Lisa Ericson's Seated Aerobic Workout--perfect for exercising while socially distancing!

Are you stuck in an apartment or house and looking for some aerobic exercise without going outside?
You've found it! Although it was conceived by an athletic wheelchair user, anyone, from the fabulously fit to the severely disabled, can get a kickass workout from this video. And you don't need anything but a chair! Plus, since there is no jumping involved, you could do it in the middle of the night without disturbing your downstairs neighbors (as long as you keep the volume down).
So when this pandemic is finally over, when everyone else has been sitting on the couch bingeing Netflix, eating junk, and gaining weight, you will be buff from sitting and exercising. Recent studies even show that exercise helps prevent Acute Respiratory Distress in those unfortunate enough to come down with COVID-19.
So sit down, and work out!
When I met Lisa Ericson in 1987, she was a lovely, vivacious former professional figure skater who had been consigned to a wheelchair by a misdiagnosed AVM (arterial venous malformation). She had channeled her amazing energy into this highly effective seated aerobic workout which she taught at Craig Hospital, the renowned rehabilitation center for spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.
I introduced her to aerobic instructor Marsha Macro, who nominated her for the Christine MacIntyre Memorial Award, named for the late founder of Shape magazine, whom I coincidently had met in Aspen prior to her tragic death in an auto accident.
Seemingly overnight Lisa got the recognition she deserved, and I spent the next five years piggy-backing her up and down stairs and plane aisles, and shepherding her and her assistants around convention halls--something of a challenge in those pre-cell phone days!
It soon became obvious that a video was the next step, so I gathered together the professional talent and other resources that had generated my video, "The Swedish Massage," five years previously.
This is the result.
It provides high intensity aerobic exercise for anyone, regardless of fitness level or disability, without the use of the legs. In nearly a quarter century, I have seen nothing comparable.
The disabled life is fraught with difficulties, medical and otherwise. Sadly, Lisa is no longer with us, having passed away in December 28, 2014 at the age of 57. This video is her legacy; I shall always remember her the way she was in this video.
M.E. Joseph Meyer, Executive Producer
If you have gotten value from this video, please consider liking this KZbin channel. KZbin has recently imposed a minimum number of subscribers for the receipt of advertising revenue.
For instructions on how to modify the exercises for relative level of fitness or disability, see:
/ seatedaerobics

[@mightlovelutefisk1875]

I remember going to Lisa's classes at Craig 20+ years ago when I was newly injured with a spinal cord injury. Her upbeat personality inspired so many of us through out rehab. Thank you for posting this. It's still a great work out!

[@jazzopera]

I am so pleased to be able to bring this workout to you, so you can re-experience Lisa's skills, knowledge, and vivacious personality. She is no longer with us, but it is such a privilege to be able to share her work nonetheless. Thanks for reaching out. I hope this continues to serve you in your journey.

[@ashleycaveda]

I was in a car accident in 1990 at the age of 6, and am happy to have found this aerobic workout for people in wheelchairs! Thank you very much!

[@jazzopera]

+Ashley Caveda Lisa really created something unique and wonderful, and I am so grateful that KZbin has enabled me to make it available to so many more people than selling videotapes did. I hope it continues helping you be all you can be--there is no reason you can't be fit and healthy. Once you have been doing it for a while, it can be fun to get some of your able-bodied friends to sit down with you, and kick their butts! Thanks for reaching out--you made my day!

[@ginandromeda1618]

How you're doing now, Ashley?

[@ashleycaveda]

@@ginandromeda1618 I'm well, thanks for asking! Moving into a new apartment with an accessible pool, so another great way to exercise! :) I hope you're well too!

[@patrivers6623]

This is the best wheelchair aerobics video there is! She is so inspiring. RIP Lisa. I wish someone else would great some more aerobics videos like this one......

[@janecampbell8771]

I'm so happy to have found this! I used to do live aerobics classes with Lisa in South Africa in the early 90's. Such good memories! I don't remember it being so fast back then😀

[@MissVallie86]

Hello, i was born in 1986 and i had a car accident when i used to be 13 years old so now i'm using a wheelchair. I'm from a Caribbean Island, called The Dominican Republic, today with your video i have found a powerful way to do exercise from home without help and money cost. This month i had started again an exercise routing and diet in order to have a better life quality, your video will help me to achieve my weight loss goals. Thank you so much for this! Thanks to all the team!

[@jazzopera]

Valery, I am so happy to hear from you, and so happy that you found the video. The reason I put it on KZbin, after years of selling tapes and DVDs, was so that more people would be able to benefit from it. Have you been to the linked Facebook page? It has some written material and still photos that can help you adapt the exercises to your specific needs. My best wishes to you-- Joseph

[@paramomrolling6930]

+Joseph Meyer Hey, I was in a rollover car accident in 1978 and was lucky enough to do my rehab @ Craig in Denver. So thankful I was able to learn my new way of life! So great to see videos like this one. I had a failed spinal fusion in 2006 my posture is better but chronic pain is worse! I must stretch everyday since muscle get so tight while sleeping ( muscle spasms prevent good sleep)! I am going to try to add this to my day! 💜🍀

[@jazzopera]

+Paramom Rolling Great to hear from you! Lisa was a Craig alumna as well, from the mid eighties. I'm so glad you found the video, and hope you get a lot of value from it. When you've been doing it a while, it can be fun to sit some of your AB friends down with it and kick their butts! Best wishes to you-- Joseph

[@thedabgirl4915]

Valery Bobadilla I am sorry

[@thedabgirl4915]

I was not in a car accident

[@Nekrochomikon8]

Rest in Peace Lisa, thank you for this video.

[@victorioreyes5919]

I would like to thank you so much for giving us, showing us how to keep us in shape. I have been SCI since August of 1980. C4-C5 incomplete. It took me a couple of years to finally do the entire exercise on the video. Now it's no big deal! Thank you guys again ❤

[@annabelvsclippa2483]

Best wheelchair workout I've had! Thank you Joseph for posting and Lisa (RIP) for your inspiration. I love pushing outside but when it is too hot or just not the right path is near (traveling) - this is a wonderful resource! Very grateful....

[@walterreid9295]

I have been doing Lisa’s video almost every day since Covid started over 2 1/2 years ago. Since then I have lost about 10 pounds and a lot of the problems that I was having with my shoulders have lesssened or disappeared. The results are miraculous. Not only does my upper body feel stronger for most of the day after I do the exercises I’m very flexible and loose. My body does not get stiff as it used to

[@jazzopera]

You have made my day. I am thrilled you are getting those results. Good for you for your discipline, without which the workout is just a video. I wish you continued success and progress.

[@barbarab6428]

After discovering this video four years ago, I still use it when I've overdone workouts using my lower body. GREAT cardio and mobility for my 73 year old body and heart.

[@jazzopera]

I am always so pleased when I hear of different applications for the workout!

[@walterreid9295]

I have been doing this video almost daily for two years now . I’m a 73 year young wheelchair user. I think this video helped greatly increase healing my shoulder problems and I have lists it of weight. Her video puts me in a great mood for the day and relaxes my body . RIP Lisa ,I wish You could’ve made more videos like this

[@jazzopera]

You made my day. I love the way the workout is lengthy, but not likely to cause repetitive motion disorder.

[@TheContemplator]

Thank you!!! I was born disabled and live a very sedentary life. I do get around with crutches, but with a fused hip and curved spine, didn't think this sort of exercise was for me. After quickly going through this video, I see there is hope for me. Thanks again for sharing this video and giving people with disabilities the encouragement needed to do what can be done to stay healthy and in shape. Thank you Lisa Ericson for being an inspiration to those with limited mobility.

[@jazzopera]

+TheContemplator You.Just.Made.My.Day. I am so happy you found this video. Lisa was indeed an inspiration, and I loved how upbeat and appealing she was. If you haven't already, cruise on over to the associated FaceBook page--it has some still photos and other instructions for modifying the movements for your particular level of fitness and ability. Have fun with this, and when you've been doing it for a while, you can invite some of your AB friends over and kick their butts! My warmest best wishes to you-- Joseph Meyer

[@rmuller366]

Thank you for this post Joseph! I'm recovering from a broken kneecap and have been missing exercise. I found this great video and watched it yesterday. At the end I knew I'd just found a way to get my cardio going again without the risk of re-injury. I just finished my first class and I feel great! This class is as good or better than any aerobics class I've taken. I tended to over extend movements, but with the chair and Lisa, I'm much more controlled. Lisa is such an inspiring instructor, and I'm so grateful you took the time to get this out there. I'll be spreading the word. God bless!

[@jazzopera]

+Rita Muller Hi Rita, I had meant to reply at greater length than a mere "thumbs up" to your very nice post. Has your knee healed up yet? If you are still splinted, one thing I found useful when I had a dislocated patella was trekking poles, with rubber Nordic walking feet on the tips. It kept my gait somewhat more normal, so I wasn't getting the rest of my body goofed up, as well as providing a bit of balance and security on stairs. The wrist straps let you just drop them to use your hands. They have some excellent ones, cheap, at Costco. So glad you discovered the video, and it validates my decision to put it on KZbin. It makes me very happy that such a wide variety of people are benefiting from it.

[@5801160052086]

Lisa lived in South Africa for a number of years, and started these classes in the 1990's - It was awesome to get back into exercising with her. So motivating too!

[@jazzopera]

The wonders of the internet! I am so happy that putting this workout on KZbin was able to reach back to you in South Africa. Good luck to you!

[@florenceobura3328]

I have bad knees but I am determined to stay fit. I am so grateful to people like Lisa for making it possible. Rest In Peace.

[@jazzopera]

Thank you so much for getting in touch. I have never wanted to have this workout limited to wheelchair users. Stay in touch, let me know how it is going!

[@cynthiavos3991]

This is great...who are the 29 soulless individuals who dislike this?

[@jazzopera]

Ha! No kidding!

[@lindahuelskamp5717]

I just made 5000 steps in this workout, thank you very much.

[@cocktail321]

do you have a special watch or something to count the steps? we are all seated doing this exercise. I am paralyzed from waist down.

[@angiemanzo9751]

Hi, I'm Mexican and I love the exercises. They are a blessing for me since I am so disabled. Thank you. LISA WHERE I want you to be

[@jazzopera]

Thanks--so glad you are benefiting!

[@PaulEugene]

Thanks for your comments on my videos plus giving me this link to this. I love it! I love the music, the energy. I am going to do this today. It has also given me some fresh ideas. Thanks again.

[@jazzopera]

I certainly appreciate your work. We're all in this together!

[@PaulEugene]

We certainly are all in this. I just had anterior cervical surgery 4 weeks ago. I had injured my spinal cord. I could not raise my right arm up above my head and my neck and arms would burn and hurt. But I am now pain free. I am getting my right arm back little by little, I was able to raise my arm over my head twice. I start physical therapy for my neck and arm. I expect a great recovery. I can;t wait to get back out inspiring and motivating the world to fitness again. Have a blessed day.

[@jazzopera]

Good luck with that--it sounds as if you are on the right track. Since Lisa has passed away, it is up to you and people like you to carry the torch and keep developing this form of exercise. Blessings on you!

[@PaulEugene]

+Joseph Meyer I just finish doing the workout. It was fun and brought many memories when I taught hi lo aerobics. I have no doubt in my mind that the torch is in my hand and I am glad that we crossed paths.

[@walterreid9295]

Hi Paul Eugene I use your workouts regularly .Please try to produce one similar to this with its intensity and duration . This is my go to video now .

[@jeanninelisitski4833]

inspiring and fabulous message that no matter what abilities we have or don't have, we are all valuable and can take steps towards strength and better health- how wonderful this is available on KZbin. So grateful for this gift

[@jazzopera]

+Jeannine Lisitski I am grateful for your comment!

[@nicywicy]

This is a really great video and what you wrote in the description captured my heart. Thank you Lisa for keeping your spirit high and from your hard work helping generations and generations of people who need this. ♥

[@jazzopera]

Thank you so much for letting me know. It means a great deal to me.

[@shirleyjohnson1390]

Being at home and safety in place Lisa is a Godsend!! Thank you Lisa I'm sure your angel wings are tingling.

[@klamydia1947]

My sister has MS and has been wanting to find appropriate workouts for herself since she is wheelchair bound. I knew YT wouldn't let me down and this is perfect. Thank you.

[@mjmabennett]

So do I i was dx'd in 1999 and my mobility gecame an issue in 2015. I think this workout will help.

[@kdeep185]

Thank you for sharing .It's very useful and great

[@jazzopera]

I am so thrilled to hear this. I have been really pleased at how adaptable this workout is to different levels of fitness and disability. Have you looked at the still photos on the associated Facebook page? My best wishes to your sister. Have you done the workout together? Sorry to have taken so long to reply--for some reason I wasn't getting notifications. Best to you both!

[@jazzopera]

I truly hope it does. Don't push too hard--use the tools for adaptation, go for duration rather than intensity, and gradually increase the intensity once you can do the entire workout. Good luck--i hope it helps you keep your fitness up and your symptoms down!

[@jazzopera]

You are so welcome.

[@neoflyboy]

5:04 starts the action ❤. Best video on internet🎉

[@joanneswift7073]

Hi. I started doing these exercises in June and I have done them three times a week since then. I have Spina Bifida and am disabled from the waste down. The reason I started them was because I work from home and have a very sedentary job. I was putting on weight despite going for bike rides. These exercises are brilliant.

[@jazzopera]

Joanne, you just made my day. I am so pleased to hear that you are getting benefit from this video. Lisa was a very gifted woman; I am so grateful that we were able to put her work into a video, and that we can now make it available via KZbin. Thank you for reaching out, and best wishes to you--Joseph

[@barbarab9972]

Even though I don't have lower body limitations, this is still one of the best cardio workouts when I need to give my lower body a rest. I do 30 minutes in the middle followed by a few minutes at the end and feel it gives my 70 year old heart a good workout. Thank you for the many times I've been able to use this workout in the past few years.

[@jazzopera]

You just made my day. It is a goal of mine to see Lisa's wonderful workout used by a wide variety of people with different needs and abilities--that's one reason we didn't use the word "wheelchair" in the title. I'm glad you have been getting benefit from it, and hope you continue to do so for a long time. If you haven't done so, would you mind subscribing to my channel? Thanks so much. Best wishes-- Joseph

[@KelliViti]

Thank you, I am a wheelchair user from birth. Too many people confuse disability with poor health or weakness. I am always looking for ways to switch up my cardio / strength training to keep them effective. Generally speaking, we have a real dirth of choice, when it comes to maintaining fitness. PS. I am 51, & recognized this 80s gem / time capsule immediately LOL ( yes thumbnail pic is me, age 50 ). Bess Motta would be proud! Sorry, I wanted to end on a light note, but the fact that this was put out in 87, & didn't become the widespread standard from which to build, & or modify, upsets me!!

[@jazzopera]

You make several excellent points. Yes, disability is much different from poor health or low fitness. We both know fit disabled people and unfit able-bodied people. And there is not much out there for the fit disabled person that doesn't risk repetitive motion injuries. When I produced this video with Lisa in 1992 there was no KZbin, and the only way to make it available was on VHS. I did the best I could to get it out there, but had no corporate backing, and was limited to fulfillment of mail orders. After Lisa met and married Mel Siff I was more or less ejected from the project, and they converted it to DVD. Once I became the only person still living who was involved in the original production, I wanted to put it on KZbin to make it available to a wider public. I wish that could have happened many years ago. I hope that it will be able to impact many more people's lives now, and perhaps inspire the next Lisa Ericson!

[@KelliViti]

@@jazzopera Thanks for sharing. I was born with Cerebral Palsy. I used a combination of crutches & wheelchair. Almost three years ago I had a serious fall. It produced both nerve damage, & muscle death. I had to rebuild / relearn almost everything. ( walking, toileting, dressing) Coming home from the hospital. My legs couldn't even support my own body weight. I found the only serious seated workout at the perfect time. I have a seated stepper for strength / cardio, but the therapy sessions were also focused on my legs. I needed a seated workout for serious fat burning cardio. While also, giving my legs a break. Lisa offered the perfect solution. I have shared it in hopes that others may benefit. Hoping as well, to spread her welcome, & still much needed legacy, of health & fitness for all.

[@jazzopera]

@@KelliViti Unfortunately the definition of aerobic exercise, according to many exercise physiologists, involves use of the lower extremities. But there are many reasons why an individual might be unable to use them. PTs and others don't have a lot of tools other than things like hand ergometers, which pose the risk of repetitive motion injuries.

[@holsfisher]

Thanks so much for making this freely available. I am disabled and unable to use my knees in exercise and this is great - I feel really worn out afterwards, and as a beginner being able to switch between Sherry and Lisa depending on how achy my arms and shoulders are is really helpful! Once I've been doing it long enough to feel confident about all the motions etc I'm going to try listening to other music whilst following it to keep some variety :)

[@jazzopera]

You are so very welcome. You are using the video very intelligently, switching between Sherry and Lisa. Changing out the music could be a challenge, as it is aerobic music chosen for its BPM (beats per minute). But if you get really confident with the moves you may be able to do that. I personally can't stand the music, but it is created with a purpose in mind. Another way to add variety at some point may be to focus visually on some of the other demonstrators. It can be a bit of a challenge to fight off boredom--unfortunately this was the only video we produced during Lisa's unfortunately short life. May I ask you a small favor? If you haven't already, would you subscribe to the KZbin channel the video appears in? Thanks. I wish you much continued benefit and satisfaction from the workout. You really sound like you are on the right track. Good luck!

[@marieerrante-marron9089]

This is a great seated aerobic workout. I did this workout daily and I do believe it was an instrumental in aiding me in my weight loss journey. Many thanks to Lisa for putting out such a great aerobic workout video for all of us in the disabled community. Thank you Joseph Meyer for making it available on KZbin! I see from some of the other comments that Lisa has passed away. Does anyone know what she passed away from? She seemed so strong and healthy. As a SCI survivor, I wonder if it has anything to do with her injury. RIP Lisa..

[@EVZYL]

Dear Joseph, I really find this useful. So inspiring to see the lovely, vivacious young woman sharing her talents with us. I used to be a 8 times per week gym junkie (following figure skating, tennis and competitive gymnastics in my youth), clearly overdid it trekking & climbing volcanoes. So after two knee surgeries I currently find myself in a semi-(undiagnosed) 'invalid' position with a totally unreliable knee that I have to mother to prevent further deterioration. All my own fault. PS. Thank you for everything you had done for Lisa.

[@patrivers6623]

I found the information somewhere on the internet. I can't remember where now. But perhaps if you google her name with obituary after it you might find it. It is the best seated aerobics video I have found. Have you found any others to match this one?

[@jazzopera]

Thanks for your kind words. I have had my bouts with knees, from downhill skiing and long distance cycle-touring. Some things I have found useful are a product called Joint Vibrance from a company called Vibrant Health, stem cells and platelet rich plasma from Regennex (I wouldn't trust anyone else) and using my things trekking poles with rubber Nordic Walking tips when I'm in trouble, for balance, support and gait regulation. Wishing you luck!

[@kbal1451]

Thanks for posting this! Wish I'd found it ages ago! Been a wheelchair users since I had an incomplete SCI in 2007, was very active since but been lacking motivation after some extensive surgery 9 months ago. Hard to maintain any exercise for an hour but this keeps me going. Should easily be able to fit it in for 3 hours a week. Best wishes from Australia :-)

[@jazzopera]

k bal You are so welcome! When I first produced this video twenty-five years ago, we did indeed sell some tapes in Australia, but now the internet makes it possible to make this workout available to so many more people. So pleased that you are getting benefit from it. It will only get easier!

[@AikoFilms]

i have a sprung ankle right now and working out is apart of my mental health this is amazing !!! thank you !

[@jazzopera]

I and so pleased it's helping out! I love hearing from people in a variety of situations who are benefiting. Keep moving, and heal up fast!

[@pedroguel7179]

me encantaron los ejercicios para discapacitados, se que me ayudaran bastante, esto me anima a seguir adelante. saludos desde México

[@barbarab6428]

This is great for me when my knee is not cooperating with weight bearing exercise. It keeps me on track for cardio and mobility of the upper body. I incorporate gentle foot/leg movements while seated and feel that I get an overall body workout. I'm amazed at the stamina of the people in the video; I hope to work up to more than 40 minutes. Thank you for sharing part of Lisa's story and her video.

[@jazzopera]

+Barbara B Thanks so much for getting in touch. I love to hear the various applications people have found for Lisa's workout, and intermittent or temporary problems with the lower extremity are certainly a good one. They were an impressive bunch, weren't they? Lisa had quite a team. Good luck increasing your endurance! Best-- Joseph.

[@manasakb9382]

Joseph Meyer hello...I had a spine surgery in my L2-L3 3 years back...am back to normal now..can I do this exercise....plz don't tell me to contact my doctor...becoz he will never respond...I gained a lot of weight since my surgery....help me plz....

[@jazzopera]

+Manasa Kb +Manasa Kb +Manasa Kb Hi Manasa! Try it. I have seen a lot of people do this workout, from highly fit able-bodied to quads in electric wheelchairs. You don't have to do the whole thing the first time. Just start at the beginning and do as much as you are comfortable doing, and do a little more each time. Be sure to adapt it to your level of ability, referring to the photos on the Facebook page, and the lower intensity version in the lower right corner. Just be careful and listen to your body. Good luck, and let me know how it goes!

[@manasakb9382]

Joseph Meyer thank you so much for ur reply sir...I will do it ....I have done it today for 20 mins actually...felt good....I will try to do it on daily basis nd will let u know....

[@jazzopera]

+Manasa Kb I am so happy to hear that. Stay in touch, and keep moving!

[@rubicon2288]

Thank you for This video...! I had hip replacement and this has been a lifesaver because it's the only one that doesn't cause pain I was in good shape but now can't walk two miles a day like I used to. This is the best video!

[@DariaUkraine]

What a fantastic way to move your body even when you are hardly able to move! I was born with severe physical disability and this video has been a treasure for me! I've started practising this aerobic this week and I hope it will help me (I also had some hard surgeries and now can move even worse than before) to move and feel my body better. I am sorry Lisa Ericson is no longer with us but I am happy I've met her amazing workout! It's sad I have not found any more information about her online...

[@jazzopera]

+Daria Sukach Hi Daria, It is wonderful to hear from you! I want to encourage you to keep with the exercise--you may be surprised by the positive changes you experience over time. I have witnessed even high quads in electric chairs with very limited mobility taking classes from Lisa and benefiting from it. That is one of the wonderful things about the workout--with the two different demonstration levels on the video, and the instructions and still photos I have posted on the Facebook page, pretty much anyone who can move at all can figure out a way to have fun and get exercise. Even extremely fit able-bodied athletes can get a good workout from it--most of them do the bulk of their aerobic exercise with their legs, so they don't have the same level of endurance in their upper bodies. Once you have been doing the workout for a while, you can invite your able-bodied friends to come over, sit down, and get their butts kicked! They may be surprised at how little upper body endurance they have, and how much they can get out of the workout. There is quite a bit of information about Lisa at www.seataerobic.com. This is a website that initially was put together during Lisa's lifetime and is maintained by someone she met shortly before her death, but was not involved in the development of the workout or the video. My best wishes to you, Daria. Stay in touch, and keep moving! I would love to see some video of you having fun and getting fit with the workout! Yours, Joseph

[@jazzopera]

+Joseph Meyer Hi Daria--I made an error on the link I gave you. It should be "www.seatedaerobic.com," not "www.seataerobic.com." Sorry!

[@nuwach]

Thanks for posting this - it is really one of a kind and helps PD's like us. RIP Lisa.

[@jazzopera]

Thanks so much. You made my day. What a perfect, lovely comment.

[@denysemiele4387]

thank you for the video. i had a spinal cord injury in 1997 that left me paralyzed at the c6 vertabrae. i have a bone fused neck now at c5 level. i did my inital rehabilitation at kessler institute in west orange nj, where i still go back to for appointments, but i did go to craig in colorado for an evaluation for outpatient therapy. this video has helped me regain some of the endurance i had lost after i let the regular rat race of life let me ignore my health for several years! thanks again

[@jazzopera]

+Denyse Miele Thanks, you made my day! I am so pleased to hear you are getting value from the video, and I hope it brings a great improvement in your health and fitness.

[@magalylopez9884]

Thanks so much, im now with an injury in my knee and i love work out, so, i can't stay like that jaja, thanks a lot for this amazing class 😘

[@randomness8819]

Thank you for posting from an overwhelmed soul. Can anyone find anymore of her workouts?? Please, for my family.

[@Alicia-wq2fs]

There aren't anymore recorded. She has since passed away.

[@jazzopera]

That's true, Lisa passed away several years ago, and this is the only video we produced. I'm afraid I haven't seen anything else quite like it. All I can recommend is to look at the still photos on the associated Facebook page to learn ways to adapt the movements, as well as using following the less intense version in the bottom right corner until you can do the entire without from start to finish. When you get to the point that you can do the entire workout at full intensity, you can reduce the boredom from repetition by focusing on a different person in the video each time you do the workout. Good luck!

[@grimmerdhore]

I had no idea she had passed. But I'm grateful for her contribution to exercise and fitness by making this video. I use it frequently and have shared it on MyFitnessPal for other disabled persons who desire an advanced workout. Thank you so much.

[@jazzopera]

@@grimmerdhore I thank you for sharing it.

[@lovepeacehappy8565]

Thanks for this video. She was a great Arobicwomen. This give all wheelchairuser the hope, that they can loose weihgt. Greeting from Germany.

[@jazzopera]

+Claudia T. Hallo Claudia! Ich bin wirklich froh, von ihnen zu hören. Wo wohnen Sie? Ich wohnte mal in Berlin, hinter der Mauer, und bin Gitarrenlehrer an der Hochschule der Künste damals gewesen. Ich wäre sehr dankbar, wenn sie ihre Erfahrung auf Deutsch beschreiben würden, hier und/oder auf Facebook. Ich wurde gerne mehrere deutschsprachige Zuschauer engagieren, aber mein Deutsch ist offensichtbar kaum ausreichend. Viel Glück mit ihren Training und Gewichtsverminderung. Schöne Grüsse aus Colorado! Joseph

[@lovepeacehappy8565]

Hallo Joseph, ihr deutsch ist sehr gut, jedenfalls besser als mein englisch. Berlin ist toll, es hat sich so verändert nach der Maueröffnung. Eine tolle Stadt mit viel Kultur. Leider sehr teuer geworden, die Mieten steigen, weil der Wohnraum sehr knapp ist. Gerne werde ich meine Erfahrungen hier mitteilen und auch in deutschen Foren verlinken. Denn in Deutschland habe ich nichts vergleichbares gefunden für Rollstuhlfahrer, wo alle mitmachen können, ob nun bis zur Hüfte oder Brust gelähmt. Selbst Tetraplegiker, die noch eine Armfunktion haben, könnnen diese Übungen ausführen. Jeder kann mitmachen, weil man die Arme je nach Ausdauer, Kraft und Bewegung verschieden in die Höhe heben kann. Mit jeder Übung wird man besser und hält ein bisschen länger durch. Dadurch und mit einer gesunden Ernährung (70 % - 100 %) pflanzenbasierte Ernährung) kann man sein Gewicht reduzieren, weil man mehr Kcal verbrennt. Die Ausdauer für Herz-Kreislauf wird gesteigert. Und keine Sorge, auch wenn man am Anfang nicht durchhält, Übung macht den Meister ;-) und Bewegung ist jedenfalls besser als überhaupt keine.

[@jazzopera]

Vielen Dank, Claudia!

[@grimmerdhore]

Wow, this is an amazing video. I'm paraplegic and have been craving a REAL workout - and I finally found it. Thank you so much for making this!

[@jazzopera]

I am so glad you are getting value from this, Jonathon. Disability and fitness level are not the same thing. When you have mastered this workout, you might invite some of your swole AB friends over, sit them down, and kick their butts!

[@mayracantu440]

I have a spinal cord injury T12 and I have been looking for a good sitting work out and this one is it.... I came across it months ago and I have shared it with several friends and also with some therapist... I think it's a great high intense aerobics workout and I love that I get a good sweat .... I would love to see more videos of Lisa Ericson 😊❤ and thank you so much for sharing this one ....

[@jazzopera]

Mayra Cantu Wonderful to hear from you! I'm so glad you have gotten value from this video, and thanks for sharing it with others. Unfortunately Lisa is no longer with us, so there won't be any other videos, but I hope this one is sufficiently varied and challenging to keep your interest. Take a look at the Facebook page associated with the video if you haven't already--there are some still photos and suggestions for modifications. My best wishes to you-- Joseph

[@mjmabennett]

This is so necessary. Thank you for thinking of us!!!

[@jazzopera]

I am so glad you found it!

[@courageouscarla1804]

so appreciated and informative as a wheelchair user!

[@jazzopera]

So pleased that you have found value in it. Thank you.

[@rubicon2288]

It's a lifesaver God Bless !

[@mjgene]

My plantar faciitis stops me from doing intense workout, this is a great alternative! 😊Thank you for sharing your video very helpful 💪💪💪

[@oforlikelalune1506]

I have plantar too and it sucks people don't realize just how painful it is.

[@jazzopera]

I am always thrilled when anyone gets value from this video, and glad to see it reaching people dealing with temporary injuries as well as permanent disability. Have you been taping? That can really help, and there are a number of YT videos that show how. Sorry to take so long--i wasn't getting notifications for some reason.

[@jazzopera]

No lie. See my comment on taping. I hope it is improving!

[@ginacardarella]

thanks this is perfect i injured my back and cant do full aerobics this works :)

[@jazzopera]

+ginacardarella Gina, thank you so much for letting me know. If you haven't already, check out the Facebook page--it has some still photos that can help you understand and modify modify the movements. Have fun, and keep moving!

[@Crodriguez7598]

Love this!

[@alicia465]

amazing

[@bethstone]

Great workout! The ONLY reason I gave it a thumbs down , is I just couldn't keep up. I guess I'm uncoordinated! LOL! I usually have a lot more stamina too. I only got through about 28 minutes of the warmup. Much harder than other wheelchair workouts I've done.

[@Alicia-wq2fs]

I think 28 mins is a pretty good start. A full hour is a really long time for a beginner. You'd get better a the moves and the stamina with practice. I'd say keep at it and aim for a few mins longer next time. Not important that you get it perfectly just that you're getting moving.

[@jazzopera]

Hi Beth--May I suggest that you take a look at the still photographs in the associated Face Book page, and then try doing the workout focusing on the Sherri in the lower right hand corner of the screen? We tried to design this workout so it could suit the needs of people of all levels of ability, from severely disabled and/or out of shape to extremely fit. The latter group is most severely underserved by the other workouts on the market. But the objective is for people to get more and more fit in the process so they ultimately can finish it, and even do the full version Even if you can't finish it at first, If you keep at it you will ultimately be able to, and once you can finish it, you can begin to do the more difficult version of it rather than the lower intensity version. I would also suggest that if you do run out of gas part way through, leave enough in the tank to fast forward to51:00 for a cooldown. Thanks for your comments;I hope you will give it another try, and see great results!

[@jazzopera]

Good call, Alicia. Couldn't agree more. Thanks for your contribution!

[@user-cb3ui9wt9i]

Thank you for sharing us the perfect video! I hope Lisa with the God now.

[@jazzopera]

Добро пожаловать!

[@lindahuelskamp1050]

i love this workout.

[@jazzopera]

It's something, isn't it? And as far as I know, unique. I'm so pleased you're digging it, and thanks for letting me know--made my day. May I ask a small favor? If you haven't already, would you subscribe to the channel? Thanks so much, Linda, and keep moving!

[@bbyshady]

I love this workout. It looks easy until you get going!

[@jazzopera]

Really. Fortunately it can be adapted using the FB stills and the low intensity version in the lower righthand corner until you get on top shape. Then it can be fun to invite some athletic ab friends over and kick their butts!

[@Baze964]

Thank u for trainning the handicapped people😄.

[@jazzopera]

You are so welcome. And you can do it work your friends whether they are disabled or not! Best wishes--

[@anastasiakorkova9175]

I became a complete paraplegic when I was as 8 years ago old , I really this , except I made the mistake of actually doing the workout in my wheelchair, which became quite sweaty quickly

[@jazzopera]

Sounds like you were working hard! May I suggest sitting on a towel? Good luck, and keep moving!

[@MrRatherino]

pretty good workout for whelechair bound..and what a dish!

[@jazzopera]

+MrRatherino Yes, Lisa was a lovely young lady, and she surrounded herself with an attractive group, able-bodied and disabled. Helps the time pass while sweating and grunting! So glad you are enjoying the video, and I hope it is contributing to your overall health and well-being.

[@user-jz7gz1tc5l]

Браво!!!

[@jazzopera]

Спасибо!

[@slayersteve67]

Wow thank you for posting.

[@jazzopera]

You are so welcome. Once I was the only surviving principal of this project, I wanted to make it available to the world rather than selling DVDs and video tapes.

[@angiemanzo9751]

Hola de nuevo hago la rutina completa tengo 51 años mis brazos an bajado considerablemente tengo secuelas de polio estoy feliz con este video y los hago diario gracias!!!

[@jazzopera]

Me hace muy feliz escuchar eso. Le deseo mucho éxito y espero que obtenga un gran beneficio de ello.

[@RR-qu2oz]

amazing. thank you x

[@jazzopera]

+LINDA SINCLAIR Thank you, Linda. You made my day.

[@jeandragyn4143]

I have a knee injury and this is a great workout!

[@jazzopera]

+Lynda Staffieri I am so glad to hear you say that! I have never thought of Lisa's workout as being exclusively for the use of the permanently disabled. Anyone with a temporary injury to the lower extremity who doesn't want to lose cardiovascular fitness, or anyone who wants to trim and tone the torso and arms and increase upper body endurance should benefit as well. I wish you a full and speedy recovery! Joseph

[@joanneswift7073]

Hello Joseph, I have just clicked on the link that you put into Daria Sukach's post in which you give information about how to find out more about Lisa and unfortunately it does not work. I thought you might like to know. Kind Regards Jo Swift

[@jazzopera]

+joanne Swift Oops! My error. Should have been "www.seatedaerobic.com," not "www.seataerobic.com." Thanks for pointing it out, and thanks for your interest! Best wishes-- Joseph

[@joanneswift7073]

That's Ok

[@Arkatier]

Out of interest, do you happen to know what level of injury the man in the wheelchair behind her is? I'm a c7 tetra (quad) and we seem to be having to adapt moves/balance in a similar way so i suspect he must be somewhere similar without trunk muscles...

[@jazzopera]

Sorry to have taken so long. Bill Heil is indeed a low quad like you. I am not certain, but my guess is C-7. Good eye!

[@davidallen1271]

Hi, An excellent video Just wondered what the soundtrack was in the background and can I purchase it? Many thanks for posting

[@jazzopera]

Hi David-- Glad you dig the video. The soundtrack music was provided by www.dynamixmusic.com, which didn't have a website when the video was produced twenty-five years ago! If you end up contacting then please say hi to them for me. Best-- Joseph

[@walterreid9295]

Does anybody me have an idea of how many calories are burned with Lisa’s video ?

[@mryhatesithere5356]

okay but this was uploaded in 2016 before covid 😐

[@jazzopera]

Produced in 1991.

[@1920bb]

I’m in a wheelchair can this help me lose weight if I incorporate healthy eating?

[@jazzopera]

+Betsaida Leija Betsaida, it should really help. Most ways you have available to sustain cardiovascular exercise long enough to burn fat--wheeling, hand ergometers, handcycles, etc. put you at risk for repetitive motion injuries, and the last thing you want to do is damage the very joints and muscles upon which you depend for everything you do, including your mobility. Lisa did a wonderful job of incorporating a wide variety of movements so you both minimize that risk and make it possible to sustain the movement long enough to aid in weight loss. I would like to suggest that you have a look at the still photos on the Facebook page, and start by adapting the movements so that you are doing a low intensity version at first. You can also watch Sherri in the lower right hand corner of the screen. For weight loss duration is more important than intensity. You may still not finish the workout the first few times you try that's fine. Just keep doing it until you can get to the end, and then you can gradually raise the level of intensify by adapting the movements. By the time you have been doing the workout long enough to do it at full intensity, you can invite the fittest and most athletic of your able-bodied friends to pull up a chair and you can kick their butts! You see, we ABs get all our sustained aerobic exercise using our legs, and we generally use our upper bodies for, at most, three sets of twelve reps. By the time you have gotten to the point of doing the entire workout at high intensity, you will have more upper body endurance than anyone you know. I wish you lots of success. Please stay in touch. You might take some pictures--you're gonna get buff! Best wishes to you-, Joseph

[@1920bb]

Joseph Meyer so you get buff with this exercise?

[@jazzopera]

+Betsaida Leija Oh, absolutely. Lisa certainly was! And that was basically how she got her exercise.

[@1920bb]

M. C. Thank you this helps so much 😊

[@samjain7670]

it will help to loose weight?

[@jazzopera]

+sam jain I should think so, aerobic exercise generally does. You may notice in the video that Lisa was remarkably toned and fit looking, especially for a high para/low quad. Good luck to you, and have fun working out!

[@samjain7670]

Thanku so much sir

[@angelareyes1920]

❤❤❤❤

[@jazzopera]

+Angela Reyes Back atcha!

[@sararoberts2973]

I was 2 in 1987! Dang!

[@jazzopera]

Wish I had been!

[@poilochio]

supertraining book brought me here

[@jazzopera]

That is so great! Lisa met and married Mel Siff several years after we produced this video--I'm glad it opened up other avenues for people to become aware of it!

[@poilochio]

@@jazzopera oh how cool is that... I did not know that.. Thanks for the reply 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MsElke11]

That man to Lisa's left looks like GREASE actor Jeff Conway...could it be??

[@jazzopera]

You're right, he does! I'll have to tell him, I'm sure he will be flattered. Actually a fellow named Bill Heil, who has used a wheelchair since a motorcycle accident decades ago.

[@MsElke11]

@@jazzopera Thanks for replying and wish him my best!

[@samia7183]

Did anyone lose any weight with this

[@jazzopera]

I have known people who have. And you can see what dynamite shape Lisa was in. For weight loss, the key is duration, not intensity. Have a look at the still photos on the associated Facebook page that show how to adapt the movements, and follow Sheri in the lower right corner as you start doing the workout. If you make it all the way through at first, don't worry--you'll get stronger. But skip to the end to do a cooldown. Once you can do the entire workout, you can start doing it with greater intensity, and following Lisa and the other devices l demonstrators. Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

[@samia7183]

Joseph Meyer thank u so much I’m finally starting this with a diet and I’m trying my best not to mess up Also any ideas how much calories u can burn? From this and I’ll update next week to see if there’s any changed

[@jazzopera]

@@samia7183 I hope the last year has produced the results you were looking for!

[@JanineKazmi]

I don't think these people were actually disabled, I love how they and other people just assume that everyone in a wheelchair can move their torso and it's just the legs that can't move!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@jazzopera]

I knew all these people personally. The ones sitting on the Reebok steps were able-bodied; those in the wheelchairs were paraplegic or quadriplegic. It is true that there is a wide variety of spinal cord injuries or other injuries and conditions that could make it necessary to use a wheelchair. It could be a broken leg, or simple weakness due to a systemic illness. But most long-term wheelchair users are paralyzed, and although the extent of the paralysis varies according to the the level and severity of the injury to the spinal cord, in almost all cases the paralyzed areas are below the functional areas. I carried Lisa Ericson up and down hundreds of flights of stairs and airplane aisles; if she was faking it, she was doing a helluva job! Paralysis is hard on the body; complications from it cost her her life at a relatively young age, early fifties. I don't think she faked that either.

[@JanineKazmi]

@@jazzopera Okay, Joseph thank you for the update, however I know paralysis as I am paralysed and maybe in 20 years I could do this. But this isn't for the faint hearted or newly paralysed people especially if you're a T5 like me. I know that disability can be temporary with a broken leg, or long term without research and a fractured spine. All I was saying was this video isn't for people that have no stability in their torso.

[@Arkatier]

@@JanineKazmi I beg to differ. Im a c7 qaudriplegic, paralysed from the collar bones down, injured 2 years ago, with no trunk/torso muscles and I love doing this video. I suspect the man in the chair behind her is a similar level of injury and while we have to adapt a little/balance somewhat all the moves are easily do-able.

[@JanineKazmi]

@@Arkatier for you maybe, I have to wear a harness. I learned a long time ago not to compare myself. We have spinal injuries yes, but our abilities and capabilities of our bodies are different. I'm glad you are capable, I'm just not there yet and I'm entitled to my opinion as much as anyone else. Good luck with your fitness, but I've turned to boxing instead.

[@Arkatier]

@@JanineKazmi of course you are! I was simply saying that the blanket statement "this video isn't for people that have no stability in their torso" isn't true as evidenced by myself and others. No comparison needed 🙂 I know our injuries are weird and wonderful and I'm young and fit and daring, though a properly set up chair really helps (and little things like sliding yourself a bit forward for difficult moves), which if you are newly injured you might not know, help give you a lot of stability! Good luck with your journey and I'm glad you found another way to keep fit ☺️👍