Exercise might be a bit of a challenge after limb loss, but ultimately, the choice is yours: will you let limb loss dictate your fitness routine, or will you rise to the occasion and keep your body in top condition, no matter what?
Below, we’ll talk about some ways to maintain your fitness with a prosthetic limb. Read on!
Begin at an Appropriate Level
When you think about it, exercise for someone who has all four limbs really isn’t that different than exercise for amputees. In each case, the person who is starting an exercise program needs to recognize their abilities and their obstacles, and they must start -- and continue -- exercising at the correct level for their physique. If they do too much, they risk injury; if they do too little, the program will ultimately be ineffective.
Someone who wears a prosthesis must begin their workout program at an appropriate level of challenge just like anyone else. The only difference is adapting to a mechanical device that wasn’t there before, which, admittedly, is a different sort of challenge than the kind that someone with all four limbs might face. But if it’s treated as part of the fitness routine, and the person who is exercising chooses to “get used to” the device just as they will get used to the physical demands of their exercise, they may be shocked at how much success they find.
Recognize the Benefits
Just like people without limb loss, amputees will see myriad benefits from engaging in an exercise program. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved functioning of heart, lungs, and muscles
- Better flexibility, mobility, and coordination
- Prevention of limb atrophy and muscle hypertrophy
- Stress management
- Overall sense of well-being
- Improved self-esteem
- Better sleep
Although many people with limb loss are fearful of hurting themselves, feeling uncomfortable, or being scrutinized while exercising in public, the fact is that the benefits far outweigh the possible risks.
Yes, exercise for amputees can be very demanding -- but with a little determination and the help of a fitness professional, anyone can reap the rewards of better physical, emotional, and mental health!
Become Empowered with BioTech!
Exercise for amputees isn’t just about physical fitness or mental health. It’s about setting a challenge for yourself and overcoming it. It’s about finding your inner strength -- that deep-rooted power you may not even know is there. And once you’ve discovered it, you’ll realize the only limits you really have are the ones you place on yourself.
BioTech can help you discover your inner power! Contact us today for help with prosthetic limbs, expedited fittings, and expert advice. We are here to help!