[BlindTlk] Accessible Strength Training

[Sami Osborne]

Hi Brandon,

I don't know anything specifically about the Bowflex device you're talking about, but as far as working out at home, I do have a stationary bike that I keep in my bedroom and try to do at least a ten-minute workout each day. Maybe you can also try investing in that? I'm not sure what brand of bike I have, but mine is pretty easy to use, with only a lever to adjust the resistance level along with the pedals, so no real need for any fancy accessibility hacks or anything. I got my bike two Christmases ago.

Additionally, if you have any friends or family members nearby, maybe you can ask them if they'd be willing to try going tandem biking with you. My dad and I have been tandem biking since I was only about five years old. We're currently taking a break for the winter, but we always start up again during the spring and then continue through the summer and late fall; we've actually just completed a 100-mile bike ride last September. Tandem bikes are notoriously expensive (I believe the bike we have now was somewhere around $3,000), but if pricing is a significant issue, perhaps you and whoever you've chosen to ride with could split the price among both of you.

I hope this helps, and best of luck with your strength training!

Sami    On Jan 11, 2026 12:48 PM, Brandon Olivares via BlindTlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> I’ve been wanting to get into strength training because I’m losing weight and want to make sure I maintain muscle.
>
> Last year I went to the gym for a bit and worked with a personal trainer, but it was expensive and transportation was a big issue. So, I’d rather do it at home.
>
> I’ve been looking into options like resistance bands or adjustable dumbbells, but I don’t know the motions well enough to feel comfortable learning that on my own.
>
> So I’m strongly considering something like the Bowflex that has a bunch of built-in exercises for different parts of the body. But, I don’t know how accessible it would be, and wanted to see if anyone else has had experience with something like this. It sounds accessible from what I’ve found about it, but I don’t want to buy it and then find out there’s an issue I can’t navigate around.
>
> I’m open to other suggestions as well.
>
> Thanks,
> Brandon
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