I started strength training at the beginning of the pandemic after years of false commitments to running had left my knees rattled. We have long known the value of strength training using simultaneous group exercises. But he didn’t know what he could achieve until a virtual trainer introduced him to his fitness. Adaptive Fitness uses adaptive equipment to prioritize the functional fitness needs of disabled and injured athletes. This approach will eventually allow you to work out your remaining left arm. This is just past your elbow, allowing you to build muscle mass and achieve functional daily strength previously thought impossible.
Let’s get out of the way. I’m not an inspiration to work out with just one hand. Most disabled athletes (myself included) are just doing what they can to stay in shape. However, when it comes to exercising, they face some unique challenges and sometimes use slightly different tools.
Alec Zilkenbach, executive director of the Adaptive Training Academy, which educates personal trainers about adaptive fitness, said: The same applies to you. Here are some of my favorite adaptive exercise machines.
Versatile Strength Training: Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are often recommended for those looking for a simple, step-by-step strength training system that can be easily used at home.five piece Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Bands setting (OUR CHOICE FOR 4 YEARS) includes a wide range of resistance grades and positioning options to help transform your doorway into an exercise station. These bands (claimed to weigh 96 pounds total) come with two handles and a pair of padded ankle straps. I did this with my left arm and performed columns and fly.
Grip aid: weightlifting hook
Weightlifting hooks are a specialty item for experienced lifters, but they are also great aids for athletes of all experience levels and abilities. It’s designed to reduce strain on your hands and wrists, so you can exercise beyond limiting factors like grip fatigue and slippage. (An Instagram friend caught one of her hooks wrapped around her stump, so she had to try it for herself.) DMoose lifting hook Made with non-slip coated steel hooks and nylon Velcro straps to stabilize the weight in the front and distribute it across the limbs. This reduces the tension required in your hands, wrists, forearms, and elbows to grip the barbell. Because of the length of my stump, I actually found these hooks useful for my right hand when doing one-handed exercises such as the one-handed kettlebell swing. CEO Emily Kramer Throckmorton recommends the following products: active hand.
Comfortable, Loaded Holds: Medicine Balls
You might be surprised to learn that medicine balls that look intimidating in the gym are actually great adaptive fitness tools. Depending on the athlete’s grip strength, holding dumbbells and kettlebells can be difficult. But the medicine ball can easily be held between the arms (for squats and overhead his presses) or legs (for core his exercises like leg-his raises and Russian twists). Although they are almost the same size, rogue medicine ball Weight range from 4 to 30 pounds. Unlike dumbbells or kettlebells, the flexible vinyl-coated shell allows you to safely grip and lean back in comfort. It can also provide balance and support to athletes with limb differences. Demonstration on InstagramLike a medicine ball, sandbag Zirkenbach says that if you can’t hold a traditional dumbbell, you can provide resistance. “It’s a great multi-tool, like Jim’s Swiss Army knife.
Ambidextrous Lift Help: Equip Products Aldridge Arm Harness & Straps
equip the product We stand out as one of the few manufacturers of truly adaptive fitness equipment, offering a range of items specifically designed for sedentary and low-vision athletes (cardio, one-handed training, etc.). fitness rope for sedentary athletes) and those with upper body disabilities. For strength training, people with upper body injuries or disabilities should: Equip Products Aldridge Arm Harness & Strap Be a game changer. The crossbody nylon harness is 2 inches thick with neoprene cushioning to distribute the weight across the athlete’s torso, allowing them to perform balanced deadlifts, farmer’s carry, and other traditional two-handed lifts. (this video The harness D-rings (10,000 lb capacity) are attached to polyester straps and wrapped around lifting weights. Aldridge Arm allows you to perform balanced barbell deadlifts with just one hand. However, the straps are tight for people with bust ups, so we are adjusting the fit. In the meantime, I joined his community of lifters online ( beast) and upholds the most important rule of motion: consistency.
This article was edited by Ingrid Skjong and Tracy Vence.
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1. Emily Kramer Throckmorton, CEO and Founder kaizen athleticsEmail Interview, July 8, 2022
2. Alec Zilkenbach, Executive Director Adaptive Training Academytelephone interview, June 23, 2022
