Keeping Kids in Wheelchairs Active

Published: January 5, 2015

If you’re currently having trouble keeping your child in a wheelchair active, then you’ve come to the right place! We can help keep your child healthy, but also entertained at the very same time! Whether or not you or your loved ones happen to be in a wheelchair, staying fit is important. Of course, being bound to a wheelchair can often times throw a wrench into the equation, so these tips are meant to be helpful — take a look!

It’s Good to Warm Up

Before you begin an activity, it’s good to warm up. There are various ways warming up can be accomplished. By tossing a ball, you can work with your child on his or her hand-eye coordination. Not only can this particular warm-up assist with building upper body strength, but social skills, too. Another warm-up activity could be placing spots on the floor and having the child push his or her chair to each spot.

Set Up an Obstacle Course

By setting up a relay race or obstacle course for your child in a wheelchair, you will help them get a daily dose of cardio in. Obstacle courses don’t have to be particularly difficult, but can feature cones for your child to roll around or a basketball hoop to shoot balls in.

Wheelchair Dancing

Dancing is not only fun and entertaining, but also a great form of exercise. You can choreograph specific routines to your child’s favorite song. For example, you can have them roll forward or back, spin in a circle, etc. You can even play musical chairs and use index cards in the place of chairs. When the music starts, the child must be in front of a card. Of course, to play this game, you will need several players.

Don’t Forget to Cool Down

Once the exercise activities have been completed, it will be important to cool down. This can be accomplished by having your child do arm stretches, as well as blowing bubbles to assist with breathing.

Staying Healthy and Happy

As mentioned, it’s important to stay healthy. Being healthy can often lead to being happy, too. Your child may be in a wheelchair, but you can still assist them in staying active. Use the tips that are mentioned above, but don’t be afraid to get creative!