Moderate amount of exercise is good for our health, especially for the disabled. Inactive people are prone to a number of health hazards. Prolonged inactivity will result in muscular atrophy and reduce the agility of the joints. It may also lead to osteoporosis, obesity and heart diseases, etc.

Exercise can promote health and has the following advantages:

1. improve heart and lung function, enhance blood circulation, build up strong physique and reduce the cholesterol level in the blood;

2. strengthen muscles and reduce the chance of osteoporosis;

3. increase the agility of the joints and slow down the aging process;

4. burn up excess fat in the body and keep body weight under control; and

5. relieve stress, build-up self-confidence, extend social circle and establish good inter-personal relationship.

Consult your physician and understand your condition before doing exercise. Note the following points when exercise:

1. choose a suitable kind of exercise within your own ability;

2. exercise in an environment with good ventilation and suitable temperature;

3. put on suitable sportswear and sports shoes;

4. do not make any drastic or abrupt movements, particularly when the exercise involves the neck, waist and knees;

5. breathe naturally while doing exercise; and

6. if you feel unwell when doing exercise, you should slow down or take a rest, if the unwell condition persists, you should consult your physician for safety sake.

   
   

1. Posture - Persons with disability may according to their own ability, choose one of the following postures:

• Supine lying

  Suitable for the housebound and those with weak limbs who can exercise on their own or with assistance from other people.

• Sitting on a chair

  Suitable for those who cannot stand too long or who have weak lower limbs. Exercise by sitting on a chair of suitable height (allowing one's feet on the ground) and with straight back.

• Standing

2. Breathing Exercise

   Suitable for all persons - Close the mouth, breathe in through the nose and expand the chest then breathe out through the mouth.

3. Frequency and Duration of Exercise

   For beginners - Twice a week and 15 minutes each time and progressively increase the duration to 30 minutes each time.

4. For those who are very weak, they can exercise with assistance from their family members or carers.

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