If you experience limited mobility, it can be hard to find ways to stay active. For some people, reduced mobility comes as a result of illness, disability, or chronic pain. For others, reduced mobility is a result of age. You can still experience the various health benefits of exercise if you have low mobility. Our team at Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island would like to share some cardio exercises you can do even if you have low mobility.
Benefits of Cardiovascular Exercise
It can be challenging to find ways to exercise if you are dealing with limited mobility. One of the significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease is a sedentary lifestyle. Regular cardiovascular exercise can decrease the chance of having a stroke or heart attack. Here are some more of the benefits of cardio exercise:
- Decreased body weight.
- Reduced blood pressure.
- Reduced LDL and total cholesterol.
- Increase in HDL cholesterol.
- Increased insulin sensitivity.
Some of the other physiological benefits of exercise are improved muscle strength and function and improvement in aerobic capacity.
Cardio Exercises for People with Low Mobility
Regardless of your physical condition or age, there is no shortage of ways you can reap the physical and mental benefits of exercise and overcome your mobility issues. Before you begin any new exercise program, you should consult with your doctor to see if it’s right for you. If you need to do seated exercises, make sure you have a stable, armless chair to allow unrestricted upper body movement, unless the exercise calls for a wheelchair. If you have limited mobility in your lower body, consider trying these cardiovascular chair exercises:
- Resistance Bands – Secure a resistance band to your chair, perform arm curls or chest presses, and incorporate at least 20 repetitions per exercise. As your fitness levels improve, you can extend your workout time and incorporate more exercises.
- Air Punching – Punching the air can be an excellent cardio exercise. If you are just building up your cardio fitness levels, this exercise is particularly ideal.
- Water aerobics – If your ability permits, try water aerobics classes for a low-impact cardiovascular workout.
- Arm Cardio Machines – If you have access to a gym, many of them offer arm-based cardio machines, including rowing machines and arm bicycles.
Contact Dr. Regina Druz
Incorporating cardiovascular exercises into your daily routine can make a difference in your heart health. At Integrative Cardiology Center of Long Island, our team is here to help you achieve optimal cardiovascular health and wellness with our fitness programs and comprehensive approach to care. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment!