Why Are Mobility Exercises Important?
Aging isn’t easy. As we age, we discover new aches and pains, whether from sleeping in an odd position or bending too much while working on a project. But even though aches will continue sporadically, there are ways to help ease the pain and stay mobile.
Low-impact mobility exercises are a great way to maintain fitness levels and even regain use. While you should always consult your healthcare provider to identify what exercises are best for you, our team at 101 Mobility is here for you, and we’ve compiled a few adaptive exercises for the elderly and everyone in between to help you get started. We’re committed to serving you and want nothing more than for you to feel on your way to independence and vitality. Read on to learn more about home exercises for bed mobility and get tips on staying active this spring.
Wheelchair Exercises
If you rely on a wheelchair to move freely, there are many accessible ways for you to stay fit. In fact, doing repetitive exercises has numerous short-term and long-term benefits and can:
- Increase your endurance
- Alleviate muscle/joint pains
- Improve balance
- Help prevent injury
- Build muscle/bone mass
- Enhance your range of motion
Wheelchair Exercises for Your Arms
Getting in shape starts with a first step. To begin, consider trying out the following arm exercises to improve and maintain your fitness levels:
- Chest Expansions
- Arm Raises
- Dives
- Arm Circles
- Overhead and Regular Punches
Interested in doing some yoga? Gentle stretching for seniors or anyone of any age is essential. Learn more about yoga poses you can freely do from your wheelchair. These fall prevention exercises can help you build flexibility and strength, keeping you mobile through the spring—and for the seasons to come.
Home Exercises for Bed Mobility
Being able to move around your bed is essential for your long-term health. Not only do bed mobility exercises help keep you in cardiovascular shape, but they also reduce the potential for bedsores and other conditions resulting from inactivity. Whether you’re looking for leg exercises in bed for the elderly or exploring home exercises for bed mobility due to a spinal cord injury, try out these adaptive exercises to stay mobile:
- Rolling over
- Scooting forward
- Lying on the back
- Transitioning between lying down and sitting up
- Sitting upright and scooting to the edge of the bed
Doing any of these bed mobility exercises for the elderly 8-12 times at least once a day will help you or a loved one navigate life better and have greater mobility.
Best Exercise Videos on YouTube
YouTube is home to some fantastic accessible content. Check out some of these excellent Wheelchair Exercise or Seated Exercise videos from YouTube that you can follow along with right at home.
- Chair Workout: Seated Cardio: Burn calories and increase your heart rate. Jessica Smith’s video will help you pump up the volume as you push through a 40-minute cardio workout.
- Disability Gym Workout: Led by Rob Smith, learn more about how to get your sweat going through various exercises using free weights, weight machines, cable and pulley machines, and the TRX system.
- Aerobic Exercise for Individuals with Tetraplegia: Although this video was developed for those with tetraplegia, anyone in a wheelchair or power chair can get a great workout from these aerobic exercises.
- Exercise Video for People with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities: It’s always a good idea to build strength and endurance. This video features exercises that improve flexibility, strength, and cardio-respiratory endurance for both able-bodied and disabled individuals.
- Seated Abs Workout: Chair Exercises for Your Core: Stay toned and in shape with the support of Coach Nicole! Check out this video for exercises focusing on building your core all while seated.
Exercising from your Wheelchair or Power Chair: Safety First
It’s important to stay fit, but be sure to put safety first when doing senior rehabilitation exercises. If you have a medical condition, you might want to consult with a doctor before starting any new fitness program. While exercising in a wheelchair, be sure to have an instructor, caregiver, or partner present when possible. If you’re feeling any kind of pain, listen to your body and stop.
Looking for additional support outside of practicing home exercises for bed mobility? Explore our variety of accessibility solutions designed to help you better navigate your home and retain your independence. We offer home elevators, vertical platform lifts, ramps, stairlifts, and more to help you stay comfortable indoors—and get outside to enjoy the warmer weather. Plus, reach out to us anytime for a free in-home consultation.
We’re Here to Help You Stay Mobile
At 101 Mobility, we want you to have the most accessible options to help you age in place in a safe environment. We also feel everyone deserves to get outside and soak up the best of spring. If you’re struggling with regular aches and pains, know that we’re here to help provide solutions that can make your life easier and less stressful. And if you’re looking for more advice on strength exercises for seniors in bed or physical therapy for the elderly at home, we can guide you to the appropriate resources.
If you’re ready to learn more about what we can do for you, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert support, scheduled maintenance, or stairlift installation services. We care for you
