OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA WORKOUT TIPS
When it comes to training for us, Oi people, we have to be VERY careful about what we do, and how do it. Because any movement can cause an injury. We want to work out safely as possible. With this being said, you must know your limits and Proper form and technique when it comes to exercises. Improper form and technique will lead to injuries. And if you do not know your limit and/or understand stress and pressure, exercising, in this case, might not be ideal until you've experienced and understood those aspects - pressure and stress.
Exercising will promote stronger and healthier muscles and bones. It's very important to exercise daily to avoid loss of bone and muscle strength. We want to ensure that we're strong enough to withstand everyday things such as moving around, transferring, picking up objects, and so forth.
I know what it takes to become stronger because I've broken over 100+ bones. I know how difficult it can be. Yes, I understand you may have a severe case of OI, but still find ways to work out. There are no excuses.
1) Using Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are elastic bands. They are very very light and portable. Making it a versatile workout thing. You can use it in your bedroom, at an office, at a hospital, etc. Elastic bands can make you stronger because you have to put energy and effort into using the resistance bands. Considering they're elastic and weigh virtually nothing, it is very very hard to become injured due to the fact you aren't lifting Iron, you're lifting and using rubber bands essentially. Be careful though, you can still injure yourself very easily.
Once you've gotten stronger, you can upgrade the bands to higher resistance to get stronger.
You can purchase resistance bands here:
2) Bodyweight movements/exercise
Lifting your body and being able to move around freely is one of those things everyone should prioritize. You should be moving freely without hurting yourself. It'll be difficult at first because you have to understand stress and pressure when it comes to moving your body around since you're moving around close to 100+lbs. If you're overweight, it'll be much harder on your bones furthering your vulnerability to fractures. Once you've learned how to move around with your body weight, you can start doing body exercises such as situps, pushups, and so forth. You want to understand your limits and how you can do it without hurting yourself.
2A) Yoga
Yoga is one of those things that'll help with mobility, flexibility, and so forth. It'll increase your strength and mobility which decreases your chance of becoming injured. Yoga practices a lot of body movements and dynamic stretches which overall makes the body healthier and looser. Tight restrictive muscles cause lots of issues...
2B) Swimming / Water Therapy
Water therapy or swimming is an excellent way to get your body moving, without any hassle or injuries because when you're submerged in water, you become weightless, therefore, it'll be much easier to move your body, limbs around giving you the opportunity to exercise! This is very beneficial who are super fragile. To be honest, anyone and everyone can benefit from swimming! It's virtually somewhat impossible to hurt yourself. Just don't over-strain yourself.
3) Weightlifting
Once you've learned how to move on your own freely, and can exercise with resistance bands with ease, then now it's time to move onto weightlifting. Now you don't have to weightlift necessarily, but it'll further your strength and muscle development. It'll be much harder to go about weightlifting because you are susceptible to any injuries at any given time. You must know and understand proper form and technique, breathing techniques, and knowing your limits.