Losing my leg changed everything. For eight years, I was inactive, stuck in a place where I didn’t feel like myself. But when I finally got moving again, I realized something: life isn’t about what happens to you—it’s about how you rise. One of the most powerful ways I found my strength again was through swimming.
Why Swimming?
As an amputee, high-impact activities can be tough on the body. Running, jumping, and even walking for long periods can put a strain on your residual limb, prosthetic, or overall mobility. But in the water? It’s a whole different story.
🏊🏾 Here’s why swimming is one of the best activities for amputees:
1. Total-Body Exercise Without the Strain
The buoyancy of water relieves stress on the joints and limbs, making movement easier and less painful. That means you can build strength and endurance without worrying about excessive wear and tear on your body.
2. Improved Balance and Coordination
When you’re in the water, you don’t have to worry about balance like you do on land. Swimming helps improve coordination, making moving both in and out of the pool easier.
3. A Confidence Booster
I’ll be honest—getting into a pool after limb loss can feel intimidating. But once you’re in, there’s a sense of freedom that’s hard to describe. Water doesn’t judge. It supports. It lifts. It reminds you that your body is still powerful, still capable.
4. Supports Cardiovascular Health
Many amputees, including myself, deal with health concerns like high cholesterol or being pre-diabetic. Swimming is a fantastic way to boost heart health, improve circulation, and manage weight—all without the stress of high-impact workouts.
5. Mental Health Benefits
There’s something calming about water. Whether it’s the rhythmic strokes, the sound of splashing, or the weightlessness you feel, swimming is a form of therapy. It clears the mind, reduces anxiety, and provides a sense of control over your own body.
My Journey in the Water
When I first got back into sports, I played wheelchair basketball for eight years. But I wanted to push myself further—to reclaim every part of my active life. That’s when I turned to activities like swimming and hand cycling. Now, I dream of participating in events across America to raise awareness and funds for other amputees who need support.
I’m not just doing this for myself. I’m doing it for the person who thinks their active days are over. I’m doing it for the new amputee who feels lost. I’m doing it for every single person who needs to see that life after amputation is still full of possibilities.
How You Can Help
At Amputees Are Awesome, we’re working to make sure more amputees have access to the tools, resources, and community support they need to thrive. If you believe in this mission, here’s how you can make a difference:
✅ Buy a T-Shirt: Show your support and spread awareness by grabbing one of our custom-designed shirts. Every purchase helps fund our initiatives.
✅ Donate: Whether it’s a general contribution, support for our upcoming amputee cruise, or a donation toward our Land Effort campaign, every dollar goes toward making a difference.
✅ Join the Movement: If you’re an amputee looking for a supportive community, we host free monthly calls where you can connect, share, and grow together. RSVP and be part of something bigger.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an amputee thinking about trying swimming—do it. Give yourself the chance to experience movement in a new way. And remember, your journey doesn’t end because of limb loss. It begins again, in ways you never imagined.
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