Did you have a few too many delectable dishes and spirits over the holidays? Are your clothes a little bit more snug? Or perhaps the mix of Omicron and January’s cold and snow is preventing you from visiting the gym. If so, we have compiled some at-home exercise programs for you to try.
You can access these programs on demand or, in some cases, participate in live events right from the comfort of home. Most of these programs are designed to be inclusive for people with vision loss. Others we found are well described enough to help you participate.
Remember, staying fit helps with your flexibility, balance and ability to move in a way that avoids injury. When it’s difficult to exactly see where you’re going, these abilities are important. Getting in some type of exercise will also lift your spirits, reduce isolation you may be feeling and put you on a path for feeling confident about getting out in the world again!
https://www.couchtoactive.com/
Couch to Active looks different from other programs and focuses on people with visual impairments and other chronic conditions. Get started with a mini workout series for free or check out the live group classes with a variety of pricing options. Personal training is also available. Workouts include mobility and stability, cardio, Pilates and many more. A great way to stay motivated and accountable for your exercise routine!
These MP3 and CDs workouts were developed by a visually impaired author and yoga enthusiast, Marty Klein, along with input from Gretchen Hein, certified yoga teacher. A beginner yoga student can learn 24 different yoga poses and alignments, develop spatial and body awareness, perform basic stretches and discover other tips to get the most from a yoga practice. No freebies, but pricing is reasonable.
Nick Jones is the strength and conditioning instructor at British Blind Sports. Nick, who has Stargardt, developed these audio-described workout videos to keep everyone active during the pandemic. Choose from a wide variety of workouts including yoga, strength training, gentle exercise, Pilates and dance via live classes or their YouTube channel. Programs are free, but donations are appreciated!
youtube.com/channel/UChDop_YGNlk9fSukWWOJHKQ
Aly Slaughter received her initial yoga teaching in Rishikesh, India. She is a certified yoga teacher now with over 500 hours of yoga teacher training. Aly is also visually impaired and offers weekly live yoga classes via Zoom. Her classes are for all abilities and all bodies. Her Zoom classes are donation based and you can try out the first class for free. Aly’s YouTube channel offers a gentle yoga practice, energizing morning practice, gentle warrior flow with standing splits and more.
Aly will also be offering free virtual yoga classes at Second Sense beginning in February. Check out our calendar of events for details later this month!
youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
Recommended by Julia Andrews, our Rush University occupational therapy intern at Second Sense, Yoga with Adriene offers 30 days of free yoga practices. While this is not specifically designed for people with vision loss, Julia says the videos are well described. By signing up on Adriene’s YouTube channel, you’ll also receive written descriptions of exercises and poses. The 30-day course is free.
We hope these options inspire you to get moving, be stronger and confident in your ability to travel safely and gracefully. If you have tried a new exercise program you found that works for you, please share it with us!
Kathy is the Community Engagement Specialist at Second Sense.