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Posted by Andrew Chapman on January 18, 2022
If you want to get a little fitter, or want to work on specific parts of your body, we've put together some advice to help you achieve your goals – from mobility aids and exercise equipment that provides extra support, to fitness goals for daily living.
Have you ever considered how you will measure your goals, why you want to achieve them, how you will achieve them, and how much is enough?
Image by jcomp from Freepik
The best way to get specific about your health goals is to put them through the old business adage of the SMART test…
If your fitness goals don't match all of these criteria, then take some time and adjust them so that they are.
The difference between "I'm going to lose weight this year" and "I'm going to lose ten pounds by April" is the difference between achieving a specific goal, and struggling to achieve a vague one.
Think about the last time you got in the car to drive a 10, or 15 minute walk. Did you absolutely have to do it because you were on a tight schedule, or because you were late to meet someone? If not, then could you have walked instead?
We have a wide range of walking frames and rollators that could help.
Fruit and vegetables are packed with health promoting, disease fighting 'phytonutrients', fibre, vitamins and minerals.
We all know the phrase "five a day", and it's true. We should be eating five to eight portions a day of fruit and vegetable. It can seem daunting, but think about spreading your intake throughout the whole day.
Start your day with a fruit smoothie, or a fresh juice. Have a side salad with your lunch, some vegetables with dinner and use fruit and veg as snacks between meals.
Whether it's a yoga class, aqua aerobics, or even a walking club, pledge to pick up a new activity. Giving something new a try will force your brain and body to master new motor patterns.
It's absorbing, fun and ultimately more rewarding than more of the same old, same old!
Image from Disability Sports Wales
Take a look at our Ocean Microfibre Yoga Mat, or Boccia products.
While this tip seems the complete opposite of the point of fitness goals, it's important not to over do it, and keep to a sensible routine.
It's always worth speaking to your healthcare professional before you start a new fitness routine. Of course, activities such as walking are usually very low impact, but if you're looking to start a new hobby, take some time and assess the risks.
There are lots of resources available with lists ranging from inclusive gyms, disability sports listing and events listings.
If you're based in the UK, this list of inclusive gyms to join from the Activity Alliance is a brilliant place to start.
Gyms have a fantastic variety of exercise equipment that can provide many benefits – from cardiovascular equipment to weights, there's something for everyone.
This link to the NHS website is a fantastic place to get started on your path to being healthier and improving your wellbeing.
Image by Audi Nessen from Unsplash
Not everyone is able to go to the gym, or maybe you're still wanting to work on your confidence.
Ability Superstore has a great range of home exercise equipment, endorsed by our occupational therapists. These home fitness tools can really help improve your fitness.
Image by Freepik from Freepik
The Theraband Flexible Hand Bar Exerciser can be used to strengthen muscles in your hand, wrist and shoulder.
Our Low Impact Chair Exerciser features adjustable cords for multiple exercise programmes, and it helps strengthen and tone your muscles, too.
The Pedal Exerciser is a great way to increase your cycling fitness, especially if you struggle with balance. This can be used under your desk at work, on the sofa, or even at the dining table!
Good mobility aids can make, or break, a workout plan and Ability Superstore has some really useful aids.
Ability Superstore is one of the top mobility and disability aid websites in the UK, and now with our first retail store, we are adding an extra level to our customer care experience.
For more information, or advice, on anything in the mobility aid world, call our customer service team free on 0800 255 0498, or email us at heretohelp@abilitysuperstore.com. You can also send us a message via this Contact Us form on our website. You will also find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.