Staying active is essential for everyone, regardless of physical abilities or limitations. During the summer months, there are even more opportunities to enjoy movement and improve your health, mood, and overall quality of life. If you have a disability or face physical challenges, this blog post is here to guide you through fun and easy ways to stay active during the summer. We’ll offer tips and inspiration to help you embrace movement in a way that works best for you. Let’s explore how you can enjoy an active lifestyle, feel your best, and thrive this summer, all while accommodating your unique needs.
Before you dive into planning your summer activities, you might feel a bit self-conscious or uncertain if you’re new to this realm. We believe it’s important to gain some insight and inspiration beforehand. This can help ease you into your plans, especially if you’re new to physical activities or experiencing any self-doubt. If you aren’t a seasoned participant in being physical but are looking for new ways to be active, feel free to read some of the ideas we have put together!
Find What Works for You: Explore different activities and adapt them to your abilities and interests. What matters most is finding activities that you enjoy and that works well with your unique needs.
Set Realistic Goals: Start small and gradually increase the intensity or duration of your activities. Celebrate your progress along the way, no matter how small the achievement may seem.
Stay Hydrated: Especially in the summer heat, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Carry water with you during outdoor fun and drink regularly to prevent dehydration.
Use Adaptive Equipment: Investigate adaptive sports equipment or devices that can make activities more accessible and enjoyable. Many sports and recreational activities have specialized equipment designed for various disabilities.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels during and after physical activity. If you experience pain or discomfort, adjust your activity level or try a different type of exercise.
Join Supportive Communities: Connect with local support groups adaptive sports organizations, or online communities of individuals with similar disabilities. These communities can provide valuable advice, encouragement, and social support.
Embrace Indoor Activities: On particularly hot days or if outdoor accessibility is limited consider indoor activities like swimming in a heated pool, wheelchair yoga, or seat aerobics classes.
Be Prepared: Plan ahead for outdoor activities by checking accessibility, weather conditions, and available facilities such as accessible restrooms and shaded areas.
Involve Friends and Family: Invite friends or family members to join you in your activities. Not only does this provide companionship, but it also helps create a supportive environment where everyone can participate and have fun together.
Stay Positive and Persistent: Remember that every step you take towards staying active is a victory. Be patient with yourself, stay positive, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. With determination and perseverance, you can achieve your fitness goals and enjoy an active lifestyle during the summer and beyond.
Try to remember through this time you are putting in a courageous effort to do something that is ultimately going to better yourself in all senses of the word!
Activity ideas
Many communities offer inclusive fitness classes, such as seated aerobics or adaptive boot camps in parks during the summer. There are numerous outdoor activities tailored for people with disabilities or physical limitations, offering both fun and accessibility. Some of these activities include:
Swimming
Adaptive Cycling
Wheelchair Sports
Adaptive Sports
Gardening
Yoga and Tai Chi
Nature Walks
Fishing
Adaptive Water Sports
Adaptive Dance
Camping
Horseback Riding
Archery
Outdoor Exercise Class
These activities promote physical health, mental well-being, and social engagement, helping everyone make the most of the summer months! Keep reading and check out the links provided at the end of this blog to a few different websites promoting and offering adaptive options.
Being physically active and spending time outdoors are both crucial for our overall health and well-being.
Engaging in regular physical activity offers numerous benefits. It helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and strengthens muscles and bones. Exercise releases endorphins, which promote a feeling of happiness and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, thereby boosting mental health. Additionally, regular physical activity enhances stamina and energy levels, helping you feel more alert and productive throughout the day. It can improve sleep quality, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Furthermore, physical activity is linked to improved cognitive function, including better memory, focus, and overall brain health. Finally, regular exercise can strengthen the immune system, reducing the risk of illness and promoting faster recovery when you do get sick.
Spending time outdoors offers many health benefits as well. Sunlight exposure stimulate the body’s production of Vitamin D, essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, leading to improved mental health and well-being. Outdoor activities like walking, hiking, cycling, and gardening encourage physical movement and provide opportunities for exercise. Additionally, spending time in natural settings can elevate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, leading to greater overall happiness and life satisfaction. Nature provides a peaceful environment conducive to mindfulness and reflection, helping to reduce feelings of overwhelm and promote a sense of inner calm. Furthermore, outdoor activities often involve social interaction, whether with friends, family, or community members fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
Prioritizing both physical activity and spending time outdoors can have profound benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Whether it's going for a walk in the park, cycling along a scenic trail, or simply enjoying the sunshine in your backyard, making time for these activities can significantly improve your overall quality of life.
Check out these links below
City of Edmonton: Adapted Programs https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/adapted-programs
City of Edmonton: Recreation Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities
https://www.edmonton.ca/public-files/assets/document?
Free2BMe: Kids & Teens
Inclusion Alberta: Inclusive Recreation