Adaptive Fitness Trainings: 10 Special Equipment Picks

As an individual, learning the extent of using the right equipment for your adaptive training is vital. With the proper adaptive fitness equipment, you can enhance performance, prevent injuries, and enable you to reach new heights.

This article digs ten smart pieces of gear particularly for inclusive, adaptive fitness trainings. 

1. Resistance Bands

In adaptive fitness trainings, resistance bands are stretchy bands that give resistance to support your muscles. They come in various tensions so you can begin lighter and progress.

Since these bands are quite portable, you can do many of the same exercises with weights. These include chest presses, rows, shoulder presses, triceps extensions, and bicep curls. 

To use this adaptive fitness equipment, affix one end to a steady entity like a door handle or pole. Hold the other end and step away to form tension. In a slow manner, move through the full range of motion for each exercise. Start with 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions of each exercise, 2-3 times a week.

2. Weightlifting Hooks

Weightlifting hooks conform over the ends of a barbell or dumbbell, with straps that wrap around your wrists to provide aid. This carries tension off your fingers and hands so you can focus on the lift. 

In adaptive fitness trainings, these hooks are perfect. This includes exercises like deadlifts, rows, pull-ups, and other exercises where grip strength can limit your weight. Aside from that, using weightlifting hooks can help you lift 10-15% more weight than not. Over time, this can amplify your power and strength.

3. Medicine Balls

Medicine balls are weighted balls used for adaptive training. They come in a range of weights, typically from 1 to 50 pounds. Medicine balls are excellent for:

Improving Dynamic Flexibility and Range of Motion

The weight and momentum of the ball help develop your range of motion in exercises like twisting lunges or overhead slams.

Building Power and Strength

Accelerating and decelerating the ball is vital for chest passes, overhead throws, and squat thrusts. Using this in adaptive fitness trainings improves your strength and power.

Enhancing Sports Performance

Medicine ball training mimics sports motions, improving athlete throwing, hitting, and jumping skills.

4. Equip Products Aldridge Arm Harness & Strap

The Equip Products Aldridge Arm Harness & Strap helps individuals with limited arm mobility or strength. This adaptive equipment lets you perform weight training exercises that would be difficult or impossible.

As you use this equipment, the straps are adjustable to fit various arm sizes and disabilities. With the harness taking the weight and providing stability, you can focus on adaptive fitness trainings.

Plus, there are several edges to using an arm harness and strap, such as:

• Ability to do bicep curls, triceps extensions, shoulder presses, and other arm exercises
• Improved arm strength and range of motion
• Increased independence and confidence
• Option to do high-intensity interval training for arm muscles
• Can be used alone or with a spotter/trainer 

5. Seated Elliptical Machine

A seated elliptical machine lets you get an aerobic workout while remaining seated as you do adaptive fitness programs. This adaptive fitness equipment is perfect for those with limited mobility or balance issues.

Unlike a treadmill or exercise bike, this machine has moving handlebars and foot pedals. Besides that, this lets you exercise your upper and lower body at the same time.

6. Hoist and Hammer Strength Machines

Hoist has versatile machines like the V5 Multi-Functional Trainer. This equips over 60 exercise options for the upper and lower body. The V5 has adjustable pulleys, and weight stacks up to 200 lbs. 

Hammer Strength is known for plate-loaded equipment, like the Ground Base Jammer. This provides ground-based exercises for improving explosiveness and power.

Both brands present weight stack machines with durable steel frames in adaptive fitness trainings. These equip fixed-path movements for exercises like leg presses, chest presses, and lat pulldowns. 

7. Adaptive Dumbbells

Adaptive dumbbells are dumbbells that have adjustable weight options for adaptive fitness trainings. These dumbbells let you adjust the weight levels to suit your needs and abilities.

In fact, the Snode AD80 and NUOBELL are two of the best dumbbells for adaptive fitness trainings. The Snode AD80 delivers weight adjustments from 5 to 80 pounds in 5-pound increments. While, the NUOBELL adjustable dumbbells provide weight options from 5 to 50 pounds with 2.5-pound adjustments.

8. FES Bike

An FES bike, or functional electrical stimulation bike, uses mild electrical pulses to stimulate your leg muscles and make them pedal a stationary bike. 

FES cycling delivers cardiovascular exercise and improves muscle tone and flexibility. It also increases blood flow, which helps stem muscle atrophy and improves range of motion.

Aside from that, FES bikes allow people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy to get the benefits of cycling. They empower individuals to improve their fitness despite mobility impairments or physical limitations.

9. Theraband

Theraband comes in different resistance levels, letting you prefer the appropriate level for your needs and abilities. Start with a lighter resistance, around 2 to 4 pounds, and work your way up as your strength improves. 

Theraband can be used for arm exercises such as bicep curls, triceps extensions, and shoulder presses during adaptive fitness trainings. 

Aside from that, Theraband is versatile and budget-friendly. You can take it with you when traveling and use it almost anywhere. It equips refined resistance throughout the range of motion, helping increase strength and power. 

10. Vitaglide

Vitaglide mimics the motions of rowing and cross-country skiing. It lets users get an effective cardio workout while remaining seated. This helps improve mobility and strength for individuals with limited mobility.

Aside from that, Vitaglide has sliding seat pads that move forward and backward, letting you push and pull against resistance. It provides both upper and lower body conditioning. The intensity can be adjusted for different fitness levels. 

Who is a Good Candidate for Adaptive Training?

Anyone with a physical disability or injury can benefit from adaptive fitness training. But here are some of the most common candidates for one:

1. Individuals with Disabilities

Adaptive training is a perfect pick for people with disabilities. This can include individuals with mobility issues, like difficulty walking, using limbs, or being in a wheelchair. Additionally, individuals with sensory disabilities, such as those who are blind or deaf, can reap advantages.

For instance, someone in a wheelchair might do exercises to prop their upper body. Aside from that, individuals with visual impairments might even use cues or audio instructions during workouts. Remember, adaptive training improve strength, flexibility, and overall health while respecting each person’s limitations.

2. Seniors

Seniors or older adults often deal with age-related changes like weaker muscles, less flexibility, and balance issues. Adaptive training is perfect for them because it’s planned to meet their needs.

With adaptive training, seniors can stay independent and lower the risk of accidents like falls. Exercises are altered to regard any limitations or health conditions they may have.

3. Rehabilitation and Recovery

When your body has been through a hard time, adaptive fitness trainings can help you regain strength and mobility safely.

If you had knee surgery, adaptive training might involve gentle exercises to rebuild your leg muscles and joint mobility. A physical therapist often urges these exercises to assure they are tailored to your needs and limitations.

4. Athletes with Injuries

Athletes who have experienced injuries can also benefit from adaptive training. These individuals often strongly desire to stay active and continue their fitness journey even while dealing with injuries.

Adaptive training lets athletes alter their workouts to adapt to their injuries and focus on areas that are not affected. For instance, if a runner has a foot injury, this might involve upper body strength exercises or swimming to maintain fitness without putting strain on the injured area.

5. Children with Special Needs

Adaptive fitness trainings helps children with special needs. This includes those with developmental disabilities, sensory sensitivities, or physical challenges. In fact, it tailored exercises and activities to help motor skills, coordination, and overall physical health.

For example, a child with autism might commit to sensory-friendly exercises. This promote body awareness and coordination. 

Promote a Healthier, More Diverse Society

Adaptive fitness is for everyone, no matter what physical ability, age, or background. Make your well-being a priority and start your journey to better health today. Taking the first step can lead to infinite possibilities. Sign up with Certify Strong today for an adaptive fitness certification and save up to 50% on enrollment.