When you are confined to a wheelchair you can become very restless having to sit for long periods of time. Keeping the body moving and fit becomes an important part of a disabled persons life. It is essential that a wheelchair bound person develops a fitness routine that they can carry out on a regular basis.

The benefits for a wheelchair user who carries out regular exercise can be seen with improvements in flexibility, strength and keeping weight under control. This is the reason why wheelchair exercises have become so popular among wheelchair users who already have to worry about their disabilities. It pays to take extra care of your body in order to keep your mobility.

Warming up is imperative in any fitness routine and wheelchair exercises are no exception. Make sure that you warm up and equally important cool down after your fitness routine is finished. It is a good idea to start off slow and build yourself up to more weight and difficult exercises. The arms, neck, shoulders and torso are all the target of a wheelchair exercise routine.

Your doctor should be consulted before you begin your wheelchair exercise routine. Your doctor is better equipped to determine if the wheelchair exercises are beneficial to your unique disability.

When working on the upper body, the concentration will be on strength and resistance training.

With resistance training the wheekchair user uses large rubber bands for resistance. The bands are tied around a door or stable object and pulled towards the user. There are a variety of exercises that can be carried out to work the individual upper body muscles.

Strength training requires the use of weights. Lifting weights will increase the strength in the upper body and arms. Start off slowly with small measurements of weight. Gradually build yourself up to heavier weight.

Moving around in a wheelchair requires a great deal of strength. Wheelchair exercise and training will help the wheelchair user move around more easily.

There may be other exercises available for those confined to a sitting position. Check out videos made especially for people in a sitting position. It is possible to keep fit while confined to a wheelchair. It might take some effort but it is worth it in terms of strength and self confidence.

Just like it can have great effects on anyone, exercise and strength training can have a positive effect on almost every aspect of any wheelchair users life. It is important to have a good attitude when starting off on a fitness program. Set small goals and remember to reward yourself whenever you reach them. Fitness isn't only for the able bodied. Wheelchair users can reap the many rewards of fitness and good health.

For thousands of years now, wheelchairs have existed and have continued to aid physically disabled individuals in moving around. Because of wheelchairs, the wheelchair user no longer finds it so difficult to be independat and mobile. Wheelchair customisation is a trend that has only developed in recent years.

In todays society the wheelchair user has the option to improve the wheelchairs performance and personalise the style and specifications of their wheelchair to suit their individual tastes and mobility requirements. More often than not, wheelchair users are driven to customising their wheelchairs to address their special needs, enhance its performance, or to express certain styles according to their preferences.

Customised wheelchairs are considered premium products that provide users not only comfort but convenience as well. Customising their wheelchairs often involves simple modifications to address their needs.

For instance, because of customised wheelchairs, a triple-amputee who has given birth can truly enjoy and take care of her newborn. Simple adjustments and minor enhancements to the standard wheelchair can make this possible.

For users who have had an arm amputated, dual hand-rimmed wheelchairs allow for mobility allowing its users to have full control of both wheels while using only one arm. This improvement has definitely changed the world of amputees who, in the past, could not propel themselves whilst in their wheelchair.

Today, they require little or no assistance at all to move around. Wheelchair frames can also be customised to perfectly fit the wheelchair users body form. This way, it is easier for its user to manoeuvre their own wheelchairs. This also provides maximum comfort to the users as it is a perfect fit - similar to a tailored made suit.

Further customisation to wheelchairs can be made vis the wheels. Depending on where the wheelchair user uses his/her wheelchair the wheelchair wheels can be modified to travel in all types of terrain including uneven surfaces if they lead an active outdoor lifestyle.

By customising the wheels according to the needs of the user, stability, safety, and performance can be assured. This proves to be one of the significant improvements that was brought about by wheelchair customisation. In the past, users only had standard wheelchairs which could not be used on rough or irregular terrain.

What wheelchair technology has done is not only aid the physically disabled but, more importantly, it has significantly improved their lives. Because of continuous innovation and further improvements on how to customise wheelchairs, all the needs of physical disabled are being addressed.

This, along with the considerations that most societies already have in place, wheelchair users can now enjoy almost everything that able bodied individuals do. Through customised wheelchairs, the wheelchair user has become less dependent on others for assistance.

When the manual wheelchair was first invented and then developed for the general public, there was not a lot of choice in the style and type of wheelchair you could purchase. They were pretty much all the same, heavy and had dark colours.

Today you have a great many options when choosing a manual wheelchair. There are wheelchairs that are designed for specific needs or for recreational activities. There have been some improvements in the variety of materials as well. Aluminium, titanium and chrome have replaced stainless steel as the only material available. The materials used to build the wheelchair have become lighter and therefore so have the finished wheelchairs.

While lightweight wheelchairs were originally designed for sports activities it soon became apparent that the materials worked for everyday standard wheelchairs. They are stylishly sporty and offer independence not seen in the heavier manual wheelchairs. Light weight wheelchairs have became very popular among wheelchair users.

Lightweight manual wheelchairs are designed for those with the upper body strength and mobility to move them. Users that are overweight should not use a lightweight wheelchair because the lightweight design is not equipped to handle the weight. The Esteem Ultra wheelchair is one of the most popular and highest quality lightweight wheelchairs on the market.

The standard wheelchair has a cross-brace frame; swing out footrests, removable or permanent armrests and either a mid level or high level back. There are those users who find this type of wheelchair suits them best.

A child's wheelchair must be designed for the growth of the child. It must also be designed to help children overcome the difficulties associated with being in a wheelchair. To aid in the social problems a wheelchair bound child might have they come in a variety of colours and styles.

There are also specialty wheelchairs that will suit the needs of a large variety of users. Different lifestyles require a different type of wheelchair. There are hemi wheelchairs that are powered by the strength of the legs. A larger person will be able to find a larger chair to accommodate their size.

Some wheelchairs are powered by the strength of one hand. Outdoor enthusiasts will find more durable and strong wheelchairs to fit into their outdoor lifestyle. Racing wheelchairs are more aerodynamic and even wheelchairs that help the individual to stand up.

In hospitals and nursing homes they use a different sort of wheelchair. These particular wheelchairs are designed specifically for moving patients in the institution and are not made for use by an individual.

Yes the wheelchair has certainly evolved over time. For many people they are the key to their independent lifestyle.

Those who have physical disabilities find themselves in dire need of their own wheelchairs. However, wheelchairs can be very expensive and there are times when the person in need cannot afford to pay for one. To address the needs of these people, there are local organisations that can help.

If you do not have the financial capability to buy your own wheelchair, you should try making use of the services that the National Health Service provides. The NHS has a special Wheelchair Service that allows people to obtain funding for their wheelchairs.

The NHS Wheelchair Service is part of the national healths projects that takes responsibility for distributing funds to several wheelchair service providers and other health care organisations. These organisations then make use of the allocated funding to provide the physically disabled public with their own wheelchairs.

The process depends mostly on which local authority is involved. However, the standard process involves determining whether applicants are eligible to receive the funding requested. It also involves finding out what kind of wheelchair is required. The length of the process also varies on the local authority.

Usually, the first step is to find someone who can refer you to the NHS Wheelchair Service provider located in your area. Referrals can be carried out by your physician, health consultant or therapist.

After filing an application, your needs will be assessed. This may take as long as 3 to 6 months. This is often held in the local centre you have been referred to. Should you have any trouble going there, make sure to let the centre know. Throughout the assessment process, qualified professionals will be working with you and other health authorities.

Should you be eligible for a wheelchair, a local authority representative will discuss timescales and funding options with you. You must remember that there are certain criterion you must pass in order to be eligible to receive wheelchair funding. Depending on your needs and physical disability, you may be able to receive funding that will cover the entire cost of the wheelchair or at least part payment of a wheelchair.

Once the assessment has been cleared, the centre will place an order for your wheelchair. Depending on the type of wheelchair and the wheelchairs availability in local suppliers, you may have to wait a few weeks. When the wheelchair is ready, you will be able to pick it up and the local authority can if required arrange training on how to use the new wheelchair. Lastly, you will be taught how to maintain your wheelchair and how to repair certain parts should you experience any problems.

Although this may be an appealing option, you should be aware that it does take a long time before the entire process is over. Sometimes, people wait it out only to find out that they are not eligible for wheelchair funding. For this reason, should you be capable of buying your own wheelchair, even if you think you would be eligible, it might be better to just finance it yourself. Waiting many months without a wheelchair to keep you mobile is far from an ideal situation.

Wheelchair tyres should be given a lot of consideration because they have significant implications on the wheelchairs performance. Furthermore, they affect the manoeuvrability of the wheelchair and the wheelchair users comfort.

Generally, two types of wheelchair tyres should be considered and these types will be used on all models of wheelchairs, be it Transit, self Propelled or Transfer. The first type and previously most popular type are pneumatic tyres. Pneumatic wheelchair tyres are known to help with the wheelchair users comfort because the air inside allows the tyres to absorb more impact. However, these tyres are also known to puncture easily so maintenance costs are usually higher. Furthermore, pneumatic wheelchair tyres have to be replaced on a regular basis.

Another type of wheelchair tyres to consider are solid tyres sometimes referred to as PU Tyres, which are usually made of rubber. But sometimes, these are made of plastic as well. Because they are made of some form of solid material, they cannot puncture, nor can they deflate. Solid tyres are categorised into three types: entirely solid, the semi-pneumatic, and foam tyres.

Entirely solid tyres are generally made of rubber or plastic. Although these weigh the most, they are preferred because of their durability. On the other hand, there are semi-pneumatic tyres that are essentially made of rubber tubing. Having air inside the tubing will allow better shock absorption. Lastly, there are foam tyres that are quite similar to the semi-pneumatic ones but have polyurethane to substitute for air.

The appropriate wheelchair tyre depends on the needs of the wheelchair user and which features the user gives highest priority to. Should the ride be smooth and is the most important factor for the user then pneumatic tyres are recommended.

Some wheelchair models have the choice of which type of tyre however more manufactures are opting for PU Tyres which have the characteristics of a Pneumatic Tyre but the benefit of never going flat.

More often than not, physically disabled individuals who use wheelchairs find it hard to keep track of their weight because they are unable to stand upright independently on standard weighing scales. Fortunately, weighing scales for wheelchair users have now been developed.

Wheelchair scales have ramps to allow the user to simply wheel him/herself onto the scale. Once the user and his/her wheelchair are in place, the scale should be able to give an accurate reading.

The wheelchair without the user should be weighed separately. Subtracting the resulting figure to the earlier reading of both the wheelchair and the user will result in the accurate weight of the wheelchair user.

Individuals often do not choose to purchase their own wheelchair scales because they can be quite expensive and they also take up a lot of space. For this reason, most clinics and hospitals make sure that they are available for the benefit of wheelchair users. Being weighed in medical centres is also ideal because assistance can be provided.

In many medical centres, wheelchair scales can be seen in a variety of types including digital, beam, portable or stationary. Because stationary scales are thought to be more sturdy and durable, they are most often used by medical centres.

Most wheelchair scales have rubber surfaces to ensure that the wheelchair users will not fall off or will not move around while they are being weighed. Sometimes, they also have additional features for better measurements of the user's health.

Standard wheelchair scales can often carry very heavy loads, however individual scales need to be checked for the maximum load capacity. Should you be among those considering purchasing wheelchair scales for personal use, make sure that the scales you want to buy can hold both you and your wheelchair at the same time.

You may also want to ensure that it can carry heavier loads in case you gain weight or you decide at a later stage to purchase a heavier wheelchair.

• Extreme Wheelchair Mountain Biking
  Rough Riderz Downhill Club is devoted to both disabled and able-bodied off-road mountain bike riders who'd like to participate in (or get more information on) the UK's newest MTB scene.

• London Wheelchair Rugby Club
  LWRC is one of 8 Wheelchair Rugby Clubs based in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland playing in the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Coloplast National League.

• Welsh Wheelchair Rugby
  The WWRA exists to promote and develop the sport of Wheelchair Rugby throughout the Principality of Wales.

• Cerebral Palsy Sport
  CP Sport is a registered charity working incredibly hard to raise the vital Donate Online to CP Sport funds needed to continue improving the lives of hundreds of people with physical disabilities through sport.

• Wheelchair Tennis
  Still one of the fastesr growing wheelchair sports in the world, wheelchair tennis integrates very easily with the able-bodied game since it can be played on any regular tennis court.

• International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
  The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports, for which it supervises and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions.

• WheelPower - British Wheelchair Sport
  WheelPower provides accessible facilities at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the "home of Wheelchair Sport" including an Athletics Arena, Sports Hall, Indoor Bowls Centre, Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre. On site accommodation in the Olympic Lodge and the Olympic Village is suitable for a wide range of disabilities and is complemented by meeting and conference facilities and catering for events of all sizes.

• Disability Sport Events
  DSE creates opportunities for participation in sport for people with all impairments. We are the number one events agency, providing events in various sports.

• English Federation of Disability Sport
  EFDS is the national body responsible for developing sport for disabled people in England. EFDS work closely with five National Disability Sports Organisations (NDSOs) recognised by Sport England to develop sporting opportunities for the 11 million disabled people in England.

• British Blind Sport
  British Blind Sport (BBS) is a national registered charity based in Leamington Spa. Since its beginnings as a registered charity in 1976, British Blind Sport has become the leading voice for visually impaired people (VI) in the world of sport and leisure, both at home and internationally.

• Wheelchair Football Association
  The WFA are recognised by the FA (Football Association) as the sports governing body and have their full backing. The WFA are currently in negotiations with a number of other Disability Sports Organisations, including the British Wheelchair Sports Association, in order to move the sport forward.

• Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association
  The Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association is the governing body of the sport in the UK. The Association employs a full-time development officer. Information regarding the whereabouts of local clubs can be obtained from this website or the GBWBA Office, who can give help and advice to any individual or group wishing to develop their own clubs/teams.

• Disability Sport Wales
  The Federation of Disability Sport Wales (FDSW) is a pan-disability National Governing Body of Sport Which aims to promote and develop quality sports opportunities for disabled people throughout Wales.

• British Wheelchair Archery Association
  The Association is the reference point for all wheelchair users, for those wishing to try archery , by putting them in touch with local clubs.

• Federation Internationale D'escrime
  The FIE is the organization which governs fencing throughout the world. It is based in the Olympic capital Lausanne and currently counts 127 member federations

• Riding For The Disabled Association
  RDA is a federation of Member Groups, which are dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, through the provision of opportunities for riding and/or carriage driving.

• Disability Martial Arts Association
  The association is a wide ranging support network for people with all types of disabilities. They have a fundamental belief that people come first and disability is second

• British Wheelchair Racing Association
  The BWRA was formed in 1989 by athletes who wished to promote wheelchair racing for all in Great Britain. At the present moment there are 116 members from all over the British Isles

• British Wheelchair Bowls Association
  The BWBA are there to assist wheelchair users to get the most out of the sport, whether they are just starting out or are experienced bowlers. They help members to become fully integrated into their local clubs and playing in league games, matches and competitions at club and higher levels.

• British Wheelchair Pool Players Association
  The BWPPA was formed to enable wheelchair players to participate in the American disciplines of 9 Ball and 8 Ball pool. BWPPA is the recognised governing body of American pool for Great Britain.

• British Wheelchair Curling Association
  The BWCA was founded in January 2004. The aim of the Association is to develop, organise and plan all aspects of preparation, selection and competition to prepare teams for the Paralympic Games.

Many people have a need for mobility devices because of a birth condition, some unfortunate accident or disease, or simply because of old age. Although some might need them temporarily, others require mobility products permanently. No matter how long they are required to use them, it cannot be denied that these products enhance the quality of the lives of its users.

The most common types of mobility product are wheelchairs. These come in two main categories; manual wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs. The manual type can be controlled by users through an outer rim attached to the wheel while the electric wheelchair can be controlled using a joystick or some buttons. This is made possible by its motorised technology allowing it to be powered by rechargeable batteries or wheelchair power packs.

Another common type of mobility product are scooters. These come either with three or four wheels. Although scooters with three wheels often provide more leg room, many prefer four wheels because they are known to be more stable enhancing safety. These mobility scooters can come in two types including the Class 2 on-road and the Class 2 on-pavement.

With these forms of mobility products, it is important for you to know how to decide which best suits your needs. To aid you in figuring this out, you must first identify your requirements as each type would be better suited to specific lifestyles.

What is the best method to decide which mobility device is be best for you?

• If you find the need to be very mobile, you will most likely use your mobility device for extended periods of time. Should this be the case, it may be best for you to decide on buying a wheelchair as its support features for your torso and extremities will make you feel more comfortable.

• If you have limited upper-body strength, choose between scooters or electric wheelchairs so you would not have to manually control your mobility device.

• If you often feel weak and find difficulty in sitting up independently, it is recommended that you avoid scooters that these require upright postures and a considerable amount of strength.

• If your lifestyle requires you to be traveling on uneven roads or surfaces, try getting a manual wheelchair as scooters and electric wheelchairs have difficulty being stable in uneven terrain.

• If you like to travel to far places involving the use of trains or airplanes, it may be best for you to choose a wheelchair with a foldable feature so you can easily store it while in transit.

Now that you know what type is best for you, the next step is finding a model that suits your preferences. In deciding this, consider the places where you would be using your mobility product and try taking measurements. You at least have to make sure that the model you would like will fit through your home's doorways.

Also think about what other features you may find useful. Some enjoy having headrests and other extra features for added comfort. Also consider what your insurance policy covers.

Although you may gain many tips simply by reading, it is recommended for you to seek the help of experts. The choice of which mobility product to purchase will definitely affect your life tremendously so make sure you get quality advice from those who really know about these things and where to buy them.

Wheelchair batteries don't work the same as car batteries. While car batteries are needed to start the vehicle's engine and to run the electric components, wheelchair batteries work for as long as the wheelchair is in use or as long as the battery has enough power. Wheelchair batteries have to be recharged at least once a day, depending on the wheelchair usage.

Wheelchair batteries are commonly known as deep cycle batteries. Unlike common rechargeable batteries, deep cycle batteries will not be damaged when they are completely discharged. However, it is still advisable to keep them charged at all times.

The good thing about wheelchair batteries is that they are convenient for the wheelchair user as they can be plugged in for charging during the night when the wheelchair user doesnt need the wheelchair. Charging the batteries overnight isnt unsafe as the batteries cannot be overcharged.

Depending on how often the wheelchair(s) is used, wheelchair batteries can last a very long time as long as correct precautions and re-charging times are carried out correctly. There are also tell-tale signs the wheelchair user can look out for to determine whether or not the batteries are weakening so they will know when a replacement is due.

Wheelchair batteries or power packs are often sold in pairs and can range in price anywhere from £80 to £200. The price depends on what type of battery is needed and what type of wheelchair it will be used on, generaly the larger the battery capacity the more expensive it is.

There are two main types of wheelchair batteries:

1. Wet batteries:
   Wet wheelchair batteries get their name as they need distilled water in order to function. The water must be checked in regular intervals, this may be a difficult task if the wheelchair user does not have assistance.

2. Gel batteries:
   Gel wheelchair batteries do not use water. Gel batteries are also preferred by those who travel with their wheelchair especially in airports as airport security does not allow wet batteries to be in place while on the plane.

Compared to wet batteries, gel batteries are known to have 10% - 20% less power making them less appealing for those who travel great distances using their wheelchairs.