Non-rehab exercise program 3xamputee

Hello,

I am a triple amputee (AK R leg, TK L leg, AE R arm).

I also have incomplete L2 SCI. (I have good inward and upward leg movement, but reduced outward and backward.)

My injury is 30+ years; I am in my mid-50s.

I use a manual 1 arm drive wheelchair and am quite agile. No problem with transfers etc.

My issue is that I've never done any exercise beyond pushing my wheelchair. In my 50s I've gained some weight around my stomach - was in the mid-40kg range for many years, now low 50s.

I get a lot of upper body activity from general mobility, but am not sure how to do more structured exercise. "Bumming" around is a worry for potential skin problems.

I can't do sit-ups as I don't have lower weight to anchor my legs.

I do swim using a flotation vest ... the first time I got in water I quicky flipped upside down!!!!

One thought is to do some exercise in the water with leg lifts, body twists and suchlike but am not sure that will do any real good. Swimming up and down the pool is still really only more arm exercise and not really viable.

Do you have any ideas on how I can increase fitness and lose the gut?

Thank you.