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.