It is important to recognize and address the societal attitudes and stigmas that can create barriers for individuals with physical disabilities in the gym. While physical activity is essential for maintaining physical and mental health, many individuals with disabilities may feel excluded or discouraged from participating in fitness activities due to societal attitudes and stigmas. One common misconception is that individuals with disabilities cannot engage in physical activity or should not be in the gym.
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Have you ever been told that you can't do something based on your appearance? Even if you are feeling your best, feeling like you can conquer the world? Well, you can. Do not, never; let someone tell you "you can't" before trying it out. Rock Climbing; yeah, go for it. Marathon? Why not? Looking through my Moving With Maya Instagram feed, I have found many people prove ablism wrong.
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As someone who goes to the gym pretty much every day, I see that it is hard to use the equipment when I get surgery, and therefore neglecting my physical health during recovery, even when that is the most critical time to focus on your health. I find this so frustrating, demeaning; especially when this is an industry I love. I know that so many people feel left out of the fitness industry because they feel neglected and neglect the gym. To get some statistics in there, the ADA recommended that most there should be accessible parking and ramps, but that is only enough to get you in the door. Now once you're in… what do you do? You can not fit through the equipment when
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There is nothing wrong with a person with a disability; however, If a person wants to talk about their disability openly, they will tell you, do not presume they are open to talking about it right away. Asking an individual about their disability before even mentions, reckon that that is the first thing you saw when you looked at the individual. As a golden rule, talk to a disabled individual just as you would with anyone else—- because we are anyone else; unique and different; just like everyone else. The rules are as basic as that.
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People will never understand what it is like to be inside your body; however, try to be real and allow people to try to understand; instead of isolating yourself into your pain. It’s not just you and your pain, although it definitely feels like it for me. If they really love you, the people at your fingertips will let you scream at them, cry at them, squeeze their hand. Relief is temporary, but it matters. Every second counts.
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This week is eating disorder awareness week! There is little research on the relationship between having a physical disability and having an eating disorder; however, a study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institute of Mental Health 2000 showed that women with physical disabilities were more likely to develop eating disorders. The statistics are too common; we can battle our ED together.
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My sister, as a non-disabled individual evaluates the social stigmatism associated with being disabled. We use those differences to marginalize and depreciate a group of people that we deem to be unworthy or undeserving of being treated inhumanely. We have created this image of the “ideal” human -- the white, heterosexual, cisgender, non-disabled male – embedded in societal norms.
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Walking into the operating room with fear that your procedure will not go well is one of the worst things you can do during the time of your operation. We should have a healthy, positive mindset before and after, and be hopeful that your procedure will go exactly as planned, smooth sailing.
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Feeling alone is a vicious cycle you want to avoid at all costs when dealing with a physical and mental disability or mental state in general. Loneliness eats our self-esteem away and lets the negativity take over our brains. We don’t want that. Finding others with a connection can help you, as well as the other person, whether it is a support group or a social media connection, not feel so alone.
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We forget what it is like to eat food for fuel. It has become an emotional aspect of our life. We often eat too fast or eat without purpose and don’t even realize what we’re eating or how much we are eating. Mindful eating will allow us to pinpoint when we are full, by slowing down when eating, and by focusing on how much we are eating.
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Your mental state is just as important and contributes just as equally to your physical health. Make sure you are doing things for you! Check in with yourself every once and awhile. Even if you are focusing on yourself for 5 minutes, make those five minutes count.
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