5 Adaptive Exercises Tips to Stay Active on World Stroke Day

October 29 marks the annual celebration of World Stroke Day; a day to honor individuals who have experienced stroke(s) in their lifetimes and raise awareness about stroke prevention, stroke symptoms, and needs of survivors. This year, the World Stroke Day theme is “sport and exercise.” Inspired by all of the ways stroke survivors continue to physically adapt while committed to a healthy lifestyle, without limits, we began to research the methods of adaptive exercise and adaptive sport. This article outlines our most interesting fitness findings, along with pointers and current resources that you can easily access.

Tip 1: Rehab on Social Media

For the homebody, the Internet—particularly YouTube— is a treasure trove for video tutorials, created by the physical therapy and occupational therapy experts. Some of them happen to be stroke survivors themselves! There are more options than we can capture in this one blog, but here are a few favorites to get you started.*

Post Stroke

• Post Stroke does it all! It’s hard not to connect with Dr. Elyse Newland.
• Head over to the Rehab HQ for PT hour with Dr. Tara Tobias.
• Stay moving everyday with OT Nathan and his channel, Skills and Wellness.
• Stroke Buddies, brought to you by Ralph Preston has all the insider tips.

Flint Rehab

Pro Tip: Many of your favorite rehab centers and health institutions are on social media, sharing their own tips and tools on a weekly basis.

Tip 2: Invest in Adaptive Gym Equipment

Is it time to level up your game and commit to some fitness gear of your own?

Active Hands

• If you aren’t already acquainted with Active Hands, then allow us to make the introduction! Adaptive gym gear is  just the beginning at Active Hands, where you can find every adaptive tool for limited hand mobility. Be sure to check out their collection of gripping aids and their Deluxe Gym Package.
• In addition, the collection of adaptive fitness equipment and all around innovation at Equip Products is next level. From cardio to weight lifting, this fitness and therapy selection is destined to have something that belongs in your home gym collection.

Tip 3: Accessible Gyms

In a perfect world, all gyms would be accessible, but that is hardly the case. Many people with limited mobility can still use traditional gym equipment with a few adaptive measures. For those individuals looking for a trainer or a supervisor, and better adaptability for safety reasons, there are completely accessible gyms with excellent adaptive equipment that most could not afford otherwise. 

• Some rehabilitation centers continue to offer gym memberships, with open gym hours specified. These memberships tend to be priced reasonably, but the hours can be limited to outside of regular work hours. Check with your previous rehab facility to see if this is an option. 
• There are quite a few grant and benefactor funded gyms, specifically for those individuals who have sustained serious injuries, such as stroke, TBI, SCI, and more. These gyms have established scholarship programs and individuals can apply at no cost.. One successful example of this is Fighting Back in Pennsylvania.

Pro Tip: While we could not confirm that this is true for every location, since 2021 Planet Fitness has made a number of major commitments to accessibility for its patrons. Call your local Planet Fitness to verify whether they have any adaptive equipment available at their location, or if they plan to in the future.

Tip 4: Adaptive Sport Leagues

There’s no better route to exercise than through sport. As the Paralympics recently reminded us, every sport can be adapted to accommodate the abilities of people who want to participate—and at every skill level. Depending on your location, there are likely adaptive and challenged athlete sporting leagues in fairly close proximity. We found the perfect resource to get started on this journey: The Adaptive Athletics Association (AAA). 

The AAA is actually a community powered resource, which is incredible, but that explains why it is so robust. This website will assist you in determining a) what sport is the right fit for you in your region, b) which organizations support that sport/region, and c) how to connect with those athletic organizations that check all of your boxes.

Pro Tip:Some rehabilitation facilities offer organized sporting leagues at different ability levels.

The Challenged Athletes Foundation and Move United are phenomenal organizations with hands-on resources for you to connect with your local athletic leagues. There are opportunities available across the United States, but greater options exist in more densely populated areas.

Pro Tip: If there isn’t a particular sport in your community and you are inspired to grow your own, The American Association of Adaptive Sports Programs has everything you need to get started on team or league creation.

Tip 5: Adaptive Adventures

It’s 2024, and while traveling with a disability sure isn’t perfect, there are multiple travel companies that specialize in accessible travel and and tourism adventures. Listed below are a number of companies that prioritize the details for you and are a treasure trove for planning your next outdoor (or indoor!) adventure.

Wheel the World

• Wheel the World
• Access Trax
• AccessNow

Pro Tip: If we could leave you with any one single reminder, it would be that all movement matters. Wherever you begin, we are cheering you on!

*Medical Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a physician or qualified healthcare provider.  Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise or therapy regimen.