing simple stretch exercises that work on increasing your tendon strength.

Kegel exercises also are beneficial for you because sitting for so long can make those nerves weak.

 

[ushaann]

Stretches are good excerise.And kegel excerise is awesome one should try them.

[moma7777]

i do go swimming, but in the winter, i dont go as much. Because of the cold weather. But i have 2lb and 3lb hand weights that i use. But should i be going with something a little heavier. I have never have heard of kegel exercises

[moma7777]

im alway was open to new ideas.i had polio as a child and had been using crutches and walking. but in 1984 and then again in 2003 i broke my knee and theres know fix so now im in a electric wheelchair. Since going in the chair i have put a little extra weight and so my desire is bascially get it off. But to stay healthy and stay young 

[premar16]

  omg I was just about to look this up.Since I am in a wheelchair and cannot do regular cardio thanks for this .Any further suggestions are welcome

[jowbow]

google: Chair Exercises
There are also some good videos and there is a show on PBS called Sit and Be Fit

[Tresbn00]

Pretty much everything that someone who isn't in a wheel chair does with the exception of things that require your legs.  I was in a cast for seven months and found that I did more during that period than when I was walking! I cruised a mile a day on crutches with my dogs, went to the library an hour a day, worked out my upper body, went swimming (tricky with a cast), worked more and did better at my company/was recognized for my hard work, met my fusioncash/ptc goals faster, was in a better mood with my kids, set goals...and achieved them, got in contact with alot of people that I hadn't talked to for years.  I found that a person is only limited by what they say they can't/won't do.

[Nancy5]

Get some weights and do upper body workout.  Also google wheelchair workouts, I'm sure you can find something you like.  Good luck!

[maxinmotion]

I don't remember the name of the equipment but it is used to lift bed ridden people up in their bed. It is mounted over the head of the bed and the person can also use it for sit ups.

[Delphyne]

i do go swimming, but in the winter, i dont go as much. Because of the cold weather. But i have 2lb and 3lb hand weights that i use. But should i be going with something a little heavier. I have never have heard of kegel exercises

Kegel exercises are those which strengthen your pelvic floor.  I have MS and epilepsy and frequently lose feeling in those nerves, so I practice them regularly.

More info on Kegel exercises:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kegel-exercises/WO00119


Livestrong also has great suggestions.  You need to use weights that give you some work out.  If those weights seem too light, you may want to upgrade.

From Livestrong:

http://www.livestrong.com/wheelchair-exercise/

[moma7777]

im so glad that so many of you all have such great input. over the years i have used my arms alot and have caused lots of damage. i have a torn rotator cuff that the doctors won't touch because its so shredded. So i have tried to baby it along. it has its good days and bad days. i was needing input as im not sure how far to push over working the shoulder. but i sure will try some of your suggestions

[lynnc35]

Been there, done this, leg lifts, stretches, they got the bands you can do stretches with, I was in one for almost a year after being hit by a car, and did alot of physical therapy in a wheelchair, but you can do alot of stretches and lifts depending on your injury

[moma7777]

im having an exray tomorrow to see what is going on. and then i will try the stretches and bands. 

[Delphyne]

im so glad that so many of you all have such great input. over the years i have used my arms alot and have caused lots of damage. i have a torn rotator cuff that the doctors won't touch because its so shredded. So i have tried to baby it along. it has its good days and bad days. i was needing input as im not sure how far to push over working the shoulder. but i sure will try some of your suggestions

No problem, hon.  I have epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis.  I have to use a cane occasionally.  My MS is SPMS, so the prospect of needing a wheel chair in the future is a possibility for me, as well.  I have tried to learn all I can about the body.