Over the years, exercise has always played an essential role during addiction treatment. Now more than ever, with social distancing and isolation, exercise is now even more vital for your addiction recovery. But, due to the new laws aimed at controlling the pandemic, you may not be able to head over to the gym. Also, social distancing means that you will not be able to get together with your friends for sports and workouts. However, this does not mean you should put your recovery at risk. There are several exercises for addiction treatment that are best done from the safety of your home.
Furthermore, there are several benefits of exercise for addiction treatment. Asides from keeping you fit, exercise can also help protect your recovery. You may be wondering, how does exercise help with addiction recovery? From assisting you in adding structure to your day to keeping your mind off drugs, and improving your mood — the list goes on. Now, with gyms closed and people confined to their homes, the issue is how to exercise during social distancing. Not to worry, we will give you some of the best exercises for addiction treatment that you can do from your home.
Understandably, the prospect of working out from your home may not be as fun as hitting the gym with friends. But, it can be as effective. Here is a list of the best home exercises for addiction treatment.
The Best Exercises for Your Addiction Treatment
Exercising during your addiction treatment can pave the way into a smoother journey into recovery. Furthermore, it can help you stay in recovery and prevent a relapse. The prospect of physical exertion may sound scary, depending on your personality. However, you can engage in exercises that are not strenuous but just as effective.
Remember, you do not need any specialized piece of equipment to get a good workout. All you need is your body, and perhaps, a workout mat. Once you have that, you are good to go.
To put things in a clearer perspective, we will divide your home exercises into three main parts:
- Bodyweight Exercises
- Cardio Remedies
- Mind and Body Exercise
All of these exercises have been proven to offer several benefits for addiction recovery. So, let’s dive right into it!
Bodyweight Exercises
These are exercises that primarily take advantage of the weight of your body. Therefore, all you need is the best fitness equipment – your body, a horizontal surface, and a willing mind. We will work you through how to do some of these bodyweight exercises.
Push-ups
Push-ups are one of the most popular bodyweight exercises out there. Asides from the numerous benefits it offers for your addiction treatment, this exercise can also help you stay fit. The exercise primarily focuses on your arms and chest muscles. Here’s how to do a push-up the right way.
- Get down on all fours – your hands and knees.
- Next, straighten your arms and your legs. Your hands should be about shoulder-width apart and your feet almost together.
- Then, lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor.
- Pause for a second and then push yourself back up.
- Repeat the motion as many times as you can.
Squats
This is another one of the best exercises for your addiction treatment. Squats can help you work up a sweat and get your heart pumping. Also, the activity has the desired effect of keeping your mind engaged and off drugs. Let’s quickly walk you through how to do a proper squat.
- Find a foot stance that feels comfortable for you.
- Tense your abs, look straight ahead and stand tall.
- Next, bend at your knee and hip while sticking out your butt like you are sitting in an imaginary chair.
- Squat as low as you can while keeping your back straight and your chest high.
- Then pop back up to the standing position. That is one squat.
- You can repeat the exercise as many times as you want.
Lunges
If you are looking for a great workout you can do without breaking social distance laws, here’s another for you. They focus on working on your hips and legs.
- Stand tall with your feet about your hip-width apart. Make sure to engage your core.
- Next, take a big step forward with your right leg. Shift your weight forward so that your heel hits the ground first.
- Then, lower your body until your right thigh is parallel with the floor and your shin is almost vertical.
- Press into your right heel to push yourself back to your starting position. Then, repeat with your left leg.
Cardio Remedies
Cardio is one of the best exercises for addiction treatment, as it is a perfect way to boost emotions while working out. Even more, you do not need a ton of space, and you can do it alone. There are several ways you can carry out your cardio workouts. Here are a few.
- Running laps around your house – You can do this as many times as you like. Also, you can vary your pace by slowing down and speeding up to make things interesting. If you can do it with a dog, even better.
- Climbing up and down stairs – Going up and down the stairs is a form of exercise that produces impressive results. So, if you are trying to keep your mind engaged and want to work out, hit those stairs. But please, be careful!
- Dancing – This is a popular form of cardio, as it does not feel like exercise. Dancing is a no-brainer. Turn up the stereo and start moving. There are numerous styles from which you can choose. If you want a challenge, you can look up tutors online and groove till you feel better.
Mind and Body Exercise
This is one of the less strenuous alternatives for exercise in lockdown. Mind and body exercises are activities that can help the addiction recovery process. On top of our list is yoga.
Yoga
In recent times, yoga has grown very popular as a very relaxing practice. It is not only recommended for people in recovery but everyone in general. This exercise involves everything from stretches, flexibility routines, and relaxing poses.
Furthermore, yoga can be very beneficial for addiction treatment as it can double as meditation too. During these social distancing times, all you need is your body, a yoga mat (optional) and, perhaps an online video or tutor. There is no doubt that yoga is one of the best exercises for addiction treatment.
What Consistent Exercise Does For Addiction Recovery
Does exercise help with addiction treatment? The answer is a resounding yes. There are numerous benefits of exercise for addiction treatment. Here are a few of the advantages exercise holds for addiction recovery.
- It helps keep your mind engaged and off drugs.
- It reduces depression
- It soothes anxiety
- It boosts your mood: Your brain secretes essential chemicals when you work out.
- It can improve your self-esteem.
In Summary
Exercise is an integral part of addiction recovery. However, working out alone can be tough, especially if you do not know what to do. This is why we have helped you compile some of the best exercises for your addiction treatment. But, knowing these exercises is not enough. You have to be consistent to get the right results.
Do you have more questions on techniques to aid your addiction recovery during this pandemic? Our experts here at Addiction Rehab are available to answer any addiction treatment and rehab questions you have. You can call us via 1-855-787-2424 or send us a message today!
