Circuit Training With a Disability: Is it for You?

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Circuit training is becoming increasingly popular among people of all walks of life. It is known for its quick results as well as versatility in adaptation to many exercise forms. Circuit training is an exercise method that can be adapted to fit most forms of exercise and can even be used for those with a disability. In fact, circuit training is being used in most popular gyms and exercise programs.

Circuit training is simply a set of exercises performed quickly in small increments, generally timed and categorized. Because the exercises used can be adapted to any exercise program, circuit training can be a good fit for someone with a disability. This method of exercise can be used for injury rehabilitation, weight loss, boosting energy levels, to adapt to disability and life tasks, for strength endurance, routine fitness maintenance and most any other exercise form.

One of the main reasons circuit training is so useful is that it causes the body to adapt to different movements and positions than normal. It can exercise areas that may not be used otherwise. Further benefit, of course, lies in the ability to adapt the method to anyone's specific needs and to any form of exercise. From beginner to expert, most anyone can use circuit training in combination with various exercises at their appropriate level. Those with disabilities 
will appreciate the flexibility of this customizable way to adapt to life tasks.

A very important aspect of circuit training in relation to disabilities is that it can actually help some people adapt to their specific disability. The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami is using Circuit Resistance Training (CRT) to help patients with spinal cord injuries. So far, the documented research shows promising results, with those who used the CRT reporting that certain life tasks become easier to perform after using the CRT. Reported benefits include increased fitness, as well as strength in muscles that are not paralyzed, showing that patients were able to better adapt to their disability. Currently, the research on this is a continuing effort.

Circuit training has been used in many different fitness activities for those with disabilities. In addition to CRT, water fitness is used to help someone with a disability adapt. Water fitness is relevant to those with disabilities, as some conditions (such as paralysis) may require an exercise that needs very little weight bearing down on the person. When in the water you can feel weightless, which makes it much easier for those with certain disabilities to adapt to the exercise. In turn, the exercise provides benefits that also help a person with a disability adapt to their disability as well as certain life tasks.

There are many different ways to incorporate circuit training into an exercise program for those needing to adapt to a disability. Anyone considering this should first consult with a medical professional, as every form of exercise is not for everyone. However, due to the flexibility, it is possible that circuit training could be the answer for many needing to adapt to a disability.


*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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