Paul Choquette says that while the activities he chooses have changed over the years, he still considers physical activity to be essential to good physical and mental health.
Now 43, Paul sustained a T-12 level spinal cord injury in an accident at age four. He found physical activity, particularly sports, to be a good outlet for his energy. As a younger man, he played wheelchair basketball and tennis, and pursued road racing. As he got older, however, Paul found these activities too hard on his body, and sought some activities that would provide exercise without competition.
He currently prefers hand cycling, sailing, and scuba diving for fun and exercise. These sports put less stress on his body but still help to keep him in shape. They provide the reward of experiencing nature which he thoroughly enjoys. And they allow him the mental benefit of escape and an opportunity to “process” ideas, which he says is especially true with sailing.
Paul reports hand cycling as his most frequent activity, with his involvement varying with the seasons. During the warmer months, it is not unusual for him to cycle 30-50 miles per week, often with a group of buddies.
Typically he cycles on a bike path near his home, but has also taken cycling trips to the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, and the Cape Cod National Seashore. In winter, he cycles less frequently depending on the weather.
Maintaining a healthy weight is very important for wheelchair users, he says. He mentions having a weight problem when he was a child, but dropping extra weight after surgery for scoliosis at age 14. Since then he has maintained a healthy weight. One benefit of this, he reports, is an easier recovery after recent surgery on his wrist. He was able to do most of his own ADLs (activities of daily living) post-surgery without difficulty because his weight did not put too much pressure on the healing wrist.
Paul advises other wheelchair users wanting to be active to set goals that are small, and then gradually increase minutes of activity. He recommends finding activities that are both healthful and fun—and to stay tuned that these may change, as one’s body changes, with age. That, he says, is key to maintaining fitness over the year.