I know. It kinda sounds like an old-school fable like the Tortoise & The Hare. Or a romantic comedy about a Fitbit falling for a wheelchair or one about a wheelchair, clearly dating out of its league! Good thing I’m not a screenwriter! The beautiful part of this romance is that the average person can not see them together. But they CAN go together like a match made in heaven!
I am a wheelchair user who wears a Fitbit every day!
Who knew that a Fitbit could be great for people who can’t walk! First, let me clarify that Fitbit is not paying me for this. I am simply offering my experience with the product to help you live your best life walking, or not.
I’ve used several trackers, and the Fitbit has been the most accurate of the brands I’ve tried. I’ve heard the Apple Watch is good too, but I can’t speak for it myself. I have not found ANY that work well when I use a walker. This is primarily due to the mechanics of using a walker. Holding on to the walker prevents the natural arm swing so the movement is not captured. Oh well, no relationship is perfect!
I wear a Fitbit Blaze every day. I use it to track my movement (not my steps), my water intake, caloric expenditure and more. I set a 5,000 step goal which is mostly met by vigorous body movement and daily workouts. I typically end each day between 6,000 and 7,000 and on more lengthy workout days it is a bit more. If you are able to walk safely and unassisted reaching for a minimum of 10,000 is recommended as a minimum.
When I sleep, my Fitbit measures my sleep duration and quality. When I wake up super groggy, I check the app to see how I slept.
I use a separate app to track my diet and although I use the Fitbit to track my heart rate, I (also) use a separate chest strapped tracker during my workouts. In my opinion and experience, chest straps are just more accurate.
The Danger of Sitting!
I have been quite annoyed about all of the recent buzz about the dangers of sitting. Seriously, the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle are NOT new news! But the irritating part is that there is almost no information about what a person who is forced to sit due to a disability can do about it! The focus is to encourage people to get up and move every hour, use a balance ball and other such dangerous or impossible recommendations for many people who literally can’t ”just get up !”
A SOLUTION!
If you sit most of the day due to a disability, illness, or injury what can you do to reduce these risks? I’d like to invite you to Sit Like A Boss!
All you need is any body part that can move, dedication, and a great attitude. I am not asking you to work up a sweat, but to commit to moving what you can for 30 minutes per day for 30 days.
I guarantee that you will feel better in ways that you don’t expect! It will improve your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
I use a motorized scooter because I can’t safely use a manual chair due to nerve issues in my hands. I’d imagine, that manual chair users could achieve MAJOR steps/movement results if they are able to wheel the chair themselves.
My Routine!
My 6 day per week workouts include a rotation of these key components:
- Cardio using my stationary bike, rower, seated kickboxing and seated aerobics
- Weight Training using body weight (supported squats), and free weights
- Flexibility that includes stretching both before and after workouts
Although I have to be seated through most of my training. I am extraordinarily grateful that I CAN train. And you CAN too.
You most certainly do not need to go out and buy a Fitbit. That is just MY way of measuring and keeping myself accountable. You can also track, foods and movement using a regular calendar, journal or with a simple checklist!
The most important thing is that you find creative ways to be fit! Do it safely! Do it YOUR way!
(I know your “a boss” and all, but check with your medical professional before beginning any new workout to be sure your results are achieved safely and in accordance with your abilities.)
CreativelyAble, CreativelyFit!
Love, Light and Workin’ It…Your Way!
Cr8ab
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