Janet Ingber
The latest book by AccessWorld's own Judy Dixon and Bonnie O'Day provides a great deal of information regarding accessible exercise in its many forms. The book contains information of use to both the beginner and the expert. For this article, I will be summarizing the book's contents to give you an idea what to expect from the text while providing my personal thoughts at the end of the piece.
Introduction.
I recommend reading the Introduction before proceeding to the first chapter. The Introduction discusses the definitions of physical fitness. The authors present research regarding visually impaired people and physical fitness. The authors also discuss barriers to physical fitness. The authors then provide information about fitness basics and different levels of exercise. Next they discuss four types of exercises: Strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility. In the introduction’s next part, the authors present a list called, “10 Things You Can Do to Become More Active.” In the final part of the introduction, the authors go through an extensive list of fitness and exercise terms.
Chapter 1: Simple Fitness Activities You Can Do at Home
In this chapter, the authors discuss exercising at home. Various equipment is described including weights and Stability Balls. Later in the chapter exercise machines such as stationary bikes and treadmills are presented. The authors talk about the accessibility of some machines.
In the second part of this chapter, the authors explain how to do specific exercises, with step-by-step instructions. For example, for body weight exercises, instructions are presented on how to do push ups, crunches, and squats. The same format is used for resistance bands and stability balls. Additional resources are also given.
Chapter 2: Fitness Opportunities in Your Community
Here, the authors write about joining various groups such as walking and tandem cycling. The write about group activities such as rowing, beep baseball, bowling, and dragon boating. Of course they also provide descriptions and resources.
In the final section, gyms and health clubs are discussed. The authors are thorough with their advice regarding checking out a potential gym. This includes visiting the facility and considering group classes and exercise equipment.
Chapter 3: Getting Fit with Your iPhone
There are many options for exercise using your iPhone. First the authors give an excellent description of both the Apple Health app and the Apple Fitness app. They give detailed instructions for using these apps.
Next, the Apple Fitness+ app is discussed. The authors give a great deal of information about what the app has and how to obtain a free trial.
In the final section of the chapter, the authors give examples of other, non-Apple, fitness apps. Some of the apps are My Fitness Pal, Aaptiv, and Pedometer++. As with the Apple apps, these apps are clearly described.
Chapter 4: Getting Fit with Your Smart Speaker
This chapter covers how to get exercise routines from an Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The Amazon Alexa is covered first. Instructions are given for how to enable skills on Amazon Alexa. After that there is a detailed list of exercise routines.
For Google Assistant, the authors discuss Actions. Next, as with the Alexa, they provide a detailed list of workout Actions.
Chapter 5: Fitness Using Web-Based Resources
In this chapter, the authors provide an extensive list of websites that contain accessible exercise routines. Each listing gives a description of what is available and contact information.
Chapter 6: Key Groups and Organizations
This chapter has a long list of websites which promote fitness and recreation. Each listing contains the url to their website and a description of what is available. Websites include Blind Tandem Cycling Connection, The United States Association of Blind Athletes and American Blind Bowling Association.
Conclusion
I highly recommend this book. If you are new to fitness, the book provides a wealth of information. If you already exercise, due to the book's thorough nature, you might learn some new routines and discover new resources. Much like employment, fitness is an area where people who are blind or low vision are often less involved than their sighted peers. It is heartening to see such a detailed resource that provides exercise suggestions for people no matter their circumstances.
Book Information
Your Personal Path to Fitness: Finding What Works for You By Judy Dixon and Bonnie O’Day National Braille Press Price: $12.00-$14.50 depending on format Formats: Physical braille as well as Daisy, eBraille, and Word formats for download or on USB
