24. Adapting Exercise to Physical Limitations

You may have limitations that prevent you from performing an exercise with the technique I’ve instructed or even from performing an exercise at all. But don’t worry. It’s okay to adapt the exercises in this book to what works for you and to disregard an exercise entirely if needed. Doing something is better than doing nothing.

For example, if you’re unable to point your feet straight forward on a standing exercise, like the heel lift, because of a physical limitation, don’t worry about it. If it’s been cleared by your doctor, perform the exercise in whatever manner works for you.

If you have had a stroke and are paralyzed on an entire side of your body, perform the exercise only on the side you do have control over. If you can perform an exercise only with assistance due to a lack of strength or some other reason, you can ask a family member or caregiver to help. However, the assistance provided should be the minimum needed for you to perform the exercise so your body can get as much work as possible.

Exercising regularly is one of the best things you can do for your body and your health. Soon after you start this program, you’ll begin to see and feel the benefits that physical activity can have on your well-being.

I want this program to work for you, and doing something is better than doing nothing, so feel free to adapt the exercises to whatever works for you and modify the program to accommodate your limitations.

But it isn’t just physical limitations that may stand in your way, so in the next chapter I’ll provide tips for family members and caregivers helping older adults with memory issues or who lack the motivation to exercise.

Key Takeaways

• Physical limitations may prevent you from performing an exercise with the technique I’ve instructed or stop you from performing an exercise at all. It’s okay to adapt the exercises in this book to what works for you and to disregard an exercise entirely if needed.
• If you can perform an exercise only with assistance, ask a family member or caregiver to help. The assistance provided should be the minimum needed for you to perform the exercise so that your body can get as much work as possible.

Action Steps

• Look at the exercises you would like to perform, and see if you need to adapt or eliminate any from your workout.
• Are there any exercises you can perform but only with assistance due to a lack of strength or some other reason? If so, ask for help from a family member or caregiver.
• If you’re a family member or a caregiver for an older adult you’d like to help with exercise, assist them with the above action steps.