We all know the importance of health and fitness but does it differ for wheelchair users? I’ve spoken with several fitness and health experts in the last few months regarding fitness regardless of disability. Physical activity is important no matter if you have a disability or not; and it doesn’t have to mean going to the gym or adaptive sports although they are great options.
I’ve recently joined a women in wheelchairs fitness test group. My goal was to try and lose weight, get healthy and raise my energy level. Although it’s only been five weeks I feel amazing! I’ve raised my energy level, lost a few pounds and I’ve been sleeping great at night. Let’s not forget to mention I have gotten several friends and family members to join me for different exercise activities.
I decided to join Tamara Jackson, fitness expert and author of 265 Point , her program was a perfect fit for me. She has videos that show several upper body workouts that increased my heart rate without having to go to the gym. She also has a motivational piece of her program that I love. I have weekly calls with Tamara and she helps work through any issues I have. One of my biggest challenges was to drink more water. I know it sounds simple but I absolutely hated water! Now it feels like my body craves water and staying hydrated is another part of staying healthy!
Knowing what to eat is important when trying to lose weight and staying fit. Do you know your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)? BMR is the amount of calories your body would burn if you did nothing and stayed in bed all day. Here is a good thread for BMR http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/
Losing weight is a simple mathematical formula: You need to burn more calories than you eat. I track all of my food and exercise on a free site called My Fitness Pal. I track my exercise using my Fit Bit Flex which is linked to My Fitness Pal account.
There are so many parts to staying healthy, fit and in shape; what you eat, exercising, sleeping well to name a few.
How do you stay healthy and fit?
