Cardio Exercise for People Who Do Not Have Use of Their Legs

Cardiovascular exercise is an important part of good health for everyone. People who do not have the use of their legs must find ways to get this type of activity in their daily life to reap the health benefits of exercise. Typically, the big muscles in the legs are used to get the blood pumping in cardio workouts, but other muscles in the body can perform the same function.

  1. Swimming

    • Swimming is a cardiovascular workout that paraplegics and others can use to improve muscle tone in the arms at the same time. The resistance that water gives provides a much tougher workout than many land based aerobic activities.

      If you have not exercised in some time, make sure that you swim under the guidance of a trainer or lifeguard. Swimming requires great strength when the legs are not involved in the activity. You should also use care to not overdo your workout when swimming for cardiovascular exercise. Water keeps the body temperature low and you may not realize how hard you are working to do your laps in the pool.

    Boxing

    • Boxing with a punching bag can be a fun exercise for you to do to keep your muscles moving. A workout routine that requires you to use speed to hit the bag can get your heart pumping and oxygenate every cell in the body.

      A personal trainer can help you get started with the development of a boxing routine that will increase your heart rate. Discuss these exercises with your doctor before you get started on a new workout routine.

    Sitting Aerobics

    • Find a trainer or aerobics instructor that will help you to develop a routine that you can do from a sitting position. You can pump your arms in many of the routines in the same way that other aerobic routines use marching in place. As long as you sustain an increased heart rate for 20 to 30 minutes, you are getting a good cardio workout.

    Sports

    • Sports are another good way that you can get a good workout without the use of your legs. Basketball and wheelchair racing are heart-pumping activities that you can add to your workout routine. These exercises can be done on your own, but you should always make sure that you are physically capable of performing the activity. Your doctor or physical therapist will be able to help you choose the cardio workout that is right for you.