Exercise equipment for disabled son

custard266

Hi, Wonder if anyone can advise on home gym equipment for my disabled son. He is extremely overweight at 23 stone and has difficulty walking outdoors. Looking for an exercise bike that might suit him as this would be low impact on his joints but finding difficulty getting one for his weight. Also wondered about a treadmill but not sure. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

torbrex

I got myself a Crivit Arm & Leg Pedal exerciser from Lidl a while ago, its good in the fact that it is small enough for any home and that you can use your normal chair to use it so the user's weight is not an issue.

[Deleted User]

Hello,

I think he may struggle with a treadmill as you need good balance to use them.

I have mobility issues, but I used to be a middle distance runner (including using a treadmill during winter). I now struggle to keep my balance on one (I can walk short distances without a walking stick, but only if the surface is even). If your son struggles to walk then I don't think a treadmill will suit.

How about a recumbent bike? They are more comfortable to used than an upright exercise bike. I found one for his weight too. The one in the link below is expensive, but there must be cheaper ones out there.

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/recumbent_exercise_bikes/vision_fitness_r40_recumbent_cycle_with_elegant_console/15491_p.html

Also, I would recommend finding a personal trainer for a few sessions to get started. Find one who specialises in injuries or disabilities. I did this after my accident and it made a massive difference. I was still on crutches for the first lesson and I could not even move my left leg at all, but there are still a lot of exercises you can do.

Also, how about asking your doctor for an exercise referral? I know someone who was very overweight and he has lost about 10 stones via the gym program. Again you need a gym that has someone with knowledge about disability exercise training.

[Deleted User]

torbrex wrote: »

I got myself a Crivit Arm & Leg Pedal exerciser from Lidl a while ago, its good in the fact that it is small enough for any home and that you can use your normal chair to use it so the user's weight is not an issue.

Is this machine heavy to move out of the way as it may be something I can use if not?

Thanks.

custardy

before you go paying out.
Would visiting a local gym be an option?
A cheap day pass(or look out for free day pass offers on O2 prority offers,Facebook etc) would allow you to actually try equipment and get an idea what works.
I dont really like exercise bikes but do like a session or two on the spin bikes.

An idea of what is possible

http://39stonecyclist.com/about/

consider going bike + turbo trainer?

torbrex

Spider_In_The_Bath wrote: »

Is this machine heavy to move out of the way as it may be something I can use if not?

Thanks.

It weighs about 2Kg so not heavy.

terra_ferma

I don't know if this is any use to you, but most councils run an 'exercise on referral' scheme where you get a personalised programme from qualified instructors (as well as free or discounted gym membership). This way he could try different equipment and carry on at home if he prefers.
Access is through GP or other health professional. The criteria may vary, but from what you say he should qualify, if he's interested.

custard266

Thanks for the help and advice. Will contact GP about referral but son also has Autism and isn't great in crowded or noisy places but can always give it a go and see.

terra_ferma

custard266 wrote: »

Thanks for the help and advice. Will contact GP about referral but son also has Autism and isn't great in crowded or noisy places but can always give it a go and see.

it may be worth speaking to the people running the service, as they will be able to tell you if the gym is suitable or when it's he best time to go.
The one I go to has a guy with autism attending, and he seems to be doing fine, as the gym is rather quiet (people on the referral scheme tend to be middle aged or elderly)

nlj1520

My son has autism and in one of the parks near where he lives there are treadmills, pull down machines and cross trainers on a. Fitness trail through the park. He loves it and we have learnt the quiet times of day to go so it is now part of his routine. Might be worth looking to see if there is anything near to your son that is similar. It may be that the walk to the machines would be too much for your son as you mention he has difficulty walking, but it might be possible to take a vehicle to the machines? Also my local swimming pool runs a session just for people with special needs on a Saturday lunchtime. It can get a bit noisy and my son doesn't always last the full hour for this reason, but again there maybe something similar local to your son?