By Marlon Shirley, Lead Contributor

Train Smart as an Amputee

As I have trained over the years, there's always been a battle between the volume of training I do and keeping my limb healthy. As you start working out, you will see and feel your body changing. Your socket may not fit the same, which will result in your limb getting sore and even start to experience skin breakdown.
 
Skin breakdown is BAD!!! It can also result in longer time for recovery – making your path of becoming more active challenging. As I had mentioned in the blog “Keep it Clean”, this is when proper hygiene becomes most important.

As a personal trainer, it is your responsibility to listen to the client. I hear so many trainers say, “You can train an amputee the same as anyone else.” While their heart is in the right place, this is not true. You can expect the same effort and determination from an amputee, but you have to adjust the volume and listen closely to the clients concerns about their limb. This is also a great challenge for a personal trainer to think outside the box. Just because an amputee’s limb might be breaking down, find alternative ways to accomplish the same goals non-weight baring. Pools and bikes are a great option.

The main problem with amputees experiencing blisters, rashes and other skin irritations is that it can result in infections. Also, amputees have to wear their prosthetics to stay mobile and wearing one doesn’t let the skin breath, hindering the healing process. I would rather have a healthy client with less fitness, than a more flit client with diminished mobility, pain and lost of desire due to discomfort.

The goal when training someone is to inspire him or her to enjoy working out.  Showing them how being fit can add to their quality of life and get them to look forward to working out. 

To wrap it up, personal trainers need to listen to their clients, and amputees need to be able to fully communicate with their trainers.

What are some of the non-weight bearing exercises you do?

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