I take care of someone who really needs excersize, but is limited in what they can do. The person can not walk very far or very fast. Most of their time is spent sitting. Can anyone suggest some excersizes from a sitting position?

There is a show on PBS that is called Sit and Be Fit. Maybe you could check your local listings and see if you get it.

Hi, sitting is considered a good area to start when exercising for people with physical issues that compromise their ability for using full range of motion. Here are some links to sites that show how to do it.

Sit exercises #1

Sit exercises #2

I believe a short walk is better than no walk. I worked as a Patient Care Assistant for a time and I would take my patients out daily. Even if the walk was only down to the mailbox and back. The fresh air and sunshine did wonders for my patients outlook. So please incorporate time walking outdoors with the sitting exercises...Smile.

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Originally posted by angela-cc:
I take care of someone who really needs excersize, but is limited in what they can do. The person can not walk very far or very fast. Most of their time is spent sitting. Can anyone suggest some excersizes from a sitting position?

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Any walking they do will then be exercise - it is more movement than what they have been doing.

Consult a doctor - if there are reasons why this person is not walking, you must first understand why and if more walking would cause more issues with the existing problem.

You can have them do a very light weight free weight training program right where they sit.

Using 5# or 2# dumbells, or just to thick books of equal weight one can get plenty of exercise (upper body) by doing curls, presses (over head) and lifting the weight with stright arms straight out in front and straight out to the sides.

Movement is exercise, if they can raise their heel off the floor and inch, then have them do that several times in a row. If they can twist slighty at the waist, then my golly have them twist back and forth several times.

Don't push them to do too much the first time, but find out where their limit is. then the next time count out loud and when they reach that previous limit cheer them on to doing just one more.

Consult a doctor first, if needed, ask for a slip of paper that will allow you to take the person to Physical Therapy, there are many exercises that people can do - PT knows of all of them, from simple leg lifts to riding a stationary bike.
Again, any walking that is more than what they are doing is exercise. If they are able to take on another short, slow walk during the day, then get them up and moving.


cheers

David