Regardless of your physical limitations, becoming more active is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and improve your health in the process!

Physical activity is also a good way to add variety to your life and have some good old- fashioned fun.

The possibilities are endless, especially during Canada’s typically mild summer months, if you start by thinking about what you’d like to try: Hiking? Baseball? Cycling? Swimming? Basketball? Soccer? In-line skating? Maybe you’d like to do an activity that you used to enjoy or that you’ve heard others with a disability have been doing.

Next, make a list of activities to learn more about and challenge yourself by setting some goals for the amount of time you’d like to spend being more physically active or the number of activities you will try over the next couple of months.

You can find out about appropriate opportunities in your community that you can get involved in. Some places to inquire include:

• your local parks and recreation department
• an independent living centre in your area
• local offices of organizations such as the Canadian Paraplegic Association, the National Network for Mental Health and other groups that serve those people with a disability.

These organizations can put you in touch with others who may have the same interests and needs as you. Don’t forget to check out the Internet for on-line information and chat with other friends who have a disability. Chances are they will be able to give you some insight into the adaptations that they’ve made to different activities and introduce you to some of the things that they are involved in.

The Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (www.ala.ca) can also connect you with representatives in your province or territory who are really plugged into what’s available at the regional and local levels.

Once you’ve identified some options, get out there and do it! If you enjoy the new activity, commit to taking part on a regular basis and set up a schedule to ensure that you remain involved. If not, try some of the other alternatives that interest you.

Once you’ve found something you like doing, your interest will probably grow and being physically active will become an important part of your healthy lifestyle.

As Henry Ford once said:  “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.” It all starts with a positive attitude toward becoming and remaining physically active.

Next is a proactive approach to letting others know what you’d like to do and finding the information. While it may be necessary to have a friend help you out as you do your research or as you take part in an activity, it’s up to you to initiate things.

Once you start, you’ll find it hard to stop! Have fun with your newfound activities. Remember that tomorrow’s limits are today’s doubts, and that in the end you will only accomplish things if you view them as possible.

[Source: adapted from an article by Chris Bourne, Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability]