BlindAlive.com

Accessible Fitness, more choices for more people

Fitness has always been a concern with regard to both mental and physical health regardless of age, gender, or any other variables that make each one of us unique. And for those in the blind community, fitness is every bit as much—if not more—important.

Exercise for the visually impaired is something that should be incorporated into a weekly, if not daily, routine for a variety of reasons that are both similar and different from people within the sighted community. For those with total loss of sight as well as for those who are low sighted, a lack of regular exercise can bring on a host of other issues, including weight gain, sluggishness, and perhaps worst of all for many, insomnia or a circadian rhythm that has been thrown completely off track.

A quality workout done at the right time of day and at the right pace to meet your unique physical and mental needs is just what the doctor may have forgotten to order. For many blind people, fitness has been a challenge: without someone to guide you and without the ability to drive yourself to the gym, it becomes obvious why so many visually impaired individuals give up—but with the BlindAlive line of Fitness Workouts for blind people, you’ll never have to depend on anyone else again.

Yoga and Strength Training with wieghts for blind people along with a variety of other cardiovascular exercises help our bodies stay toned, help us gain muscle mass and lose weight, but most of all, can help lead a blind person away from a sense of helplessness.

Are you ready to sweat? Come get healthy and leave all your notions of not being able to get fit due to your visual impairment behind with BlindAlive!

What Is The Importance Of A Yoga Mat?

November 08, 2015  /  Mel Scott

Believe it or not, there is controversy over the necessity of using a mat for yoga or Pilates. I found many articles that support both sides. It is important to do your research and decide for yourself

As for me, I love my mat for many reasons.

Orientation

The mat defines your space. As a blind person, this is essential for feeling safe and secure while performing poses. My mat is marked with a piece of tape in the top left corner so I don’t get turned around. This is especially helpful if in a class with lots of people all around. If you are at home, the mat creates a specific area that can be controlled, thus making it easier to relax and be present in your body.

Body Alignment

For any kind of exercise body alignment can make or break the desired outcome. Mirrors are often used in gyms or yoga studios so alignment can be corrected visually. The mat compensates if you know how to use it.

The front edge of the mat can be used to line up your fingers or toes. You do not need to see them to know where they are in relation to each other. You can mark your mat with tape to indicate the placement of your feet. You may want to mark the spots that place your feet hip distance apart or your hands shoulder distance apart. All the edges are useful for knowing exactly where you are. Some people like to mark their mats to help them know that their knees and hands are lined up. It is your mat to do with as you please. I like a center line of tape so I know that my spine is straight. Be creative and make it work for you.

Setting The Scene

My mat is one of my favorite places in the world. I sit down and I automatically relax and come into my body. I gear down. It is my mat, my space to be with me and nobody else. The mat serves as a queue to your nervous system to slow down, breathe, and take a break from the rest of the world. This is called a conditioned response and it will grow stronger over time. It is important that you have a mat that you love, a mat that feels secure, and I prefer a mat that is eco friendly. I recommend getting a mat that brings you joy. Mats range greatly in price and quality. Finding the right mat can be overwhelming. The mats we provide on our website are top of the line and are an investment in your well-being. I have encountered many mats over the years and these mats by Jade are my favorite, and are excellent for either Yoga or Pilates workouts.

If you’re looking for a somewhat more economical mat that is not as sticky but which provides a bit more padding, you might want to consider this one.

This article will help you learn about all the choices and factors involved in choosing a good mat for you.

And speaking of choices, we’d love it if you’d subscribe to our newsletter www.BlindAlive.com to learn about some exciting choices coming your way. Who knows? You might be glad you learned all about how helpful the right mat can be!

 

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