Fitness: Why You Need It: Canadian Paraplegic Association

Fitness: Why You Need It

Brenda Loveridge, B.PT, Ph.D
Lloyd Tymchyshyn, B.Sc., BMR, M.Sc.
Helga Rempel, B.P.E, M.Sc., R.D.

Do you have energy for all the things you would like to do, or want to do? Are you happy with your current fitness level? Are you satisfied with your current weight? If you answer no to any of these questions, then you need to think about getting regular exercise.

Exercises which increase strength and endurance:

are needed for wheeling, and in particular for negotiating inclines and curbs,

are important for independence in daily activities,

may limit the incidence of injuries related to higher stress activities like transferring to and from uneven heights,

are beneficial for many leisure and sport activities.

Exercise improves aerobic or cardiovascular fitness:

improves the efficiency of the heart at rest and during exercise,

improves blood flow to muscles and skin during exercise,

decreases the risk of heart disease by improving cardiovascular function, improving blood lipid profile, and assisting in weight control,

provides more energy and minimizes fatigue.

Exercise improves your general health by:

helping to control body weight,

providing a sense of well being.

For an active and healthy lifestyle, choose exercise activities that you actually enjoy and make exercise a part of your daily routine.

Start exercising at a reasonable intensity based on your fitness level, and progress slowly. High intensity exercise increases the likelihood of injury as it places more strain on the body than moderate intensity exercise. Also, high intensity exercise is not necessary to achieve the fitness levels associated with optimum health and wellness.