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Seated Strength Training

5-minute read 25 XP in app 6 cards

Strength is longevity currency

Muscle mass declines 3-5% per decade after 30. For wheelchair users, maintaining upper body and core strength is critical for independence, bone density, and metabolic health.

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Your strength programme

Tap each exercise category to build a complete routine.

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Fact

Shoulder health is non-negotiable

Wheelchair users push tens of thousands of strokes per year through the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff injury is the most common chronic injury in long-term wheelchair users — ~50% prevalence by 10 years post-injury. The protective antidote: balanced push:pull ratio (1:2 favouring pulls), regular external-rotator strengthening, and posture work to counter the forward-rounded position pushing creates.

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Sample weekly programme

Tap each day to see what to do.

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Common mistakes to avoid

Tap each — patterns that cause injury or stall progress.

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Takeaway

Key Takeaway

2-3 strength sessions per week targeting push, pull, and core. Grip strength is one of the strongest longevity biomarkers — train it specifically.