Exercising in the 冬天 can be challenging, especially when you have a physical 残疾. But finding year-round activities for adults with disabilities is important. Staying active is good for your physical health—and it also boosts your 心理健康 during 冬天.
“在大流行期间, it's become evident how much inactivity and social isolation affect 心理健康,” 挚友Kari, 小径 (Technology Recreation Access Independence Lifestyle Sports) adaptive sports program director at 克雷格·H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital. "Those are issues that people with physical disabilities face every day, 流行病与否, because they have more challenges to navigate when getting out and being active."
Finding and participating in activities for adults with disabilitiesfrom 适应性体育项目 to other community recreation opportunities or exercising at homemay take some effortKari说, 但这是值得的. Physical activity makes you sleep better, 改善整体健康, lessens anxiety and depression, and keeps you mentally sharp.
Tips for Staying Active in the Winter with a Disability
Learn ways to work around common barriers to exercising in the 冬天 and reap the benefits with these tips.
1. 在家锻炼
"Some people just aren't 冬天 people and they hibernate all season long,Kari说. "That's fine as long as you find ways to stay engaged in life, 社交, and take care of your physical and 心理健康."
If you need to avoid the cold by exercising at home with adaptive equipment, 小径 lets you 借设备 like stationary bikes (and delivers them to you) so you can do spin classes at home.
Check with your local adaptive sports program to see if they offer a similar lending program. Move United is one nationwide source for tracking down 适应性体育项目Kari说.
2. Consider Community Recreation
Community recreation centers and indoor pools typically provide access for people with disabilities, including accessible entryways and pool lifts to get in and out of the water. Taking advantage of these resources for indoor 冬天 exercise is a great way to stay fit. Some individuals might be able to exercise independently. Others may require personal caregiver support.
Check out your city's parks and recreation department website or call them to ask if they have accessible, adaptive programming available.
3. Look Into Adaptive Sports Programs
Adaptive sports programs provide fun activities for adults with disabilities. You can compete in organized sports or enjoy outdoor recreation through these programs. 例如, 小径 offers free indoor and outdoor activities multiple times a week, including alpine and Nordic 滑雪. In non-pandemic 冬天s, indoor shooting, swimming, and spin classes are offered too. Caregivers are encouraged to participate in activities as well.
"People with complex physical disabilities—even those with no use of their upper bodies at all—can take part in independent recreation with 小径,Kari说. "TetraSki and TetraWatercraft—adaptive skis and watercraft designed with the University of Utah Rehabilitation 研究 and Development Team—have unleashed possibilities for independent, adaptive recreation providing more opportunities for individuals with complex physical disabilities. So, 例如, instead of just going along for a completely dependent, 协助骑, the skier now decides how the skis turn."
搜索 online for an adaptive sports program near you. 的se programs offer a variety of activities.
4. Find Accessible Transportation
A big hurdle for people with disabilities is securing transportation to activities. One option may be public transportation. 的 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public buses and trains to provide paratransit service with chair lifts and ramps. Transportation authorities may provide paratransit service as a part of their regular mass transit operations or as a separate service. 的 ADA rules guarantee that all people have a means of transportation.
Some services help you from your door to the vehicle to your destination's door. Others provide curb-to-curb service. Check with your local public transportation agency to see how their service works. You can also reach out to other accessible transportation companies or see if others with disabilities in your community can help with carpooling.
With some research and some planning, you can maintain an active lifestyle in the 冬天. 健身, 与他人交流, and doing things you love will help you feel good—inside and out.