Getting regular exercise is a critical component of a healthy lifestyle. That remains true during addiction recovery. Many addiction treatment centers recommend specific exercises for addiction recovery. Any type of exercise is better than nothing, but targeted exercises for addiction treatment can have an even more significant impact. Explore the benefits of exercise during rehab and specific exercises for addiction recovery. Then, reach out to 844.544.0502 to learn about the fitness therapy program at Midwest Center at Youngstown.
Benefits of Exercise During Addiction Recovery
Exercise is a significant piece of any addiction treatment plan. It may not be as important as therapy. However, the benefits of exercise can help people through the recovery process. Here are three of the top benefits of exercise.
Improved Mood
Exercise is a mood booster. It doesn’t just improve physical health. It also benefits the mind and mental health. For instance, physical activity releases the brain’s chemical endorphin, which regulates positive mood. Exercise also releases stress and pent-up energy that could otherwise become a trigger for relapse.
Better Sleep and Energy Levels
Exercise is proven to lead to better sleep quality. Getting a night of good sleep is another thing that keeps anxiety and stress away. Nobody is their best self after a sleepless night. Furthermore, many people struggle with sleep during recovery because of withdrawal symptoms. Exercise can help alleviate sleep issues, which in turn increases energy levels.
Relieves Stress
Exercise is also a major stress-reliever. Stress is common in life, and going through the recovery process is no exception. In fact, stress is one of the biggest relapse triggers people face in recovery. Doing what you can to relieve stress through exercise will go a long way toward maintaining sobriety.
Top Exercises for Addiction Recovery
Any kind of exercise is better than nothing. However, research into addiction recovery indicates that more strenuous exercise is more beneficial in the case of addictions to harder drugs. Nonetheless, exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Consider incorporating one or more of the following types of exercise for addiction treatment into your addiction recovery plan:
- Walking
- Hiking
- Yoga
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Team sports
- Weight lifting
We recommend that those in recovery incorporate any of the above options into workout programs for addiction recovery. Team sports are worth emphasizing due to the positive social aspects they provide in addition to exercise. Recovery is often isolating and lonely. Community centers and local YMCAs offer numerous opportunities to get involved with a team sport, no matter your skill level.
Another thing to emphasize about the list of exercises for addiction recovery is their versatility and low bar for entry. Nothing is more simple than going for regular walks. Yoga offers a stationary option that anyone can do on their own or in group classes. In addition, swimming is an excellent option for people who have knee or back problems. The water’s buoyancy decreases the strain on the body compared to something like hiking or weight lifting.
Learn More at Midwest Center at Youngstown
Midwest Center at Youngstown understands the importance of workout programs for addiction recovery. That’s why each of our clients has access to high-quality exercise programming, fitness training, and nutrition coaching. Healthy eating is a great complement to a workout program for addiction recovery. In fact, our fitness therapy program incorporates exercise and health education directly alongside therapeutic intervention.
Exercise alone is not sufficient during addiction recovery. But people who ignore the benefits of exercise during recovery miss out on a vital tool for avoiding relapse and strengthening their mind and body. Learn more about quality exercises for addiction treatment by calling 844.544.0502.