Tips for Enjoying a Good Workout
If you’re ready to purchase a new mobility scooter for the first time, it’s best to think of all your possibilities, rather than your limitations. If you already have a scooter, how about broadening your horizons by taking your machine to the gym to enjoy a good workout?
Most of today’s modern gyms are equipped to accommodate your mobility scooter. And as long as there is sufficient room between machines and enough space to allow you to move about throughout the gym, you may be good to go. Following are some steps you can take to ensure a great experience at the workout location of your choice.
Wheelchair Gym Training
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Get a complete physical exam if you haven’t done so recently. Make sure your healthcare provider gives you the green light to use the various machines at the gym. Let your provider help you decide which areas of your body would benefit from a regular exercise program that includes time in the gym.
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Take a tour of the gym. Make sure the gym has equipment that you access by rising from your scooter and using the machine. If you are unable to rise from your scooter without assistance, look for machines that you can use while remaining seated.
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Make sure the gym has clean handicapped bathrooms and a clean shower that is designed for people with disabilities. It’s a good idea to visit the gym at its busiest hours (you can ask the gym manager to let you know the busy times to use the gym as well as the hours when gym use is light). If the gym is poorly managed, you might find bathrooms that are not cleaned regularly, especially during the busy times,.
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Do not fall for the sales pitches of trainers unless you know that the trainer is experienced at working with people who use electric mobility scooters and other assistive devices. Get references from others who use mobility scooters. Some gyms such as Planet Fitness don’t allow trainers to make sales pitches. If you need a trainer, hire one who does not work at the gym.
Which type of Mobility Scooter is best for gym use
You can use either a 4-wheel mobility scooter or a 3-wheel device. However, 3-wheel mobility scooters feature a tighter turning radius than 4-wheelers. Four wheel mobility scooters are less maneuverable than their 3 wheel counterparts; however they give you greater stability, which won’t usually be a factor in a gym. You can also use a lightweight travel scooter; the advantages of a travel scooter is its portability.
If you’re looking for a new mobility scooter, you can easily order online at a trusted site from companies such as Scooter Direct, your source for all mobility products. You’ll find a great selection of mobility scooters, wheelchairs, lifts, ramps, lift chairs as well as walking aids, pool lifts, stair lifts and vertical platforms. Call: toll free (800) 987-6791
to speak with a specialist Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm (Eastern time). Scooter Direct also offers a live chat feature so you can communicate in real time with a customer service representative.
