Compiled by Don Johnston
Isn’t it true that our health is our most valuable possession? So, we must focus on our mental and physical well-being at all times, 24/7, 365 days a year. Since our good health is the one item over which we hold and have the most control, it’s essential to do what we can to stay strong. As the seasons change from warm to cold and our activity levels change from busy, chaotic, and hectic to a more sedentary way of life, we need to plan for this time of year. So how are some of the others, our friends in the community, keeping themselves strong throughout the year and within these darker and colder months?
Here are a few comments from others on how they stay strong and active:
Don Johnston looks for any opportunity to push his manual chair. In grocery stores, at home, through convenience stores, on dry sidewalks outside of long undercover strip malls, and even at work. He’s learned to play pickleball and stays excited about that. He knows it’s not like being out during the summer, but these are a few ways he tries to stay active and in shape throughout the winter months.
Will Baker said he also has picked up the sport of pickleball and plans that as one of his activities. He has also moved his workouts from going to the gym to doing as much as possible from home. By doing this, He’s not exposed to the cold, frigid temps and can stay safe at home. But he enjoys lifting weights, and workouts from home include curls with 20 lb. dumbbells,, where he will do three sets of ten reps. He will get out of my chair and do three sets of planks, which are like push-ups that work on your core muscles. He continuously hydrates with water, keeping his system cool and functioning well during these workouts.
Liz Shank uses each season for different activities. You change from one season to the next, and in the summer, in addition to pushing my manual chair and walking my dog, I like to go out and participate in hunting adventures. She belongs to several hunting groups that involve other wheelchair users. The National Wild Turkey Federation promotes the wheeling sportsman. She and another friend in a chair go out on deer hunts and are known as “the Diva Deerslayers.” To stay active, we look forward to the many events and get-togethers throughout the colder days of the year.
Scooter Renninger is always active with his family. Driving with hand controls is a new experience and has now become second nature to him, as he is about six months post-injury at the time of this publication. Taking the kids to school sporting events and practices occupies much of his time. And like so many others, he’s playing pickleball and tennis. With his family, they are all taking snow skiing lessons and enjoying the cold winter weather. He’s learning how to mono-ski with 3 Trackers of Ohio while staying well-equipped with warm clothing. He likes getting geared up to meet his kids when they get home to greet them off the bus. It’s a process, and he’s meeting the challenge. He’s new to being in a wheelchair, so he’s learning different aspects of his functions and independence. He always seems to be busy.
Tim Mackie says his winter activities never slow down. His main activities are pushing his manual chair and working at a job throughout the day. However, he also goes to a gym where he can use equipment specifically designed to accommodate a wheelchair and lift weights. In this facility, he gets a great workout that targets different muscles. His lifting usually lasts about an hour, three times a week.
So, given the suggestions listed and the importance of keeping our minds and bodies fit, there are many different ways to endure the cold winter weather. How do you stay active?
