Physical activity tips for the disabled

Leisure is of fundamental importance for better quality of life and well-being. Currently, this is increasingly clear, with the demand of the population for the practice of physical exercises.

But this active lifestyle shouldn’t be exclusive to people without physical limitations or with other types of disabilities. On the contrary, the practice of physical activity is important for people with physical disabilities to maintain physical and mental well-being.

And in addition to bringing improvements in the person’s functional capacity and quality of life, sports improve emotional well-being and remove negative factors, such as low self-esteem and the feeling of exclusion. It is no wonder that the practice of physical activity is highly recommended by specialists for the physically disabled.

Doing some sport is never an easy task. So, for people with some kind of disability or physical limitation, the challenge can be even greater. But, the practice of activity for the disabled is as important as for anyone else, it gives energy, maintains body strength, improves stress and helps in the treatment of depression.

1. Swimming

It is one of the most complete sports that exists, and can be practiced by people with various limitations, such as paraplegics, visually impaired and cerebral palsy. With the accompaniment of an instructor, it is possible to define movements that adapt to the needs of the body.

2. Bodybuilding

It is the activity especially recommended for those who have a disability related to the limbs. That’s because, it can overload some muscle groups, making a routine of strength and resistance work necessary to avoid muscle pain.

3. Yoga or Pilates

These popular exercises have trainings tailored to people with special needs. They combine strength and resistance exercises with stretching, which helps a lot with balance and conditioning for everyday tasks.

They are also recommended for those who have a visual or hearing impairment, as they help to get to know their own body better and to have a better sense of space and balance.

4. Cycling

There are adapted bicycles for all types of limitations, from people with disabilities in the upper or lower limbs, to the hearing or visually impaired. Bicycle for more than one person, it allows someone to guide the ride while the other helps to pedal.

5. Trekking

The Adapted Adventure project promotes accessible adventure tourism, anyone with a disability can practice adventure tourism.

The trekking program promotes, in addition to the adrenaline explosion, very interesting landscapes to distract and feed the view. In addition, those who practice have the opportunity to meet new people and also get in touch with nature.

6. Dance

It’s a great physical activity for everyone, and it’s an activity that offers numerous benefits for people with disabilities.

In addition to being a great aerobic exercise, music and movement help to develop creativity and motor skills, which are essential elements for social and psychological changes.

It’s such an amazing activity that even people with hearing impairments enjoy it, as they can perceive the music through the sound vibrations it emits, making the experience extremely calming.

It also provides moments of conviviality that improve self-esteem and enthusiasm, being a favorable factor for socialization and self-perception.

7. Team sports

Currently, most team sports have versions adapted for different types of physical disabilities. No wonder the Paralympics exist.

Just think of one to find it. They are very interesting for self-esteem, as they stimulate social interaction and the feeling of overcoming.

8. Art Workshops

Do you think that art workshop is not a physical activity? Well, you are wrong. Through art workshops, it is possible to develop manual skills that allow to expand creativity and motor coordination and increase attention and concentration.

These workshops are also fundamental for socialization and for discovering skills that can become a future profession.

9. Martial Arts

Judo, karate, muay thai, kung-fu and jiu-jitsu are examples of some of the martial arts adapted for people with disabilities.

Practicing any of these activities helps protect yourself and also makes you know yourself better physically, working your physical, mental and spiritual balance, and making you feel more confident.

They also help in muscle strengthening and offer more disposition to those who practice them. And they are complete exercises, helping to keep your health up to date and your body always in shape.

Beyond sport

Activities for the disabled exercise the body and mind. But who doesn’t like the idea of ​​sports? Although it is not too much to emphasize that physical activity is important for a good quality of life, it is possible to stay active without the need to practice some type of activity.

Such as taking walks on the beach, going to the movies and even sightseeing tours can also bring certain stimuli to the body and mind.