Category: Your Body Is Your Vessel
Wheelchair, scooter, crutches, canes, as people with physical disabilities we always have our own accessories.
Getting a wardrobe that doesn’t bunch up when we are sitting in our wheelchairs, or trip us when we are using our walking aids can be a mission impossible for even the best of us diva fashionistas.
Before I decided to go on a fitness center hunt, I gave myself a reality check. I knew that not all people with physical disabilities would be able to use the machines and services of a fitness center.
I knew that the person with a physical disability would need enough strength and mobility to use the equipment. There needed to be a criteria. I didn’t know what it was but for the time being I was going to use myself as the guinea pig.
Ever since my birthday in January, I have been holding on to my gift certificate to Nouvelle Day Spa as if it were a treasured piece of gold. But this past week, I felt I needed it. Since I had never been to a spa before I wanted to make sure that it would be accessible. The last thing I needed was to go to a spa to relax and find out that I couldn’t because I would be arguing over its inability to accommodate me.
Valentine’s Day is the day to go all out on your loved one. Flowers, candy, expensive candle light dinners and dazzling jewelry are the hot ticket items for this red heart beating holiday if you are a part of a couple.
But what if you aren’t? What if you are single? Should you pout?
Spring is already well under way and that means that summer is just around the corner. And summer means skimpy clothing, swimsuits and lots of skin.
Wait! Before you go into full-on rabbit mode in order to slim down in preparation, consider exercise. Exercise is the most effective way to lose weight, as long as you’re burning more calories than you’re consuming. Unfortunately, exercise can be difficult if you have a disability. There aren’t many programs out there that can incorporate a wheelchair or walker, and the ones that are out there are generally so low-impact, a person can barely work up a sweat. Exercise programs that do make your heart rate jump aren’t made for people who have disabilities or use mobility equipment.
However, there are some programs out there made specifically for people with disabilities and other high-impact programs can be modified to make them easier for you to do. Here are some suggestions, based on my personal experience.
