I'm just curious as to how other quadraplegics workout? What equipment and exercises they do. I'm thinking about buying some equipment and any advice would be appreciated. I currently have an arm-bike, body bar 18 lbs and some light hand weights....I'd like to go heavier but the lack of hand control prohibits heavier weights. Has anyone tried an Uppertone or similiar workout station? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Jim

Hey mate,

I have used an uppertone. There is one in the gym I go to and there was also one in the gym in hospital when I went though rehab.

I don't tend to use it anymore as I use pulleys and free weights but I am C7. The other guys in the rugby team who are C5 though use the uppertone quite a bit and say that it is really useful for them. They also use free weights for some exercises using a glove that holds the weight for them.

Good luck with finding something that works for you.

Adam

I'm a C5 and here's my 2c worth.

I believe a cable machine is better than a uppertone : the analogy being like barbell bench press vs machine bench press.The problem with the likes of uppertone and similar machines are that they lock you into a pre determine path. Cables make you work harder and force you to control the movement. My home set up consist of:

- VitaGlide
-Cable Machine
- dumbbells
- Hooks
- Gloves

I train/play wheelchair rugby but you could do VitaGlide or out pushing sessions in place of rugby.
Like I said, my 2c worth.

would you recommend buying the cable machine?....it's a bit pricey but I need to get something to get my strength and endurance up. On a personal note, how heavy a free weight can u curl? I'm having trouble with them slipping out of my hands unlless someone wraps them up. Thanks again.

That machine is in Australia $. The way I look at it, I've set up a fully accessible gym for just under $6000 Australian. I did that 4 year years ago. I don't have to travel or pay gym fees - call that $1000 a year - so in two years time, my gym has paid for itself. Everything is set up the way I want it and easy to use for a quad.

I use dumbells a bit and use gloves (I hyperlinked in my previous post) to hold them, using my teeth to close the velcro. The gloves are designed for VitaGlide but are great to hold dumbbells.

Don't know what I curl - I do it on the cable machine.

Hope this helps.

hey bulky, how do ya find that vitaglide ? looks interesting..............
how much and where'd ya get it from ?
I'm in oz too.

hi,

i would recommend the vitaglide. it has helped me massively in terms of shoulder and arm strength.

i also use a thera vital for legs and arms which is also very good. i get a lot less spasms and leg/feet swelling now.

j

Hey MrBump,
I got it from DeeJay Medical Supplies. They have their national Office in Sydney and are the official importer/distributor for VitaGlide. I reckon the VG is far better that any bench mounted arm cycle machine. They are costly, mine was $2800 in 2005 but it is worth every penny. I reckon I get more cardio fitness out of this machine than pushing because you are always moving with the VG 'no gliding with a big push stroke.' Also, you can use far more muscle groups on the VG than just going for a push.
Hope that helps.
B42

I use a handbike attachment that clips onto the front of my wheelchair. With gloves velcroing my hands onto the pedals/handles (other methods are available) it is a great upper body workout and not boring like sitting in a training machine. Consider them as an option.

working out is toufgh shit mind boby must become one...now as one u must attempt to be good but by doing so u'll see how weak u are yeah ur asking wat things but some times its the most simplest things like breathing fartting laughing pr etty much life im not trying to preech to u ...just make me too understand also wanting to w ork out....neways start small...thenn u'll see go big or go home...... aaww maybe now i can sleep.........GOOD LUCK buddy