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Disabled-Friendly Fitness Equipment

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Written by Vladimir Korozova

Thursday, 01 May 2008

by VladimirKorozova

A good exercise program may be difficult to put together if you are disabled. Today, there are many more places that have fitness equipment designed especially for the disabled. In addition, if you were injured or temporarily disabled then this would be a good place for you to work through your recovery process.

One important piece of fitness equipment that people with disabilities use is the recumbent steppers. This allows people to use a step machine from a seated position. They are portable and are generally used on a hydraulic stepping machine, which responds to the amount of pressure applied. A recumbent stepper can help one improve balance, improve endurance, strengthen the lower body and lose weight without impacting the joints or back.

Another popular recumbent machine is the bike. If the person is able to transfer to a seat this bike can be an alternative exercise method. When in a sitting position, there is less stress on the joints and back. This is a great machine for those people who have encountered loss of mobility because of arthritis.

Another option is an ergo meter, if you are confined to a wheelchair. The wheelchair is actually placed directly onto the machine. A table style workout for upper body exercises or an ergo machine placed on the floor for a lower body workout is an example of some of the other types of portable machines. Ergo meters are also great for cardiovascular and strength building exercises.

If you are rehabilitating your muscles you might consider a sit-to-stand machine. These machines can be used solely by the person in the wheelchair to do sit and stand exercises and do not require the assistance of a therapist. The machine determines the percentage of assistance required and the seat adjusts as well.

During the rehabilitation process, stretching machines are helpful and come in many different options. There are simple rollers placed on your shoes for ankle stretches and they are also found on full body machines. If you suffer from pain due to lack of flexibility from some of the prominent muscle groups you will find you will have increased flexibility over time. Stretching machines are also good in aiding you to improve your circulation and later prevent degenerative diseases like osteoporosis or arthritis.

When choosing which type of equipment to work on for your rehabilitation, check with your doctor or therapist to ensure you get the right workout program best suited for you. If they haven't helped you to design an appropriate workout routine you could actually do yourself more harm than good.

You want to be sure to incorporate both fun and effective exercises into your routine to avoid the monotony. Be sure that you pay special attention to what your body is telling you. If it feels like you need to stop then be sure that you take a break and give your body a rest.

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Thinking of purchasing a fitness equipment? Go and visit www.allaboutfitnessequipment.com and find out about fitness equipment for strength training and other related subjects.