Tag Archives: fitness

Attractions, Days Out, Wellbeing

Where Are The Best Accessible Swimming Pools?

Here at Quingo Scooters we understand that for mobility scooter users, keeping fit is not always easy. We’re always looking to share ways that you can improve your overall wellbeing, and we previously shared with you some ways in which you could keep fit on your mobility scooter.

Swimming is a really effective way of improving your wellbeing and fitness, and can be fun at the same time. This week we want to share with you some of the most accessible swimming pools around, so that you can feel completely at ease when trying this great activity.

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Yearsley Pool – York

Starting in York, the Yearsley swimming pool is situated just off a main road through York – Haxby Road. It is also very accessible by public transport, and has been specifically designed to be suitable for disabled visitors.

On entrance, access to the building is flat and you are greeted by a low level reception desk. The changing rooms are fully accessible and have been specifically designed for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There are numerous grab rails situated throughout the changing room, a fold out bench, shower with a seat and an emergency alarm.

The swimming pool itself has an automatic door which is operated by an easy reach button. Poolside, there is a manual hoist for access in and out of the pool, as well as easy access stairs. There are 4 steps leading into the shallow end of the pool, with handrails at either side. There is also a balcony and spectator area for if other members of your group want to stay and accompany you.

Tollcross International Swimming Centre – Glasgow

Located on the High Street in Glasgow, the Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow has clearly put a lot and thought and planning into making it a fully accessible experience. Hosting swimming events at the 2014 commonwealth games, this state of the art centre has an Olympic standard 50 metre swimming pool.

On arrival, there are designated blue badge parking spaces right outside the front door. The main entrance is easily accessible with automated doors. Going into the complex, the changing rooms are fully accessible and incredibly spacious. The wet rooms and toilets are equally accessible.

In the swimming pool itself, there is a PoolPod system, which is a way for mobility impaired swimmers to independently access the swimming pool. This is a great and innovative system, where the user independently controls pool access without the need for the pool attendant’s intervention.

Aspire Leisure Centre – London

In the capital, in the north-west region of Stanmore, you’ll find Europe’s first leisure centre for disabled and non-disabled visitors. As well as a swimming pool, there is also a fully accessible gym with state of the art adapted equipment at the Aspire Leisure Centre.

The centre is fully accessible throughout. The pool is 25 metres long and is maintained between 30-32 degrees, making sure that it’s nice and warm at all times. This is especially beneficial for those with conditions that are temperature sensitive. The pool has full ramped access, which removes the need for hoists to get in and out of the pool.

As well as swimming at your own leisure, there are lessons on offer here too. There are also various different swimming sessions so there’s definitely something for everyone.

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Share with Quingo!

If you’ve visited an accessible swimming pool we haven’t talked about, we’d love to hear from you and share it on our blog! You can do this by filling out the contact form on our website.

 About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Quingo Scooters, Wellbeing

How can I keep fit on my mobility scooter?

Here at Quingo Scooters we’re always looking to share ways that you can improve your overall wellbeing, whilst helping you to keep active and get out and about. Today we wanted to share with you some gentle yet effective exercises you can do whilst on your mobility scooter.

We would always advise that you check with your GP before undertaking any form of exercise, however it’s important to remember that limited mobility may not mean that exercise isn’t for you. It’s also important that you don’t attempt any of these exercises whilst driving your mobility scooter – make sure the engine is turned off, the key is removed, and that you have enough room to do these exercises without coming into contact with anything around you.

By starting slowly and increasing your activity level little by little, you’ll soon start to feel the benefits!

quingo scooters

What exercises can I do on my mobility scooter?

Plenty! Here are some easy and gentle exercises for you to perform on your mobility scooter, from your head, right down to your toes:

Shoulder Roll: Gently roll your shoulders forward five times, then roll them backwards five times.

Neck Roll: This exercise improves circulation in your upper body. Gently drop your ear to your shoulder then roll your head around to the other shoulder. Repeat 10 times.

Rotate Your Feet: This simple ankle exercise will help reduce stiffness in your ankles after long journeys. Rotate your foot clockwise for 15 seconds, then anti-clockwise for another 15 seconds.

Write the Alphabet with Your Toes: This is an extremely effective exercise. Using your feet, point your toes and write out each letter of the alphabet. Do one foot at a time then repeat with the other. The different shapes this exercise forces you to make with your toes makes you stimulate ankle motion in every direction. This is a great way to get the blood flowing and to keep your feet warm.

Foot Pumps: This exercise will work really well with your adaptive footplates. Place your feet flat on the footplates. Keeping your heels on the footplates, point your toes up as far as you can. Then keep your toes on the footplates and raise your heels. Repeat five times.

Feeling good!

Just taking ten minutes out of your day to do some of these exercises can make a noticeable difference to your overall wellbeing, and make you feel better in yourself. These exercises can help towards improving blood circulation too, which will in turn help you to keep warm.

Share with Quingo!

Have you tried any of these exercises on your Quingo? We’d be delighted to hear from you! You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo Scooters

The Quingo Scooters range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.