In this episode, David is joined by Kris Saunders Stowe, the founder of Wheely Good Fitness. The podcast is recorded live at the Fit4All national expo (organized by Cara) in Dublin, Ireland.
Wheely good fitness provides group exercise classes to those with disabilities, in particular wheelchair users.
Kris, who is a wheelchair user himself, set about trying to improve the choices for wheelchair users whilst also changing the attitude towards disability and fitness.
For many wheelchair users there are medical issues affecting their lives and creating challenges every day whilst also having to cope with the side effects of medications along with the emotional strain an individuals circumstances can bring. However, overall fitness plays a big part in how we feel, cope with and enjoy life whilst also enabling independence and social interaction. A study in 2010/11 showed that 63% of wheelchair users are not taking sufficient physical activity, increasing their risk of developing certain chronic diseases by nearly 60%.
In this episode, David & Kris Discuss:
Q1. As a coach how do we adapt and approach exercise classes for wheelchair users of ranging abilities and function? What is unique about this style of exercise class?
Q2. Does a stereotype still exist in the general public and fitness industry around wheelchair users and what is "appropriate" for them? Are fitness centres skeptical/hesitant about hosting these classes?
Q3. Can wheelchair users often underestimate or are conditioned to believe they are not capable of engaging in exercise? How have these classes impacted on the lives of clients and their confidence?
Q3. What advice should be given to (i) wheelchair users who want to get involved in exercise and don't think they are able to? (ii) fitness professionals who may want to get involved in running exercise for wheelchair users?
Full shownotes at: www.hpascience.com