As people age, high-intensity workout starts to become a far-fetched dream. However, regardless of your age and fitness level, it is important to include some form of physical activity in your everyday routine to avoid health hazards.

While some people choose not to indulge in any kind of physical activities, others are simply too old, disable, frail, or have limited mobility. So what are people living with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, or someone bound to wheelchair supposed to do?

Well, the good news is that exercise can be done by anyone even if they are living with a chronic condition that limits their mobility. Exercise is one of the best ways to strengthen your bones, increase your flexibility, and get rid of joint pain. Moreover, studies have also proved that regular exercise help protects the body against chronic disease, lower your chances of injuries, and improve mood.

Here are some exercises that are suited for people with limited mobility.

  • Tai Chi
    Almost everyone, even someone in a wheelchair, can participate in Tai Chi which is an excellent form of movement. Tai Chi has helped people suffering from osteoarthritis, heart rate failure, and COPD show great improvement.

    Tai chi is one of the most effective exercises for the overall wellbeing of mind and body. The essential principles of Tai Chi include control of movements and breathing, mind integrated with the body, mindfulness, and generating internal energy. Numerous studies have shown that Tai Chi improves immunity, muscular strength, flexibility, relieve pain and improve life quality.

  • Aerobic Exercise
    Aerobic exercise includes different activities that can increase the heart rate. Swimming, running, walking, cycling, and tennis are some of the examples of aerobic exercises. Did you know, brisk walking is believed to be one of the best exercises to help ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

    For people suffering from mobility issues, exercising in water is beneficial. As the water supports body weight, exercising is less painful and often makes it easier for a person to move. Moreover, working out in water helps improve range of motion, cardiovascular fitness, and balance.

  • Yoga
    We often take mobility for granted. But, as we age, we start experiencing limited mobility. However, this doesn’t mean exercise is out of the question. You can still perform yoga even if you have limited lower body mobility. Yoga helps enhance the range of motion and reduce stiffness in the joints.

    Whether you are suffering from a temporary or permanent disability, yoga can help physically, emotionally, and mentally. People with limited mobility can perform simple seated exercises such as reaching your arms across your chest, moving your neck side to side, raising your shoulders towards your ears and more!

  • Strength Training
    If you are wheel-chair bound due to age, injury, or chronic disorders, it is important to get your body to move as much as possible. A strength training exercise for those with limited mobility is similar to those for able-bodied people but only needs a slight modification.
    Make sure to perform the exercises while sitting with a good posture in a chair. Also, remember that all exercises need not be a formal routine.

If you are planning to start an exercise routine, talk to your doctor. If limited mobility is making it difficult to visit your primary physician, call the doctor at home. Utah Doctors At Home offers in home health care services to patients who cannot travel to see their doctor.

Call 385-247-0050 today to get comprehensive medical care from the comfort of your home.