Sports are a great way to keep fit and a fantastic opportunity to socialize with others, and they also help us feel good about ourselves. Many sports involve running around, testing your endurance, and taking your body to the limits.
Some people, however, struggle to walk and run, whether that be because of age, a temporary injury, or a medical condition such as an antalgic gait that makes it painful to place your feet on the floor. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up on sport altogether. There are plenty of treatments for injuries and diseases today such as medicines for foot swelling, surgeries for broken bones or ligaments, TENS ankle treatment, massage therapy for muscles, and so on. So while you are undergoing one of these treatments, here are three exciting sports you could try that do not involve heavy walking and running.
Kayaking
For many, the joy of sport comes from overcoming challenges from competitors and themselves. Kayaking perfectly encapsulates this and it throws in another challenge as well: nature. Kayaking is similar to canoeing in that you paddle your way along a waterway, typically along a pre-set course that can also have a slalom effect. It’s lots of fun as well as being a great aerobic exercise that builds up the arm and upper body strength. Because the participant is in a seated position, it’s a great choice of sport for those with mobility problems. Canoeing sees the participant adopt a kneeling position and using a one-bladed paddle instead of the two-bladed paddle associated with kayaking, but that too can be a sport to consider.
Sailing
Another water sport that’s great for people who struggle to walk and run is sailing, although this term encompasses a wide variety of boat sizes and sports. Sailing is a highly pleasurable activity, which is why more than 87 million Americans go boating every year. It takes on another dimension, however, when you enter the world of competitive boating and sailing. Sailing as a sport tests your strength, coordination and your ability to think quickly, but it doesn’t involve running or walking. If you want to try sailing, the internet should be able to locate your local club, and they’ll be able to advise you on how to get started on what can be a fascinating and addictive sport.
Weight Lifting
Just because you have difficulty walking or running doesn’t mean that you lack strength or power, which is why people with conditions such as antalgic gait can still excel at weightlifting. You can find out more about this condition on Echiro Practor. If you find that you enjoy lifting weights at home or in the gym and have a talent for it, you should consider entering the world of competitive weightlifting. The body weight of the lifter is taken into account so that nobody has a competitive advantage, and it’s also possible to enter powerlifting events: this is specifically for those unable to walk or with walking difficulties, as contestants lay down and then bench press the weights rather than doing it from a standing position.
If your walking or running struggles are temporary, you may find that chiropractic therapy or other medical treatments can help you overcome the pain. Whether the pain is temporary or permanent, however, sports such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and weightlifting will allow you to compete to the best of your ability and embrace your competitive streak.
