Adaptive Exercises Conclusion Transcript

Lindsey Mullis: What would you want to say to somebody to inspire them if they came to you and they’re like “I can’t do exercises like you, I can’t, I have a disability and I can’t”? What would you say to them?

Alena: I would say that “can’t” is just in your mind because no matter what it’s you that is holding you back. When you do get healthy, you can finally be more independent. You can be more mobile. You can actually get out on your own. You’re not dependent on somebody else. You’re not always asking for help. You don’t have to worry about somebody else doing something for you. You’re not waiting on anyone else. Being more active, and being healthier and having that fitness can help you gain momentum towards being more independent. You know, everybody says that they have to have a motivator. But what says you have to have a motivator? Why can’t you be your own motivator? Start exercising for two or three minutes, and you’re already there, so you’ve already put out the effort, so you’ve already made a little impact, or you’ve already got out of bed, or you’ve already moved in that direction, so just keep going. So you don’t necessarily have to have a reason, just start it. I’m doing this because I want to show that people with disabilities that no matter what they can accomplish things, they don’t have to be hard on themselves. I’m just an average person with a disability, I’m in a wheelchair, I’m just trying to accomplish my goals one at a time, and do what I can to remain active, and mobile, and a member of my community.

Lindsey: Always remember that it is very important to warm up before being active and exercising so that you can get your body ready to move. It’s also just as important to do a cool down with some light stretching to keep you from getting too sore and prevent injury. Also important is to remember that when you are being active and healthy, but you should never push yourself so hard that it hurts, but instead you want to challenge yourself at a level that you are comfortable with. So start small, add difficulty as you go, and remember to make it fun! So thank you for watching.