Resources for Wheelchair Exercisers by Jon Gestl

The Paralympic Games are the Olympic equivalent competitions for individuals with disabilities and are recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The IPC organizes the Paralympic Games along with other multi-disability competitions, from regional to world championships, with the highest achieving athletes in each sport qualifying for the Paralympics. IPC's vision: "To enable paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world." Inspire, indeed! The next time you'd rather skip a workout, surf over to this site and be inspired by these athletes. A truly amazing organization.

Disabled Sports USA

http://www.dsusa.org/

A non-profit organization established in 1967 by disabled Vietnam veterans, DS/USA offers nationwide sports rehabilitation programs to anyone with a permanent disability. Promotes successful rehabilitation and ongoing quality of life through sports and competition. Conducts training camps to prepare and select athletes for the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. DS/USA has a nationwide network of community-based chapters, which is listed on the website.

Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association

http://www.cwsa.ca/home.html

The CWSA is non-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote excellence and develop opportunities for Canadians in wheelchair sport.

Wheelchair Sports, USA

http://www.wsusa.org/wsusa/

Provides athletic experiences for disabled athletes that parallel those of mainstream athletes. The website states the organization is "directed and developed by wheelchair athletes and wheelchair sports enthusiasts alike, individuals with a first-hand understanding to the values of participation." Wheelchair Sports USA is recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee, and also has offerings to junior athletes.

The Wheelchair Bodybuilding Page

http://www.wsusa.org/wsusa/

Contest schedule for Wheelchair Bodybuilding Contests, links to bodybuilding federations that promote wheelchair bodybuilding contests.

International Wheelchair Basketball Federation

http://www.iwbf.org/

National Wheelchair Basketball Federation

http://www.nwba.org/index.php

Extreme Sports

Traditional sports are fine, but what if tastes crave more extreme sporting activities? Not to worry. Check out the following sites for information about extreme wheelchair sports and get ready to be amazed...

extrememike.com

http://www.extrememike.com/

Extreme enthusiast and motivational speaker Michael McKeller overcame spinal muscular atrophy to conquer extreme sports such as skydiving, scuba diving, boating, and flying. Offers extreme sports video series featuring McKeller in the pursuit of accomplishing one extreme sport at a time. His mission? "To invite everyone to take a look at how he does it and try it for themselves."

Mobility Engineering Inc.

http://www.mobilityeng.com/

Designer and manufacturer of adaptive sports equipment that opens up new adventures for disabled persons. Includes 100% arm-powered vehicles called the "Hand Bike" and the "Snow Pod." Website features past extreme trip details.

General and Recreational/Wheelchair Sport Websites

Wheelchairnet.org

http://www.wheelchairnet.org/WCN_Living/health.html

A "wheelchair virtual community" for people with a common interest in wheelchair technology and its application. An excellent resource for the wheelchair user. Site includes databases, slide lectures, article reprints, and discussion area.

Accessible Fitness

http://www.accessibilitytraining.com/

Take a look at this fitness center in Santa Clara, CA. Established to help the physically-challenged to attain both the physical and mental benefits of exercise, it offers a wheelchair accessible gym, in-home exercise programs, adaptive fitness personal trainers, workshops and more.

The Muscular Dystrophy Organization

http://www.mdausa.org/

Website carries loads of information, resources, and motivational stories.

Disabled Go Info

http://www.mdausa.org/

Offers detailed access information for disabled people across the UK.

Magazines

Sports n Spokes Magazine

http://www.pvamagazines.com/sns/

Magazine with international circulation covering the latest in competitive wheelchair sports and recreational opportunities.

Paralinks

http://www.paralinks.net/

The magazine for people with spinal cord injury. A web site dedicated exclusively for the wheelchair culture of the world.

It’s clear that being in a wheelchair doesn't mean leading a sedentary lifestyle. For those individuals in wheelchairs who wish to exercise, remain active, or compete in sports, numerous resources exist. For those not in wheelchairs, take a look at any of the above links. You’ll soon forget about using any of the old, worn-out excuses not to get off the couch and get active.

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BIO:

Jon Gestl, CSCS, is a Chicago personal trainer and fitness instructor who specializes in helping people get in shape in the privacy and convenience of their home or office. He is a United States National Aerobic Champion silver and bronze medalist and world-ranked sportaerobic competitor. He can be contacted through his website at http://www.jongestl.com.

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