Wheelchair Accessible Exercises to Keep You Active

Many sports and types of exercise and movement can be adapted to match an individual’s mobility and fitness level. So, whether you’re looking to build muscle or simply keep active, we’ve compiled some wheelchair friendly sports and exercises to try out below.

Wheelchair Rugby

If you’re looking for something exciting, wheelchair rugby is the perfect sport for you! Described by players as sporty chess, the sport is as tactical as it is physical. Open to those of all abilities and with teamwork at the game’s core, wheelchair rugby offers plenty fun and camaraderie.

Learn more about wheelchair rugby Find your local club today

Two male athletes compete intensely in an indoor wheelchair rugby match, whilst spectators cheer from the stands. This exciting scene highlights adaptive sport and showcases the importance of accessible environments, emphasising the need for reliable wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) to transport players and fans to events safely and comfortably.

Dance

Dancing is a fantastic way to express your creativity and feelings through movement – it’s also a lot of fun and a great way to improve mobility and keep fit. If you are a sociable person that likes a good party, then wheelchair dance is the ideal sport for you!

There are plenty of dancing opportunities, whether it be online or in person, you can find online lessons on YouTube, at Kate Stanforth Academy of Dance, Wheelpower, or by searching for local wheelchair dance classes near you.

Swimming

Swimming is a great low-impact sport that can engage all parts of the body without putting excessive weight or pressure on the joints and muscles. Swimming is therefore a fantastic sport for those with mobility issues.

If you’re not too confident in water or need help finding a wheelchair accessible pool near you, you can find inclusive swimming lessons and pools through charities like Better or by using your preferred search engine.

A man in swimwear sits at the edge of an indoor pool with his legs in the water, while a wheelchair is positioned beside him on the poolside. This scene highlights how WAVs enable accessible exercise and recreation opportunities for wheelchair users.

An older man using a wheelchair and a woman beside him, both smiling and raising one arm in the air, enjoy an accessible exercise routine on a gravel rooftop. They look happy and energised, each dressed in casual white shirts and dark trousers. The image showcases joyful moments made possible with wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs).

Chair Yoga

Chair yoga is a form of yoga that has been adapted so that many key yoga poses can be practiced while sitting down. Chair yoga has many of the same benefits as other yoga practices such as feelings of relaxation, improved strength and endurance and increased energy levels.

To find your zen, you can discover a variety of free chair yoga classes on YouTube or by searching the web for in-person classes near you.

Accessible Walking Trails

Whether rolling up and down your street or conquering country trails, getting out and about in a manual chair is a fantastic way get some cardio in. However, even in a powerchair, simply getting outside in the fresh air can do wonders for your physical and mental health.

To find accessible walks with well-maintained paths, try having a browse on national trust accessible walks, Open Country’s ‘Breakfree’ Trails or have a look on Euan’s Guide for gardens and open spaces in your local area.

A person in a wheelchair sits on a paved path in a park with trees surrounding them, gazing into the distance on a cloudy day. This peaceful setting highlights the accessibility provided by wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) for enjoying outdoor exercise spaces.

Looking For a WAV to Get to Your Local Fitness Class?

With a wide range of WAVs to purchase, lease thorough the Motability Scheme or hire, our mobility advisors will listen to your wants, needs and priorities to help find the right mobility car for you.

To get started call our friendly mobility advisors on the number at the top of the page.

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