SCI Total Fitness is an online fitness program for individuals, pictured above, with disabilities that remove the barriers of getting to the gym.
Pool therapy offers a wide range of exercises for people with disabilities.
“People with physical limitations have a higher risk for all health complications associated with a sedentary lifestyle – diabetes, heart disease, etc."
Kristin McNealus, founder of SCI Total Fitness in Long Beach, Calif.
"Plus, going to a health club can assist with social interaction and decreasing depression by being around others.”
Amanda Somers, co-owner Sports Spine & Industrial in Greer
For GreerToday.com
Exercise provides many health benefits for people with all abilities, however the thought of exercising often isn’t considered important for those with disabilities.
People with disabilities are less likely to engage in regular moderate physical activity than people without disabilities, yet they have similar needs to promote their health and prevent unnecessary disease.
“People with physical limitations have a higher risk for all health complications associated with a sedentary lifestyle – diabetes, heart disease, etc,” said Kristin McNealus, founder of SCI Total Fitness in Long Beach, Calif. SCI Total Fitness is an online fitness program for individuals with disabilities that remove the barriers of getting to the gym. This program is expanding to include a social component so people will be able to work out together no matter where they live.
Individuals with disabilities have numerous misconceptions regarding fitness. They are worried that exercising will increase pain or cause exhaustion. McNealus said that exercise “will give you more energy, improve your mood, improve your sleep, improve your digestion and decrease your pain”.
Another misconception may be that there are few or no outlets to exercise.
“Despite the large number of parks, YMCAs, exercise gyms (some with rates as low as $10 per month), activities, sports, special events, videos, DVDs, and equipment available on the market, a lot of people simply don’t actively engage in an exercise program,” said Kenneth Tuckmantel, a physical therapist at the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department’s Bryant Center in Lyman. “It takes a tremendous amount of self-discipline to start and stick to an exercise routine, that holds true regardless if a person has a disability or not.”
Three years ago, I learned how exercising can drastically improve my health and life. Before beginning intense physical therapy, I had no energy, was in constant pain, and couldn’t sleep — just felt unwell in general. I started working with a highly knowledgeable and passionate therapist and within three months I felt as if I was a different person.
The first few weeks were challenging. I was sore and exhausted. However, around the eighth week I was full of energy, I started sleeping through the night, and my pain vanished. Since I was stronger I gained more independence as well. I also began to ride my three-wheel bicycle on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. I was in the best physical shape that I had ever been in — all from exercising.
“Persons with disabilities get the same benefits of exercise as those without,” said Amanda Somers, co-owner of Sports Spine & Industrial in Greer, “Improved cardiac function, lowering weight, decreased (blood pressure), in addition regular exercise can help decrease functional limitations. Plus, going to a health club can assist with social interaction and decreasing depression by being around others.”
SSI Health Club caters to the disabled population with its unique business model of Physical Therapy and Health Club Services, according to Somers. “Our specially-trained health club staff works to collaborate with our physical therapists to meet the needs of all members. In addition SSI offer personal training and post-rehab programs for those with special needs.”
There are various opportunities and options for people with disabilities to stay active and healthy. “Creativity and problem solving go a long way in making a healthy lifestyle available for people regardless of their situation or needs,” said Tuckmantel.
• About the author: Kim Wooten, 25, was born with cerebral palsy, which is a condition that affects her muscles and muscle control. She graduated cum laude in 2010 from North Greenville University with a B.A. in Business Administration. Wooten is married and has a two-year-old daughter.