Disabilities are an unfortunate part of life and one way to cope with it is to live an active life with a positive outlook. This is easier said than done considering the many challenges that come with mobility, pain, and more, but still taking the first step towards it is sure to give you a liberating experience.

Remember, you're not alone. Around 10% of the world's population live with some form of disability, but not all of them live a dull and boring life. One way to give yourself some mobility is to use a wheelchair. Do you know that around 3.6 million people above the age of 15 use a wheelchair in the United States? And this number is growing with more than two million new wheelchairs being made in the United States each year. All this goes to show that limitations are in your mind and not in your body.

This brings up a pertinent question - how can you live your life to the fullest with the help of a wheelchair? For starters, pick a comfortable one, preferably with the right footrests for wheelchairs as it can make you move around more comfortably. Then, identify what you want to do. It could be volunteering at the local food bank, teaching for underprivileged children, going for a walk along the lake shore, getting on a bus and heading to the grocery store, working out, and more. You're limited only by your imagination.

In this article, we'll focus on how you can exercise from a wheelchair. But before that, it's important you understand that sitting on a wheelchair can create more health problems, though you're not doing it by choice. It can lead to obesity, one of the most prevalent lifestyle disorders today, that in turn can lead to other problems like diabetes, heart problems, and more.

Now that you know that there is a compelling reason to exercise and to lead a healthy life, let's look at some practical tips.

• No one knows your body better than you. So, stop when your body is exhausted or when you're in pain. Take rests when you have to. Rest your feet on the footrests for wheelchairs or on cushiony arm pads for as long as you have to before you start again.


• Check with a doctor before you begin an exercise routine.


• Be your own competitor and never blindly follow what others are doing. They may be doing exercises for a longer time, fitter naturally, or they could be using wheelchair alterations that help them to exercise better. Regardless of the reason, never compare and do only what you can.


• Work slowly and steadily to get to your goals. Remember, Rome was not built in a day.


• If you decide to do strength training, start with minimum weights and build your way through it. Have wheelchair arm pads, wheelchair covers, and just about anything else that you'd need to take some rest between reps.


• Focus on the overall health of your body and not just on reducing a certain part such as your belly or arm fat.


• Focus on what you can do instead of worrying about routines that you can't.


• Be positive and consistent and your efforts will give you the necessary results.

Above everything, be positive and never let your disability force you into a dull and boring life. Get footrests for wheelchairs or any other accessories you need to improve the quality and mobility of your life.