 Everyone needs to stay physically active, even with a chronic condition such as a sensory disability. Exercise provides innumerable health benefits for people of all ages and skill levels, especially those with sensory disabilities.
Since people with sensory impairments typically don't exercise as much as their peers, it's extremely important that they stay active. A healthy lifestyle instills confidence in people with sensory disabilities while improving their physical health and allowing them to become more independent. Today, we'll discuss the importance of exercise for people with sensory disabilities and go over a few activities that everyone can do! What are Sensory Disabilities? Sensory disabilities are impairments that affect a person's senses, such as sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. It's important to remember that people with sensory disabilities are just like everyone else, and their impairments often vary greatly in severity. While some people are born with sensory disabilities, others develop their condition from disease, injury, and aging. A few examples of sensory disabilities include:
Oftentimes, people with sensory disabilities have another condition, such as autism or Down syndrome. However, people with sensory disabilities can still live healthy, happy lives, especially with a solid support system! The Best Exercises for Sensory Disabilities Differently-abled people with sensory impairments often get less physical activity than their peers, but there are still options to get in shape and lead healthier lives! If you have a sensory disability, make sure that you speak with a healthcare provider before starting a new fitness regime. These fun exercises can help you get in shape; even with a sensory disability, let's go! Walking or Running on a Treadmill There are plenty of studies showing that running has the power to increase your lifespan, with one stating that running regularly can increase a person's lifespan by about three years. We can attribute this to the fact that runners have better cardiovascular, body composition, and even neurological functioning. Although people with sensory disabilities may find it challenging to participate in sports requiring sight or visual communication with teammates, running on a treadmill is a great way to get active! If you're new to the fitness world, start with a brisk walk on the treadmill to get your blood flowing. Water Aerobics People who aren't active enough can develop joint pain and decreased muscular endurance and flexibility. However, water aerobics is a fun way to combat the effects of inactivity and live a more active lifestyle. Since people with sensory disabilities may not get enough exercise, water aerobics allows them to fit in their daily hours without putting too much stress on their joints. Differently-abled people can partake in water aerobics, especially if they modify the exercises to suit their abilities. For instance, someone with a visual impairment may need to count the number of strokes to cover the length of the pool. Water aerobics classes are also great for people with sensory disabilities because the activities are restricted to a specific area of the pool. Group Fitness Classes People with sensory disabilities often find it challenging to make friends and meet new people like them. Group fitness classes led by adaptive fitness specialists present an opportunity for differently-abled people to get in shape and have fun along the way! Working out with a community of like-minded individuals will make it much easier to stick to a new fitness regime. A 2016 study found that people who work out with others are more active than those that do not. Also, adaptive fitness specialists will ensure that the entire group can work out properly and stay motivated! Adaptive Rowing When it comes to exercises for people with sensory disabilities, adaptive rowing is one of the most popular. Instead of using a boat and going out on the water, adaptive rowing uses an indoor rower to meet the needs of people with diverse abilities. Most people think that adaptive rowing only works the upper body, but it also engages muscles in the legs. And the best part is adaptive rowing is perfectly safe for people with sensory disabilities! In fact, a 2015 study found that people with low vision could increase their overall physical fitness by rowing five days a week. If you need help figuring out where to start, consider working with an adaptive fitness specialist that can guide you through a new fitness regime. Strength Training Whether it's calisthenics or weight lifting, strength training is an effective way for people with sensory disabilities to enhance their physical fitness. The right strength training exercises will help differently abled people improve their strength and care for themselves independently. Physical strength can make a world of difference for people with sensory disabilities by allowing them to live a more enjoyable lifestyle. While sensory disabilities may affect a person's ability to see, taste, hear, or touch, they don't impact someone's ability to gain strength! Just remember to take it slowly in the beginning and start with bodyweight exercises to build strength gradually over time. Get Moving with Let’s Go Fitness If you’re looking for a special needs fitness program but you’re not sure where to start, our team at Let’s Go Fitness is here to help. We provide special needs fitness programs for differently-abled individuals. At Let's Go Fitness, we strive to create a welcoming environment where anyone can make friends, get in shape, and have fun doing it! Our adaptive fitness specialists guide participants every step of the way. Whether our athletes need accommodations, modifications, or simply an understanding listener, we'll help everyone reach their goals. Are you ready to start a fitness journey for yourself or a loved one? Contact Let's Go Fitness today to learn more about our membership packages!
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 Exercising with friends is an excellent way for differently-abled people to connect with others, get in shape, and manage their symptoms. However, you’ll need to fuel your body with the right foods to get the best results from your workout plan. If you have autism spectrum disorder, you might struggle with food aversions or sensitivities that make it challenging to consume the right foods. That’s why we’re here to help you create a special diet for autism!
Getting used to cutting out certain foods and replacing them with better options can be a huge adjustment for most people. This is especially true if you’re on the autism spectrum and prefer sticking to your routine. However, eating the right foods and exercising can help you lead a healthier, happier lifestyle and manage your autism symptoms. How Nutrition Affects Autism Symptoms Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Since autism exists on a spectrum, symptoms differ from person to person, but research suggests that proper nutrition can help people with autism manage their symptoms and improve their overall health. Although every person with autism is different, nutrition may affect autism symptoms in the following ways:
Your gut health is closely connected to your mental health. Studies suggest that people with autism have an imbalanced gut microbiome, which causes inflammation in the brain and affects cognitive function. With the proper diet and an exercise routine, people with autism can live healthier, happier lives. How to Create a Healthy Diet for Autism Symptoms Even if people with autism have similar symptoms, each person has vastly different food preferences. However, there are a few tips that you can use to help you create a healthy, balanced diet for autism. Just remember to speak with your healthcare provider before drastically changing your diet. Eat More Whole Foods Artificial ingredients can make autism symptoms worse because the body is trying to metabolize and excrete man-made chemicals. When creating a diet for autism, remember to avoid artificial colors, dyes, flavors, and preservatives. The shorter the ingredient list is, the better! The rule of thumb is that if you can’t pronounce an ingredient, it’s in your best interest to avoid it altogether. A diet for autism should include plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans, and nuts. If you’re struggling with food aversions, try creative recipes that conceal vegetables to ensure you meet your nutritional needs. Load Up on Healthy Fats Healthy fats are a vital component of any healthy diet, but this is especially true when creating a diet for autism. Omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish, flax seeds, and chia seeds can support brain health and may help reduce inflammation. Other sources of healthy fats include nuts, seeds, and avocados. If you struggle with food aversions related to texture, consider adding more nut butters to your diet. Try a Gluten- and Dairy-Free Diet If you’re creating a diet for autism, you may need to cut out a few foods for better gut health. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it can cause inflammation because it’s difficult to digest, especially for people with autism. Some studies suggest that the brain treats these proteins as opiate-like chemicals. You may need to cut out regular bread and pasta, but there are plenty of gluten-free alternatives that will allow you to enjoy your favorite foods. Another protein to avoid is casein, which is found in milk and dairy products. Much like gluten, it can be challenging for the body to digest this protein found in fermented foods, processed meats, and aged cheeses. Many people with autism choose to avoid dairy products for this reason. However, just like with gluten, you can always consume dairy-free milks and cheeses to compensate for this dietary restriction. Identify Any Food Sensitivities and Nutrient Deficiencies Many people with autism are sensitive to gluten and dairy, but other foods can also cause issues. While elimination diets are a viable option, taking a food sensitivity test is much more effective. For instance, an MRT test can detect sensitivities to 170 foods. Furthermore, people with autism often have nutritional deficiencies due to a selective diet or malabsorption. If you’re concerned about nutritional deficiencies, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider for nutritional testing. Eat Healthy and Exercise with Let's Go Fitness When it comes to physical fitness, getting your diet right is only half the battle. If you’re looking for a special needs fitness program but you’re not sure where to start, our team at Let’s Go Fitness is here to help. We provide special needs fitness programs for differently-abled individuals. At Let's Go Fitness, we strive to create a welcoming environment where anyone can make friends, get in shape, and have fun doing it! Our adaptive fitness specialists guide participants every step of the way. Whether our athletes need accommodations, modifications, or simply an understanding listener, we'll help everyone reach their goals. Are you ready to start a fitness journey for yourself or a loved one? Contact Let's Go Fitness today to learn more about our membership packages!  Everyone says they want to get in shape and become a healthier, fitter person, but only some people stay on track. Getting into a consistent, regular workout routine can dramatically improve your physical and mental health – but if you have a physical disability, you might feel discouraged from starting.
Sticking to a workout routine is vital even if you're differently abled. Let's go over a few reasons why working out is so important and a few tips that will help you stick to your exercise regime. The Importance of Exercise with a Physical Disability Everybody needs exercise, but it's especially important if you have a physical disability. Of course, sticking to a regular exercise routine can improve your overall health and quality of life, but it also does so much more for differently abled people. If you have a physical disability, a consistent exercise routine may benefit you in the following ways:
It's important to note that exercise programs for people with physical disabilities should be tailored to the individual's abilities and needs. Working with a qualified physical therapist or exercise specialist can help ensure that exercise programs are safe, effective, and enjoyable. 5 Tips to Stick to Your Exercise Regime Most people know that exercise is good for the body, mind, and spirit, but keeping up with a new exercise routine can be a struggle, no matter how motivated you are. These simple tips will help you manage your physical disability and stay on track with your exercise regime. Just make sure you consult a healthcare professional before you get started. Let's go! 1. Begin with SMART Goals Sometimes, people with a physical disability find it more challenging than others to stick to their new exercise regime. Studies show that people with physical disabilities get less exercise than other people. While there may be many reasons for this, differently-abled people can often overcome their challenges by setting S.M.A.R.T. goals:
2. Write Down Your Exercise Plan Writing down an exercise plan and fitness goals means you're much more likely to achieve them. People that write down their goals are often more motivated to work towards them, and seeing clear benchmarks in written form will keep you on the right track. Additionally, writing down your goals will make it easier to develop a system you can stick with, even when you have a physical disability. 3. Get a Workout Buddy Working out with a gym buddy is a great way to stay motivated and stick to your exercise regime! Support from a gym buddy makes it fun to try new workouts and engage in friendly competition. Since people with physical disabilities often struggle with feelings of isolation, exercising with a partner can also quell any feelings of loneliness. It's best to have a gym buddy with the same physical fitness level as you, but this can be challenging when you have a physical disability. Your best bet is to work out in group exercise classes hosted by adaptive fitness specialists. This way, you can make new friends just like yourself and get in shape along the way! 4. Eat the Right Foods Every time you exercise, your body needs the right fuel to recover. A healthy diet will help you gain muscle quickly and have more energy throughout your daily life. Even if you have a physical disability, a healthy diet will be about the same as it would be for everyone else. When it comes to your diet, keep it simple. Make sure to eat lots of healthy carbs, fats, vegetables, and protein to fuel your body. And always discuss your meal plan with a licensed healthcare provider before making any major changes to your diet. 5. Work Out with an Adaptive Fitness Specialist An adaptive fitness specialist specializes in personal training for people with disabilities. As the name suggests, they adapt workouts to each person's needs. An adaptive fitness workout plan may include stretching, Pilates, strength training, and other fun activities. It's challenging for everyone to start a new workout plan. Still, an adaptive fitness specialist can spark your motivation and guide you through the unique obstacles of working out with a physical disability. With their guidance, you'll be able to stick to your new exercise regime and become your healthiest, happiest self! Live a Healthy Lifestyle with Let's Go Fitness If you’re looking for a special needs fitness program, and you’re not sure where to start, our team at Let’s Go Fitness is here to help! We provide special needs fitness programs for differently-abled individuals. At Let's Go Fitness, we strive to create a welcoming environment where anyone can make friends, get in shape, and have fun doing it! Our adaptive fitness specialists guide participants every step of the way. Whether our athletes need accommodations, modifications, or simply an understanding listener, we'll help everyone reach their goals. Are you ready to start a fitness journey for yourself or a loved one? Contact Let's Go Fitness today to learn more about our membership packages! Everyone benefits from consistent physical activity, and this is especially true for differently-abled individuals. Burning off excess energy, enhancing motor skills, and improving physical fitness are excellent reasons to start a new exercise regime, but people that are differently-abled may struggle to find special needs fitness programs that can accommodate their abilities.
Plenty of independent studies support the assertion that movement-based therapy positively impacts the physical body, along with communication skills, behavioral problems, and even academic performance for children with special needs. Moreover, parents will reap the benefits when they can connect with other families that relate to their life experiences. And the best part is adaptive fitness specialists can guide your child throughout their fitness journey while making all the necessary accommodations. Today, we’ll discuss what it means to have special needs and why special needs fitness programs should be integral to all communities. Let’s get started! Understanding Special Needs The term “special needs” has many different meanings – it can refer to a condition that causes issues in a single aspect of a person’s life or a condition that completely transforms their way of life. However, “special needs” is often used to describe a person’s physical or emotional difficulties that require additional assistance. There are four primary categories of special needs:
Some people are born with special needs, but others develop special needs later in life. It’s important to understand that people with special needs are just like able-bodied individuals, even if they have different needs. What are Special Needs Fitness Programs? Everyone has qualities that make them unique, and people with developmental disabilities need to stay active just like their able-bodied counterparts. Special needs fitness programs are designed for people with special needs. Even though people with special needs are just like everyone else, they may find it difficult to engage in school-sponsored sports activities. As a solution, special needs fitness programs provide a fun, healthy environment where differently-abled people can make friends, build confidence, and get in shape! The Benefits of Special Needs Fitness Programs Of course, you’ll need approval from a primary care physician before starting a new exercise regime. Once your doctor gives you the green light, you’re ready to get in shape with the assistance of adaptive fitness specialists. They Help Children Get Their Daily Physical Activity The CDC recommends that children have an hour of physical activity every day to maintain their physical and mental health. And of course, these guidelines apply to differently-abled children as well, but most differently-abled children don’t get the physical activity they need. Special needs fitness programs provide a safe space for differently-abled children to improve their self-esteem, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the stress of daily life. While most children can get their hour of physical activity throughout the day, children with disabilities may need a little extra help reaching this goal, but special needs fitness programs bridge the gap. Exercise Has Additional Benefits for Children with Disabilities Exercise is beneficial for everyone, but children with disabilities and other chronic conditions experience more benefits than other children. Exercise for children with disabilities enhances their physical function and reduces deconditioning, which instills them with greater independence. Special needs fitness programs offer a level of inclusion that differently-abled children may not experience in other areas of their lives. In many cases, children with disabilities don’t partake in group fitness activities at school, so special needs fitness programs are an excellent way for differently abled children to experience the inclusion in group activities essential for emotional development. Adaptive Fitness Professionals Can Provide Personalized Training Studies show that about 40% of children and teens in the United States are differently abled or have a chronic health condition. However, physical activities are seldom tailored to meet the needs of differently-abled individuals. Since differently-abled people often don’t have access to the right fitness programs, it can be difficult for them to maintain their physical and mental health. Special needs fitness programs allow differently-abled people to participate in specialized training with the help of adaptive fitness professionals. These trainers understand the unique needs of differently-abled individuals and teach them how fun it can be to get in shape with friends! Parents and Children Find Support and a Community Differently-abled children are more likely to experience isolation and feel misunderstood. However, special needs fitness programs bring differently-abled children together with peers with similar issues. Furthermore, adaptive fitness specialists know how to manage meltdowns in a way that makes the child feel understood. The parents of children with special needs face unique challenges that other parents may not understand. When these parents have support from a like-minded community, they can have the emotional support necessary for special needs fitness programs and also help families learn more about how to care for their differently-abled child. Get in Shape with Let’s Go Fitness If you’re looking for a special needs fitness program, and you’re not sure where to start, our team at Let’s Go Fitness is here to help! We provide special needs fitness programs for differently-abled individuals. At Let's Go Fitness, we strive to create a welcoming environment where anyone can make friends, get in shape, and have fun doing it! Our adaptive fitness specialists guide participants every step of the way. Whether our athletes need accommodations, modifications, or simply an understanding listener, we'll help everyone reach their goals. Are you ready to start a fitness journey for yourself or a loved one? Contact Let's Go Fitness today to learn more about our membership packages! |
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