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!

The Mat Matters

June 07, 2015  /  Lisa Salinger

Whatever your exercise of choice, you can benefit from using a mat for your workout. For a person who is blind or visually impaired, the mat provides a sense of orientation, and a safe space in which to move. For some, the mat is a sacred space in which to reflect and meditate. If you are practicing yoga, having a surface that grips your hands and feet while you hold a pose is helpful. If you are doing pilates or other floor work, a mat may provide the needed cushioning.

In general, mats are usually about 24 inches wide and 68-72 inches long, which will accommodate most body types.

The mat we recommend is a nice option for those doing multiple kinds of workouts because it provides enough traction for yoga and enough padding for other types of floor workouts.

Caring for your mat is simple but important. Use a wipe, a moistened cloth, or a spray bottle to clean both sides after each session or as needed using your cleaner of choice. It is best to avoid harsh chemicals. Either dry the mat fully, or allow it to air dry completely by hanging it on a chair or shower curtain rod before rolling it. Folding or rolling a mat that is not completely dry will cause bacteria to accumulate.

A mat can make your workout more comfortable, and help you gain greater overall flexibility -- a fantastic health benefit for a minimal investment.

We'd love to know what you think, so please feel free to add your comments below.

 

BlindAlive - Creator of Eyes-Free Fitness® - Doylestown, PA 18901

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