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!

BlindAlive Favorite Product Picks

Jade Yoga Mat

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.

Jade is everything you want in a yoga mat – cool colors, incredible grip, great comfort and eco-friendly. Jade mats are made sustainably with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a renewable resource and unlike other mats contains no PVC, EVA or other synthetic rubber and are made in the United States in compliance with all US environmental, labor and consumer protection laws. And, Jade plants a tree for every mat sold – with over 850,000 trees planted so far. Learn More on JadeYoga.com

Pilates Ring

The Pilates ring carried by BlindAlive is a 15-inch ring. You do not have to have a ring this size. If you have a smaller ring, this will work as well. The ring BlindAlive carries is a good option because the foam on the ring is large, easy to work with, and stable on the ring. The ring is rigid, and has two foam hand grips, one on each side. You will use these to orient yourself. The springiness of the ring will allow you to press in or out, creating resistance and strengthening muscles. You will be able to gain quite a lot of strength with the ring, since you can use it for several different kinds of moves.

Buy on ThePilatesTherapist.com

BackTpack©

I have been searching for a pack that enables me to reach all my stuff without taking it off and putting it back on again. I thought I was going to have to design it myself. Then, I noticed a post on LinkedIn last year about a new ergonomically correct back pack that actually improves posture and feels comfortable and secure. I tracked down the designer, Marilyn Miller von Foerster, and promptly ordered two for myself. I wanted to fully explore the different models before I could recommend them. New! Express your own personal style by purchasing BackTpack© in three attractive colors. Black/Khaki is a black exterior and khaki interior, Pewter/Mimosa is primarily a dark gray with accents near the zippers, and Violet/Mango is a dark purple with accents at the zippers. All three colors are dark, and less likely to show dirt or stains.

Learn More about BackTpack...

PenFriend2

Introducing the all-new, upgraded PenFriend2 Voice Labeling System! This best-selling, low cost, audio labeler for the blind and visually impaired lets you label anything and everything with discreet audio labels all in your own voice. Easily record and re-record information using this versatile, pocket-sized, easy-to-use labeling system. You can instantly play back the recordings anywhere simply using the PenFriend2 - no computer required. The upgraded PenFriend2 is slimmer in design that the original model and has four simple yellow tactile operating buttons that contrast against the black casing of the device. These buttons are designed to make it easier for the blind or visually impaired user to locate and use. Another new feature is an easy to use on/off recording function that prevents you from having to hold the record button when recording. Use to label food/freezer items, film/music collections or household objects. Organize letters and other paperwork. Record shopping lists or leave audio messages, or use it as a portable note-taker at the office or classroom - just record your message and keep track of it by placing the allocated label in a small notebook. We have used it as an aid to healthy living by labeling workout CD’s, weights, spices, and so much more. Comes with 4GB internal memory, 127 colored labels, 3 magnetic badges (great for using on tins), neck lanyard and 2 AAA batteries. Also includes accessible, free 'PenFriend sticker management Windows-based software.

Buy PenFriend2 on Amazon

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Water bottles are very personal items. I am attached to my bottle like my phone. It needs to feel good in the hand and fit your style of living.

I like quality especially when I will be using something everyday. These bottles meet all my qualifications. They are not plastic. They come in different sizes, colors, and have different types of lids. Beverages stay hot or cold and hands don’t suffer.

I have the 40 ounce and the 21 ounce bottles. If you wantto fit a bottle in the mesh holder of our BackTpack, I recommend you get one even smaller than the 21 ounce. They don’t leak so I just throw mine into the main pocket.

Water should come from a bottle you trust. These are worthy of trust.

Blendtec Blender

I bought this blender 7 years ago right after being diagnosed with breast cancer. I was completely obsessed with nutrition. I did not feel much like eating due to anxiety but I knew I had to boost my immune system. This blender is absolutely my most favorite kitchen appliance. It is easy to use and clean. It is so powerful I feel like I am flying an airplane. I have replaced the jar once over the past 7 years. I throw in whole lemons, whole carrots, nuts, greens and fruits of all kinds. I just can’t say enough about this blender. I promise you will not regret getting it for one minute.