Kerri Morgan dove into wheelchair sports five years ago and hasn’t stopped moving since then! Now 32, she contracted a virus at age 1 that resulted in transverse spinal myelitis—which she describes as similar to being an incomplete quadriplegic. After lots of therapy and use of crutches or a cane for years, she began using a wheelchair 5 years ago when her back pain increased. She described herself as an “on again, off again” exerciser until she discovered wheelchair sports competition. She found that she enjoyed both the competition and the social and emotional support of her teammates. This has motivated her to exercise regularly.
Kerri is typically active at least one hour each day. The activity depends on the season. If it is rugby season, she plays 3 times per week. On other days, she cross trains—using her hand cycle outside or, if the weather is bad, going to the gym where she uses a VitaGlide or does weight training. During the summer, she swims, does wheelchair racing, and uses her hiking wheelchair. She also competes in triathlons, which involve swimming, biking and racing. During rugby season, she often travels to tournaments on weekends.
However, Kerri also says that regular physical activity makes her stronger and more capable of doing what she needs to do in her everyday life. She notes that she doesn’t fatigue as easily as before, has more endurance, and handles stress better. She also feels that she has confidence to try things that she wouldn’t have done before. For other wheelchair users trying to become more active, Kerri recommends trying new activities and new equipment. Linking with others with similar interests can offer opportunities to see and try out different equipment. Having fun, she says, is an important component of a physical activity plan you can stick to!