After a spinal cord injury, it is common for people to get into the best shape they possibly can. This not only helps them regain function, but it also helps them feel better. Transitioning into a full-time wheelchair-user can be difficult. Exercising can make this transition easier. Using your body to its fullest extent is the key. It is difficult however for many people with new tetraplegia to discover new ways to work out when they can no longer use their body like before.
And with COVID-19, people are working out more than ever at home, which is why every piece of equipment recommended below is something you can use at home. For many people with paralysis, they will be exercising at home for an extended time to come, meaning reasonably priced, accessible workout equipment is critical.
TheraBand
TheraBand is a well-known resistance band for people wanting to get stronger and is used often in physical therapy. Resistance bands are one of the most inexpensive pieces of accessible exercise equipment you can purchase. Many people will tie it around a door handle or somewhere in their home and then pull away for an effective workout session. There are different colors of TheraBand as well as representing different resistance strengths. You can purchase resistance bands at any medical supplies store.
VitaGlide
One of the most well known accessible exercise tools that have recently gone through a refresh is VitaGlide. A weight trainer and a cardio machine, this home gym helps wheelchair users improve their upper body by offering two different resistance motions. It is in a V-shape as well. The user grabs a handle on each side to glide back and forth using various resistance settings. There are 10 different levels of resistance and users can either simulate a cross country skiing motion or a rowing motion. Learn more: https://www.vitaglide.com/
Handcycle
There are a variety of handcycles available that help wheelchair-users get a great cardio workout. It is important to look for a handcycle built for a wheelchair-user. Not every handcycle is built the same. Some are more sturdy. You will require a handcycle that has some weight and will stay out while you work out. One of the most well-known handcycles available for wheelchair-users is the SCI Fit PRO handcycle. Learn more: https://www.scifit.com/product/pro1/
Wheelchair Training Rollers
For tetraplegics who push their wheelchair, investing in a wheelchair training roller is a must. A wheelchair training roller allows you to push a wheelchair over long distances in the comfort of your own home. Think of it as a wheelchair accessible treadmill. These are highly popular with manual wheelchair-users.
Easy Stand Glider
For those who want to stand when they are working out, they Easystand Glider provides a great way to get a cardio workout while using a standing frame. This standing frame has two bars that when moved by the upper body, make the lower legs move in a cross country motion. While this is a passive movement, it provides great cardio, as well as weight-bearing on the bones, which is essential in preventing osteoporosis post-spinal cord injury.
FES Bikes
Whether you purchase a FES bike from Myolyn or RT300 from Restorative Therapies, a FES bike at home can open a whole new world of exercising for someone with a spinal cord injury. They can move to paralyze leg muscles. Using low-level electrical pulses, they are transmitted to the legs which cause them to cycle the bike. A computer is used to generate the proper pulses to stimulate the legs and properly. To learn more about FES bikes, click here: https://restorative-therapies.com/ and https://myolyn.com/
Pulley Weights
An easy way to weight train if you’re a tetraplegic is with pulley weights. Pulley weights can adhere to the wall so a wheelchair-user can roll right up and use them. There is a great pulley weight system created for wheelchair-users to buy a quadriplegic in Canada. Learn more: https://www.rehabmart.com/product/duplex-pulley-weights-12637.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvIT5BRCqARIsAAwwD-QtClgFUC_kOqOsWclUp9XBwHwVVvFUeDrR2h-nPKGF7NDQ17MWwS8aAgGsEALw_wcB
If you are seeking more adaptive exercise ideas for tetraplegics, check out online HIIT workouts that you can be done right in your wheelchair. While these do not require any equipment, many tetraplegics are huge fans of this high impact cardio workout.
