So what do you do for exercise?

I met a fellow yesterday who lives with a back injury. He was told to exercise and this has helped him a great deal.

So, after we were introduced, his first question to me was "Do you do any exercise?"

As my friend helped me take my coat off, I responded that I played wheelchair tennis for over a decade. And he said "So what do you do for exercise now?"

I wanted to reply that I get dressed, transfer into bed, activities which can take upwards of thirty minutes. Instead I told him I do exercises at home now, although I know that some of the activities I do really do more to help maintain my function as a quadriplegic.

He clearly wasn't impressed by my at-home exercise program. But there are reasons I don't use gyms. Gyms don't have the machines I need to exercise independently, such as the Uppertone system. Doing an activity like swimming or those which would require bringing an attendant would mean paying them. Not to mention that the cost of a gym membership is prohibitive, at least for me right now, on top of the costs I already have for my disability.

As I was thinking this, I looked down at my power chair and grinned, wondering if perhaps I should do without that so I can go tone at the gym instead. Nah.

The reality is that there are exercises you can do without going to a gym. For those of us with disabilities who find the cost factor of a gym membership out of range, it's possible to set up an exercise program at home after consulting with a PT, OT or your doctor. That ensures safety and reasonable expectations, especially when it comes to lifting weights.

I always put on music I enjoy while exercising. It may not be as much fun as going to a gym, but I still get the benefits.

And I get to keep my power chair without the cost of that gym membership. Whew.