Q. Virtually all exercise advice ignores the fact that some of us are handicapped and can’t walk. Please give us some help so we can be and feel as well as possible. — Lorraine, Cameron Park, Calif.
A: We-a-culpa! You’re right. We YOU docs tend to plug walking every chance we get because it doesn’t require a significant cash outlay (unless you’re forking over $150 for the latest cross-trainers). But those super-fit wheelchair athletes you see playing basketball on YouTube prove that it’s possible to kick butt without getting off your butt. Just head over to the least-used piece of equipment in any gym: the upper-body ergometer. That’s techy talk for a stationary bike you pedal with your arms, and it’s one heart-pumping, torso-strengthening workout. (You also can buy an “arm cycle” to use at home from a fitness store or online.) Other options? If you’re up for some high-energy fun, play Wii boxing with the kids. Need variety? Get down with videos of aerobic and strength-training chair workouts.
