Exercise Equipment for Wheelchair Users
Filed under Wheelchair
Exercise is proven to not only lower the risks of diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular conditions, but it also it has also been shown to improve one’s overall mood and sense of well being through the release of endorphins. It can aid with the relief of pain, fatigue, cramps and stiffness.
Being confined to a wheelchair is in no way a sentence to a sedentary lifestyle. There is an abundance of easy-to-care-for exercise equipment for wheelchair users such as hand cycles, resistive tubing, and free weights. Exercise equipment is readily available to help wheelchair users maintain active, fit, and healthy lives.
Hand Cycles
Hand cycles are a form of closed chain, low impact aerobic machinery that strengthen and improve cardiovascular functioning while toning the muscles of the arms. Various models exist including with or without attached seats. The specific model will depend on the mobility of the user. Hand cycles can be placed on a table and used to exercise the arms. Sit on a comfortable wheelchair cushion as you exercise your upper body. The ergonomically designed handles adjust to greater or lesser amounts of resistance. These are the perfect table mounted hand bikes for the disabled. Simple lower end inexpensive hand cycles can costs from $60 to $100. Higher end machines can range anywhere from $300 to $5,000 depending on the accessories and capabilities. Check out below for some affordable and inexpensive hand cycles.
Buy Best Recommended Exercise Equipment
Pedal Exercisers – Affordable low impact pedal exercisers that can be used for toning the legs and arm muscles. Great for someone who is currently in a wheelchair but is rehabilitating.- Mini Cycle Exercisers for Arms or Legs – Uses adjustable magnetic resistance to provide a smooth pedal motion in both the forward and reverse directions. Excellent reviews.
- Motion Pulley Set – Motion pulley set for shoulder therapy that is easy to install and remove from a door. Practice extending your shoulders and arms over your head.
- Hand Cycle Exerciser – Made of sturdy heavy duty steel and has an easy to adjust control knob for resistance. Inexpensive hand cycle.
Neoprene Free Weights – Pick from a wide range of weights from 1lb to 15lb. Does not chip or damage floors and will not roll due to its hex shape.- Resistance Tubing – These are affordable exercise equipment that comes in varying degrees of tension. Great resistance training that can be used anywhere.
- Hand Cycles – Adjust the workouts to your preference from light to rigorous. A built in computer monitors your reps, distance, time and calories.
Resistive Tubings
Resistive tubing is an extremely inexpensive, yet versatile piece of equipment that is both portable and easy to use. Tubes can be looped around one’s own body, a doorknob, a table leg, or a wheelchair for a variety of 
full body exercises. Resistance tubes are useful in muscle toning and conditioning. Many fitness instructors and physical therapist recommend the use of these resistance tubes if you are rehabilitating or want to build muscle endurance. Tubes typically range from $2 to $20 for varying styles and resistances. A set of tubes including different shapes and sizes would be a more economical and useful purchase.
Free Weights
Free weights are likewise one of the most versatile types of equipment used for muscle strengthening and toning. They can be used for upper and lower body toning exercises. Weights coated in vinyl or neoprene are often more comfortable than purely metal weights. They can be purchased individually or in sets with costs 
ranging from $5 for a single dumbbell to $150 for large sets with adjustable weights. Kettlebells, medicine balls, sandbags, and body bars are all useful free weight equipment to have in any collection.
Any reasonable amount of movement is good for the body and your health. Spend this exercise time to practice your wheelchair transfer techniques as well. Being in great physical shape will allow you to overcome the limitations and challenges, a wheelchair user might encounter in their daily lives. No longer will you see obstacles the same way.
Tags: Free Weights, Hand Cycles, Resistive Tubings
Full Length Mirrors For Wheelchair Users
Filed under Disability, Handicap Bedroom, Wheelchair
Full length mirrors are stylish additions for your bedroom, but are also an ideal method of adding a spacious feel to any room of your home. The most popular designs are the free standing style and are available to match any décor. There are many beautiful and functional styles available that cost from $200 to $300, making them easily fit any budget.
Handicap Mirrors
While full length mirrors are of great assistance to everyone, they are almost a necessity when choosing suitable floor mirrors for wheelchairs and their occupants. The standing Cheval mirror is easily tilted to the angle best suited for viewing from any angle. These wheelchair mirrors allow the ability to fully view yourself after dressing and before going out into the public. It provides the confidence of knowing the image we reflect to others and that no detail has been overlooked. These handicap mirrors come in very handy when using dressing aids from a seated position.
Wheelchair Mirrors
A full length mirror is not only a grooming asset, but can also be a functional decorative addition to your décor. There are even designs that provide a dual purpose of extra storage for clothing, jewelry or decorative items. One example is a tilting wheelchair mirror that opens to reveal lined storage compartments for all your jewelry. Another design rotates to reveal five shelves that easily accommodate sweaters or other clothing, providing that often needed extra wardrobe space. A beautiful contemporary swivel storage mirror will provide a special touch to the living room, with a slanted full length mirror on one side and four shelves on the other, to display decorative items to enhance the décor of the room. All of these unique designs can be found for less than $300.
Buy Full Length Mirrors
Black Full Floor Mirror – Leather framed full length mirror that is contemporary and great for any room.- Over The Door Mirror – Triple view over the door hung mirror that allows the user to see angles from the left, right and center. Great for viewing dresses and extravagant outfits.
- Affordable Cheval Mirror – Great affordable Cheval mirror with a dark expresso finish.
- Cheval Full Length Mirror with Jewelry Storage – This Cheval mirror is also a jewelry storage wardrobe that is made of a beautiful cherry finish.
When choosing one or more of these mirrors for your home, finding the right color or design is never a problem, as they are crafted from many materials, from chrome and other metals with various finishes, to every wood type and color your décor may demand. Whether modern, contemporary, antique or traditional, there are multiple mirror designs from which to make your selection. Just make sure the mirror is installed low enough to the floor where a full view of your electric wheelchair, transport wheelchair or regular wheelchair is visible.
Tags: Full Floor Mirrors, Handicap Mirrors, Wheelchair Mirrors
