Much as in the general population, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in persons with spinal cord injury. However, CVD occurs earlier in life for those with SCI, progresses silently, and manifests atypical symptoms which fail to warn of impending ischemic damage. This accelerated development of CVD is multimodal in cause, including, but not limited to: a sedentary lifestyle, decreased muscle mass, increased fat mass, and physiologic alterations in lipid metabolism, all attributable in part to SCI. Traditional methods of dietary modification and exercise intervention are likely insufficient to elicit adequate modification of post-SCI physiology to prevent CVD. Secondary to our purposes, but of immediate importance to an individual with SCI is the impact of a sedentary lifestyle and increased obesity on their ability to remain independent. A quarter of young persons with SCI possess levels of fitness which are inadequate to complete essential activities of daily living. Thus, a sedentary lifestyle, as measured by fitness, is a correlate if not perceptive of morbidity and mortality in persons with SCI.