“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.”—Rikki Rogers
I preach: “Be your best today; be better tomorrow.” For some, our best today may be the ability to struggle through yet another day. The increment of “better” may not be much. In some conditions, better is simply “not worse”.
I am blessed with very good health. I don’t have to ask the question, “Why me?”, when I wake up in the morning. I attribute much of my health to regular exercise and a sensible diet, but also the question lingers: “Why not me?” Many are born with conditions or come upon them in their later years at no fault of their own. I appreciate the struggles that many of my friends face. While we may often feel the need to encourage them, more often, they are the ones encouraging us.
A friend suggested I write about “how people with disabilities need to exercise, too”. A great topic idea! This friend, by the way, has Rheumatoid Arthritis, a very debilitating disease, yet she makes every effort to remain physically active and have a positive outlook on life.
I am often inspired by the “no excuses” attitude of persons with profound physical limitations (Kyle Maynard, Anthony Robles, Zion Shaver, Bethany Hamilton, and countless Paralympians come to mind—as well as many everyday heroes). I am also inspired by the (extra)ordinary people with less celebrity. Many of us, who can find any excuse not to exercise, should be mindful of those who daily overcome what might be perceived as a “justified excuse” to not exercise. There are, indeed, no excuses.
There are no excuses, only challenges. Many people have barriers to exercise—in other words, they can’t just walk into the local gym, pick up a weight, and start lifting. Barriers, however, are merely temporary hinderances. They can and must be conquered. There is always a way to exercise—some creativity may be required.
Everyone can—and should exercise. I have come across few medical conditions for which exercise is entirely contraindicated. Indeed, there might be restrictions (multiple sclerosis patients, for example, must be extremely cautious about over-heating), but these never can always be addressed.
I am not a fan of the labels “disabled” or “disability”, but “differently ability” has less flow. By definition, a disability is simply an “a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person’s ability to engage in certain tasks or actions or participate in typical daily activities and interactions” (Merriam-Webster). Truth be told, we all have something that affects, i.e., interferes with, one’s performance of the task at hand—this is “individuality”. Knowledge of exercise—specifically, the physiological responses to exercise—is essential to assure safe and effective exercise performance. Thus, one should seek qualified professional assistance. (This is the case whatever one’s “disability”.)
I apply the “dynamics systems approach” to exercise. This considers the interactions between the individual characteristics, the environment, and the task at hand. This is all the more apparent in considering individual differences (i.e., disabilities).
When it comes physical, intellectual, and/or developmental impairments, no barrier is insurmountable. As a trainer, I always enjoyed the challenge of finding ways around the perceived obstacles to exercise. I have seen trainers who are especially capable at working with “disabled exercisers”. Such trainers light up when they work with special needs exercisers. These are the trainers to hire when there is a need. The best trainer isn’t necessarily the one with the best physique. The best trainers have the knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge in a wide range of individual circumstances.
Everyone should exercise. If one finds himself or herself in some way limited, this should not prevent one from exercising. See it as an opportunity.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!