Wheelchair Ergometer

I'm 23 and in a wheelchair due to a nerve injury. I basically just can't move the bottom(below the knee) of one of my legs. I like to stay in shape and have been using the arm ergometer at my local gym(about 45 minutes a day), but its out for maintenance right now and has left me with nothing to do.

Does anyone have any suggestions for any type of cardio exercises I could do? I've looked up a lot of websites, but it seems that most of them are targeted toward people that can't do anything strenuous at all and only give really simple exercises like stretching. I want something that will really give me a good workout. Any advice is appreciated :)
Thanks but... I can't really stand/walk/climb stairs anymore, haha. I'm in a wheelchair so...
Yeah, I've been interested in pilates so maybe I'll look into it. There is a pool at the gym but all of the classes are in the morning, which is conflicting with my class schedule.
The bike that you pedal with your hands is an ergometer, which is what I had been using, but is out for repair.

The punching bag is a really good idea, thanks!

Maybe you could hit a heavy bag. Not all gyms have them though. Also, the way I imagine it, the bag would have to be at the right height so that you could wheel yourself partially under it, and then you would probably need to lock your wheels. But if you are able to accomplish it, I bet that would be the best workout you could get. Better than the ergometer and a heck of a lot more fun.

2009-03-30 22:21:39 by Adoc

Established 1988 in Nussdorf-Traunstein (South of Germany) h/p/cosmos stands for convincing technology, advanced design and safety in the ...

My husband is a complete C6 quadriplegic, 6'3", very wide build at 312 lbs. Most of his added weight is from a lack of mobility, as he has the body type that requires vigorous exercise with lots of cardio to stay lean.

Most gyms in our area do not have equipment that he could use with reasonable effort. The only muscle-focusing machine he can use is this V-shaped thing that most wheelchair users use, where you pull weights downward... don't know what it's called. He feels he does not need to focus so much on muscle toning in his arms as he uses his arms in much more beneficial ways than the machine promotes. And the only cardio machine we have been able to find is an upper body ergometer, (sp?) [which is like that hand bike machine thing) but since he has no dexterity the grips for the machine wouldn't be effective and the facility does not currently have alternative grips, plus since he is so tall the footrest of his power wheelchair is really low, which makes it impossible for him to get close enough to the machine to keep good posture.

So. My overall question is, what kind of alternatives could we work with at home to get him a good upper body cardio workout? Are there any (fairly inexpensive) in-home equipment setups that would be convenient? What types of upper body exercises would you recommend?

Thank you! :)

Eat healthy, and look it up and google..Alot of things you guys can do..And have a chat with his doctor he or she will give you great alternatives so don't stress it =).

2009-02-12 18:30:58 by Sparkle Bean

My husband is a complete C6 quadriplegic, 6'3", very wide build at 312 lbs. Most of his added weight is from a lack of mobility, as he has the body type that requires vigorous exercise with lots of cardio to stay lean.

Most gyms in our area do not have equipment that he could use with reasonable effort. The only muscle-focusing machine he can use is this V-shaped thing that most wheelchair users use, where you pull weights downward... don't know what it's called. He feels he does not need to focus so much on muscle toning in his arms as he uses his arms in much more beneficial ways than the machine promotes. And the only cardio machine we have been able to find is an upper body ergometer, (sp?) [which is like that kand0bike machine thing) but since he has no dexterity the grips for the machine wouldn't be effective and the facility does not currently have alternative grips, plus since he is so tall the footrest of his power wheelchair is really low, which makes it impossible for him to get close enough to the machine to keep good posture.

So. My overall question is, what kind of alternatives could we work with at home to get him a good upper body cardio workout? Are there any (fairly inexpensive) in-home equipment setups that would be convenient? What types of upper body exercises would you recommend?

Thank you! :)
Sorry I meant to type *hand bike" up there. ;)

I think some sort of resistance exercises would help. Look it up to find out more. Alot of gyms don't have equipment for disabled ppl, which is wrong. You should also make a complaint about that, and maybe see about getting that changed. Also, general ROM exercises will help his muscles from freezing. Good luck to you and him!

2009-02-11 22:57:50 by Sparkle Bean