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Don't Let Disability Keep You From Taking Part In Sports

Sports participation has plenty to offer people of any ability level. There's no need to become the next Michael Jordan or Alex Rodriguez to benefit from shooting hoops or swinging a baseball bat. Improved coordination, aerobic fitness, and muscular strength await anyone who gives their best effort. This includes people with physical challenges. In this post, we'll look at ways to rise above disability and enjoy the many benefits of athletic involvement.

Rule Number One is to Have Fun

That bit of advice may sound not only obvious, but downright counterintuitive. After all, isn't fun the point of any non-work activity? Well, not always. To see what we mean, just think of how many young people have found themselves forced to take music lessons or learn ice skating to please a well-intentioned parent. In almost all cases, the child abandons the activity as soon as possible. The countless closets filled with neglected clarinets or forgotten skates bear witness to the misplaced ambitions of adults and the fleeting interests of their kids. So, the first rule of sporting success is to do what you enjoy. Here are some ideas to stir your imagination:

A wheelchair is no barrier to those who want to dance, according to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Dancing is a great way to lose weight, build muscle, and improve your coordination. There's no dance studio in your area? No problem; you'll find dancing classes online these days. Instructors will watch your performance via video, offer helpful tips, and send you on your way to a newfound sense of fulfillment, all within the comfort of your home.
Do you think the martial arts are off-limits to those with physical challenges? Never say that to a member of the Adaptive Martial Arts Association (AMAA). She might just knock you out. As with dancing, you'll find opportunities to hone your personal defense skills via both online and person-to-person formats.
A lot of people think of exercise and sports as two separate activities, but that's starting to change. According to The Guardian, competitive fitness is a growing trend, with organizations like Crossfit leading the way. Physically challenged people are welcome in these groups, so check your area for local opportunities. You can also invest in basic home exercise equipment if you prefer. This is a great way to build a solid foundation of good health, one which will equip you for success in any sport you choose, including competitive fitness.
The options for physically challenged people to engage in sports are almost unlimited. To see what we mean, check out the Paralympics, an international athletic event held every four years to coincide with the Olympic games. The hardworking and courageous athletes who participate in these events are living proof that all of us can participate in sporting competition.

Do This First

Any person, at any level of physical ability, should take a few common sense steps before engaging in fitness or sporting activities. These include:

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare professional for a general checkup. She can gauge your overall condition and offer important advice on getting the most benefit from your chosen sport.
Never try to exceed your current abilities, especially at first. Pushing yourself too hard will only result in burnout and put you at risk of injury.
We said it before, and we'll say it again: HAVE FUN. You deserve a little reward for your willingness to improve yourself.

There's a world of benefits waiting when you involve yourself in any physical activity, be it dancing, martial arts, competitive fitness, or what-have-you. So, give it your best shot, and may the wind be at your back. ‘Tóin re Gaoith’

Don’t Let Disability Keep You From Sports

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