Fitness Activities for Physical Disabilities

In order to provide opportunities for patients with mobility challenges to exercise, TFRD searched for wheelchair-accessible gyms, fitness centers, and therapeutic rehabilitation sites. Luckily, we finally discovered the Banshu Sports Center, where the entire gym is barrier-free!

This time TFRD organized a special fitness program for wheelchair patients. TFRD transported wheelchair patients to and from their homes by wheelchair-accessible taxicab. The activities included gym equipment use, archery, tabletop curling and field water polo, all accompanied by professional instructors to ensure fun and safety.

Patients saw the barrier-free fitness room at first glance after entering the gym through the ramp. They drove directly into the room to experience the weight-training equipment, where they were guided by the instructors to work up a good sweat. Field water polo is located outside the gym and consists of turf and elaborate obstacles. Each person had 1,400 rounds of water bullets at their disposal, and it was an exciting and modest game that made everyone really excited! At the end of the event, they expressed the following feedback: "I am very happy because I can have so much fun here as ordinary people", "I can train my upper body muscles and maintain my muscular endurance, so I hope I can go farther next time", "If similar activities are held again, I will still want to participate", "I think there are many kinds of activities that I can try", and so on. It is hoped that these experiences would motivate the patients to go out and maintain the habit of exercise.

Translator: David Lee (Becker Muscular Dystrophy)