Accessible Wellness: Adapting Movement for Every Body 

When you think about being active, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s going for a run, hitting the gym, or working up a sweat. But movement can be much more than that.

No matter what movement looks like for you, staying active can benefit both your physical and mental well-being. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of certain health conditions and support the management of some existing conditions. It can also help strengthen your heart, lungs, muscles, and bones, while supporting balance, mobility, energy, and sleep. Beyond the physical benefits, movement can support your mood, concentration, and ability to manage stress.

A Little Movement Can Go a Long Way

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that adults living with or without disabilities aim for at least 150 minutes of light to moderate aerobic activity each week. But being active doesn’t have to mean pushing yourself through an intense workout.

Find Your Way to Move

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to movement. Your fitness level, mobility, health, interests, and energy can all shape what being active looks like for you.

Here are a few ways to make movement more accessible in your day:

Work with the time you have. Movement doesn’t always need a dedicated hour. Try stretching between meetings, fitting in a few minutes of activity at home, or taking a short movement break.
Explore different ways to move. If walking or standing isn’t comfortable or accessible, consider seated exercises, chair yoga, upper-body movement, or activities that incorporate a mobility aid.
Look beyond traditional exercise. Gardening, cleaning, dancing, playing with your family or pets, and other everyday activities can get your body moving too.
Mix it up. Depending on your abilities, you might try stretching, strengthening, balance activities, or movement that gets your heart beating a little faster. Switching things up can also help keep your routine interesting.
Make enjoyment part of it. Choosing activities you like and that match your abilities can make movement easier to return to.

Movement on Your Terms

What feels right can differ per person, and even from one day to another. You might have the energy for a workout one day and prefer some stretching or a walk another day.

Remember every movement matters, it doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to support your well-being.