arm peddler

​Today I get to use the same piece of equipment that I use to warm up my legs - the PEDDLER! This time I situate the peddler on a counter in front of me with a tall chair to sit on - be sure the peddler is safely secured (watch my video). At first, you may need to secure your hand/wrist so it/they do not slide off.

The exercise I am using this for today addresses the affected arm, and all of it - the shoulder, the tricep, the bicep, the elbow, the wrist and the hand. If you are just starting out - and are post-stroke - you will probably need someone to support your movement and help you when necessary. Luckily, I have Tom to help me through my therapy sessions. Even if you have reached the point of physical independence after your stroke, it is still nice to have someone supporting you emotionally and mentally through these exercises.

The reason I like this exercise is that it builds strength and mobility throughout the entire arm. Since doing this exercise regularly, I have noticed my ability to perform tasks that I used to be able to do (and no longer could do immediately subsequent to my injury) has improved.

As mentioned previously, and something I will continue to stress throughout my posts, it is pivotal to perform as many of these exercises in front of a mirror/reflection as possible. I will describe in another post the reasoning behind this in more detail. It is our job now to train the neurons from our brain to re-engage with our muscles.

I do this circular around the peddler for 20 minutes. I make sure that I push and pull with my right arm as much as possible. I also make sure that I am gripping onto the handle with my hands which allows me to force my hand to grab the bar.

Many post-stroke victims are not limited by actual strength, but by the loss of muscle memory provided by some of the brain’s most elementary functions. Think of these exercises as brain games just as much as strength/mobility activities and you will be on your way to independence in no-time!

Be sure to check out my Instagram at “poststrokepeg.” And also be sure to check out at this website, under “Getting To Know Me,” my article on Motivation.

God Bless You, Peg

Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God. --- Leo Buscaglia

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