Creating an Exercise Plan for Someone with a Disease or Disability

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Creating an exercise plan for someone with a disease or disability

Hey there! When creating an exercise plan for someone with a disease or disability, it’s important to remember that everyone’s situation is unique. What works for one person might not work for another, so it’s crucial to tailor the plan to the individual’s specific needs and limitations.

Before diving into any exercise routine, it’s always a good idea to have a chat with a doctor, physical therapist, or another healthcare professional who knows the person’s condition well. They can give the green light on what types of exercises are safe and appropriate.

Once you have the go-ahead, start by setting realistic goals. If someone has been inactive for a while due to their condition, they’ll need to start slow and gradually build up their fitness level. Celebrate the small victories along the way!

Let’s examine some specific examples of how to create an exercise plan for people with different conditions.

Say you have a friend named Sarah who has Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s can cause tremors, stiffness, and balance issues, so Sarah’s exercise plan should focus on activities that improve her coordination and mobility. One idea could be to sign her up for a dance class designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s. The rhythmic movements and music can help with motor control and reduce tremors. Sarah could start with a 30-minute class once a week and gradually increase it to two or three sessions per week as she builds up her strength and endurance.

Another example could be your cousin Michael, who has a spinal cord injury. For him, the focus should be on exercises that maintain muscle strength and prevent complications like pressure sores. Michael could use adaptive equipment like resistance bands or hand weights to perform seated upper-body exercises. He could start with two sets of 10–12 reps for each exercise, such as bicep curls or shoulder presses, and do this routine 2–3 times a week. As he gets stronger, he can increase the resistance or the number of sets and reps.

Now, let’s say your aunt Linda has diabetes. Her exercise plan should prioritize activities that improve cardiovascular health and help manage her blood sugar levels. An excellent option for Linda could be brisk walking. She could start with a 10-minute walk around the neighborhood, 3–4 times a week, and gradually increase the duration to 30 minutes per session. Linda could incorporate resistance training exercises like squats, lunges, or wall pushups on alternate days to build muscle strength. She could perform 2–3 sets of 8–10 reps for each exercise, depending on her fitness level.

Remember, these are just examples, and every person’s situation is unique. Working closely with healthcare professionals is essential to create a plan that suits the individual’s needs and abilities.

When designing an exercise routine, it’s also important to consider the person’s preferences and interests. If someone loves being in the water, incorporating pool-based exercises could make the experience more enjoyable and encourage them to stick with it. If they’re a social butterfly, joining a group fitness class tailored to their condition could provide a sense of community and support.

Another crucial aspect is ensuring the exercise environment is safe and accessible. For instance, if you’re working with someone who uses a wheelchair, you’ll want to ensure the gym or exercise space has ramps, wide doorways, and accessible equipment. If the person has balance issues, you might need to provide a stable chair or support rail for them to hold onto during certain exercises.

Throughout the exercise journey, monitoring progress and adjusting as needed is essential. Celebrate the small victories, like being able to walk for an extra five minutes or lifting a slightly heavier weight. If the person experiences pain or discomfort, take a step back and reassess the plan. It’s all about finding the right balance and listening to the body’s signals.

Creating an exercise plan for someone with a disease or disability takes patience, creativity, and a personalized approach. By working closely with healthcare professionals, considering the individual’s needs and interests, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment, you can help them achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall quality of life.

So, let’s get moving and create some awesome, tailored exercise plans together!

© Stephen G. Arrowsmith 2024

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