As someone with pretty severe Cerebral Palsy, working out can be challenging. It often feels like I have to have a deep conversation with my muscles to get them to move the way I want them to. Otherwise, they will have a party of their own and move to the beat of Keisha mixed with Skrillex.
In my younger years healthy eating and exercise was no where near the priority it should have been but now that I’m older, I am definitely more aware and I see improvement in my weight loss and being stronger to do my daily activities.
Arm workout
Exercise bike (MagnaTrainer) placed on table/Desk – With the MagnaTrainer on a table it is heavy enough to stay in place and cycle with your arms. It has an odometer to track your progress with miles, speed and calories burned. It’s a pretty good form of cardio.
Parallel over head arm raises –with your hands on your lap, raise your arms above your head with your arms straight as you can.
Over head bent arm raises – Bring your straight arm over your head then bend your arm at your elbow. Straighten your arm toward the sky.
Alternate arm stretches – With your arm starting on your lap, bring your arms straight up then down and bring the opposite arm up. Continue alternating sides.
Inward arm stretches – With your arm straight ahead of you bring it inward while keeping your arm straight until it crosses over to the opposite side. Bring it over as much as comfortably possible.
Outward Arm circles – with your arms held outward as much as possible do circles in each direction.
Remember any movement is good and it may not be perfect or look exactly how you want or expect and that’s ok! It took me some time to accept that my body doesn’t move how everyone elses does but I am grateful to have the movement I do and want to keep it strong. If anyone has any questions or just wants to yap feel free to reach out. Below is a list of equipment with links to the products.