What to Know About Physical Fitness for Blind or Low-Vision People

What Does It Mean to Be Visually Impaired? Visual impairment describes any vision loss. A spectrum of visual impairments affects millions in the U.S. At one end are refractive errors, like nearsightedness or farsightedness. At the other end is blindness. Low vision falls in the middle. It’s often caused by age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. The condition is most common in adults over 45. Low vision can include: Loss of peripheral vision Night blindness Blurry vision Blind spots Hazy vision Fitness, Disabilities, and Visual Impairments People with disabilities like visual impairments are less likely to be physically active. People with disabilities have a 50% greater risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease due to inactivity. Many barriers prevent people with vision impairments from exercising. Sometimes, the barrier is that they aren’t taught to be physically active as a child and are instead omitted from physical activities because of their disability. Anyone, regardless of disability, can struggle to be active because of a lack of time, energy, and motivation. Common barriers for people with a visual impairment also include: Inadequate transportation Fear of injury Lack of helpful resources Difficulty learning new activities Where to Begin Some people with a visual impairment can be active just like someone with sight. But most should take some precautions to ensure their safety. Work with your doctor. Talk to your doctor before jumping into new exercises. Straining, sun exposure, lifting, and other aspects of exercising may adversely affect your health. Set goals. Plan out what your goals are for exercising. Do you want to lose weight, build muscle, or be healthier? These goals will help narrow your search for an exercise routine. Exercise with a friend. A workout buddy can help hold you accountable and achieve your exercise goals. They can also be a safety guide as you start. Find an instructor. Talk with local trainers at your gym. They can work with you individually to create a safe exercise program for your goals.