4 replies to this topic

[Dean1978]

Can anyone tell me what is a good workout for your stomach if your in a wheelchair

[A trophy guy]

Dean1978, on 02 January 2012 - 11:36 PM, said:

Can anyone tell me what is a good workout for your stomach if your in a wheelchair

A HUGE variable in answering that is the level of function you have retained since your injury. If you can do crunches, do cruches. I also do a modified leg lift exercise; in which I tie my legs together at the knees and ankles and use my lower abs and hips to slowly lower and then raise my legs off the ground.

Also certain weight lifting exercises target the abs. Dumbbell pullovers are great for the upper abs, done both on a flat bench and a decline bench. Of course, many disabilities preclude one from being able to do some of these exercises; Im just listing them.

But in the end, abs will never be visible unless you burn the fat covering them. The only way to do this is through a healthy diet and some exercise (burning more than you take in).

[ChairDroid]

I've been meaning to ask this as well. For quads it's not possible to move legs or perform sit-ups. Any suggestions to get rid of excess fats around abs?

[A trophy guy]

ChairDroid, on 03 January 2012 - 06:14 AM, said:

I've been meaning to ask this as well. For quads it's not possible to move legs or perform sit-ups. Any suggestions to get rid of excess fats around abs?

Eat less.

[StillFingers]

For quads, as ATG said, eat less, eat better (complex) foods. As for exercises...

Dumbbells (or a bag full of books, rocks, etc.)

Note, if your balance is shite (next to none) use a chest strap so you don't loose balance and fall out your chair...it hurts! I would also recommend using velcro straps or gloves to fasten dumbbells (bag o books, etc.) to your hands...dropping them on yourself hurts also. And, always stretch out, warm up a bit before you do any extensive exercising...pulled muscles hurt also...

1. Do this with a spotter/friend if you don't have triceps. Using either two hands and one dumbbell, or two of each, with hands in your lap, lift your hands up and over your head, as far back as you can, reverse the lift, hands back in your lap. Repeat as many times as possible (also do this slowly to get max benefit); this will stretch your abdominal's a bit, you won't be developing a 6-pak, but it will help thin things a bit; burns calories/fat also.

2. Use one or two dumbbells as above, lift hands to chest height, stretch hands as far forward as possible and twist from side to side, keep those arms straight as you twist far left, then right, then center...repeat as many times as possible. results are same as above.

3. While laying down, flat on your back, place a dumbbell, books or any weighted object, on your abdomen, using your lungs (yeah I said lungs) breathe deep, extend that belly, hold for 5 or ten seconds...extend this time if you can, as long as you can, exhale...breathe in and exhale slowly...repeat until; well you know...results are as above, plus this is great exercise for your lungs.

Have fun, the stronger, more flexible you get, the more control you have; even a little bit feels great. BTW, I use old camera gear to exercise with as well as weights/dumbbells, use whatever you can...just do it

Jerry

Edited by StillFingers, 04 January 2012 - 04:27 AM.