Thank goodness for Spring! Longer days,
warmer temperatures, and the opportunity to get back out there and enjoy our
favorite spring sports and activities. If you’re a new amputee, or maybe you’re
been an amputee for a while, but are ready to be more active – now is a great
time of year to get started. Sports are a great opportunity to connect with
other amputees and enjoy the camaraderie of taking on challenges together. You
might have some questions on what’s right for you, so we have a few tips to get
you started.
There
are many opportunities for people living with limb loss to get back out in the
world and live an active lifestyle. The activities range from golf to running
to rock climbing and skiing to much more. The amount of activities that
can be adapted for amputees to participate is nearly endless.
One
of the easiest activities to get started in is cardiovascular
exercise. Most people still hate it; but its benefits are essential to good
health. Cardiovascular exercises strengthen your heart and reduce body fat.
Getting your heart beating a little faster also helps to relieve stress, which
is also important for a healthy overall well-being.
“There are many forms of cardiovascular exercises that amputees can take part in, with or without a prosthesis,” according to The Amputee Coalition, “Some are better suited for active amputees, while others are better suited for those who are beginners or who may have medical restrictions.”
There are many options of cardiovascular equipment to choose from. If you don’t have access to cardiovascular equipment, or a gym membership, now is a great time of year to get outside and enjoy nature. The weather is still relatively cool, and perfect for getting some fresh air. On days when the weather is not so great, walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike is a good way to get started.
If you’re ready to progress into something different, looking for an organized team, or just more information - we’ve compiled a list of resources for more information about specific sports or organizations.
“There are many forms of cardiovascular exercises that amputees can take part in, with or without a prosthesis,” according to The Amputee Coalition, “Some are better suited for active amputees, while others are better suited for those who are beginners or who may have medical restrictions.”
There are many options of cardiovascular equipment to choose from. If you don’t have access to cardiovascular equipment, or a gym membership, now is a great time of year to get outside and enjoy nature. The weather is still relatively cool, and perfect for getting some fresh air. On days when the weather is not so great, walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike is a good way to get started.
If you’re ready to progress into something different, looking for an organized team, or just more information - we’ve compiled a list of resources for more information about specific sports or organizations.
- ActiveAmp.org has a large directory of sports and activities for amputees
- Disabled Sports USA’s mission is to provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs.
- The Amputee Coalition, provides a downloadable fact sheet of sports programs.
- The National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) is one of the largest therapeutic recreation agencies in the world. The NSCD offers a variety of year-round sports and recreational adventures.
- The Wheelchair Sports Federation is a national non-profit that provides opportunities for the disabled and wheelchair-bound adults and youth to play sports recreationally and competitively.
- New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, providing adaptive sports instruction to students of all ages and abilities.
- The National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA), is supported by the Professional Golf Association (PGA) and the United States Golf Association (USGA). NAGA currently has over 2,000 members in the United States and some 200 players from 17 other countries.
- The American Amputee Soccer Association (AASA) is the governing body for Amputee Soccer in the United States and is a member of both the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). Their outreach programs help interested players maximize their proficiency, build self confidence, learn the power of teamwork, all while building a strong social network.
- The Wounded Warrior Amputee Football Team’s (WWAFT) mission is to raise awareness and support for our wounded warriors and their families. The team is made of up service members who have served and are now using a prosthetic device to engage in everyday life activities. By showcasing our team on the football field, the WWAFT seeks to inspire our fans and highlight the perseverance of our service members (both active and former) who continue to face life’s challenges without excuses.
- Ski 2 Freedom provides free information so that people with physical disabilities or other special needs and their families to enjoy the physical and affective benefits of mountain activities such as skiing or snowboarding.
- Sportable. The reason Sportable exists is to transform the lives of people with physical and visual disabilities through sport!
- Challenged Athletes Foundation. A group that supports those with physical challenges – empowering them to find community, confidence, and conviction.
- USA Paralympics. A division of the nonprofit United States Olympic Committee, is dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic Movement and promoting excellence in the lives of people with Paralympic-eligible impairments, including physical disabilities and visual impairments.
- Sheltering Arms. An adaptive golf program at Sheltering Arms offers education and opportunities for safe and enjoyable participation in golf.
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