best exercise for people that cant walk properly?

Question

My mom has a variety of mobility problems, arthrits, austio, fybro..... Which combined have decreased her mobility for walking. She also is a (fat) diabetic, as the doc puts it.(needle dependant) She walks with a cane. She has no problem with pushing herself to do physical things. Sometimes pushes too much! lol I say that swimming would be great for her, because there is no hard impact and this gets all muscles moving, and some treadmill at the lowest speed. Then when she loses some of the weight to start getting into some strength training to get the good muscles working for the bad ones. Is this a good way to start out or does anyone have anything else that she could try?

Answer 1

Swimming is good for the reasons you outlined.

Also, at our local hospital's wellness center, there is a very popular machine called the "Nu-Step." It's a sort of stair-stepping machine, only you sit in a very comfy seat that's much like a regular chair, or car seat. You push the pedals with your feet and hold onto the handles, and both your upper and lower body get worked out. You can adjust the workout from very easy to very hard. If you get fatigued, you're already seated. All the cardiac rehab folks use it, as do the arthritic folks. Even the healthy folks use it, because it gives you both a cardio workout and it strengthens the muscles.

Check to see whether your mom's local hospital has a wellness center. They can help her out a lot--supervised by trained professionals, nurses, physical therapy folks. These places are usually a LOT cheaper than privately owned gyms, too.

Answer 2

Swimming is a great idea - because of the reasons you mentioned. Swimming is usually the suggested exercise for people with joint problems and the like. The treadmill is also a good idea - it has bars on the side she can hold on to and she can control the speed.

Strength training is a good idea also - If she thinks she is up for it, she could start now (I dont know her full condition). Just remember to start her off light, if its too easy, she can add some weight, but better to start light and add then start heavy and have problems.

Those were the two (swimming and light walking) that I would suggest. Her doctor could probably suggest others.

Answer 3

Diabetes is usually treated through a combination of diet (low sugar), exercise and medications/insulin. Read here https://tr.im/osULk
Milder cases can be controlled with just diet an/or exercise while more severe cases require meds or insulin as well.

Answer 4

swimming would definetly be good until she drops some weight then she could try some light walking etc. how is her diet? with diabetes she needs to be taking in a lot of fiber

Answer 5

I think you're right on track. And I just wanted you to know that I admire and respect you for keeping your mom's health a priority. I'm sure she loves you very much for it.

Answer 6

yeah, i think you are on the right track. The first thing that popped into my mind when you described your mother's condition was swimming. Good luck.

Answer 7

hey Mom ,listen to your son
swimming is the best thing for someone with your health issues=and you wont believe how your arthritis osteo and fibro will ease up=good luck

Answer 8

There are special needs trainers that will be your safest way.Last few years I'm hearing bad vibes about threadmill use.

Answer 9

I think swimming would be great, just have her do it slow and easy.... nothing too hard on her.

Answer 10

u have already the answer. swimming is perfect! along with physio therapy