When we talk about physical activity for diabetics or diabetes exercise, a lot of people with limited mobility skip the step. The main reason for this being the question of how. But it is not true that you need to have full mobility to experience the health benefits of exercise.
If you have limited mobility due to injury, disability, illness, or weight problems, there are still plenty of ways you can use exercise to lead a healthier and happier life. While it is a reality, there will be challenges, but by adopting a creative approach, you can overcome your physical limitations and find ways to get active and improve your health and well-being.
Exercise makes your body release endorphins that energise your mood, relieve stress, boost self-esteem, and trigger an overall sense of well-being. Exercise has a great impact on mood and as per some studies, is known to treat mild to moderate depression.
However, if you have a disability, severe weight problems, chronic breathing conditions, diabetes, or any other ongoing illness, you may think that your health problems make it impossible for you to exercise effectively. In many cases, age keeps you away from exercise as it also makes you fear falling or injuring yourself if you try to exercise.
Diabetes Exercise: How Can a Diabetic Exercise with Limited Mobility?
The truth is, regardless of your current physical condition and age, there are plenty of ways to overcome your mobility issues and reap the physical, mental, and emotional rewards of exercise.
Exercise in any form can offer many health benefits. Here are some exercises that are beneficial, especially for diabetics. You can read through and choose what suits you best according to your condition.
- Cardiovascular Exercise
This type raises your heart rate and increases your endurance levels. Some good cardio exercises include running, dancing, swimming and water aerobics. For many, cardio-in-water exercises are a hit due to the fact that it reduces the risk of muscle and joint discomfort. Please note that even if you are confined to a chair you can perform some parts of the cardio routine. - Strength Training
This type involves the use of weights or any other resistance to build bone mass and improve balance. If you are someone with limited mobility you can focus on upper body strength. - Flexibility Exercise
With this type of exercise, you can enhance your range of motion and reduce any body stiffness and pain. This form includes stretching exercises and yoga. Even if you have limited mobility you can perform stretches and flexibility exercises to prevent or delay further muscle decline.
Just make sure that you start an activity you enjoy, and take a comfortable pace of your own. Another point to consider is keeping achievable goals so that once you accomplish them you are motivated to do better.
With exercise, another point to keep in mind is making sure your blood sugar levels are in check and also track how your exercise routine is affecting your blood sugar levels. You can invest in a glucometerto keep a regular check.
