During substance use, our bodies are often abused and neglected. Even if we do exercise during our substance use, the negative side effects of addiction can harm our bodies. Whether or not we are lucky enough to be physically well, we are certainly not physically fit.
Engaging in physical fitness as part of our recovery is a great way to heal the mind and body alike. This is particularly true when we are able to exercise outdoors in beautiful surroundings. Treatment is the perfect time to step it up, get outside, and get moving.
Why a Personal Trainer?
We might assume that we know our bodies. After all, we do live in them. However, during active addiction, we often lose touch with our bodies. For years, we ignored our body’s signs and symptoms of harm caused by our constant substance use. Compound that with the fact that we are not all personal trainers, armed with the latest knowledge about how to get in shape and exercise responsibly, and chances are we might realize that we have a lot to learn.
Sometimes, when we are making changes in our lives, we get excited and want to do too much. If we used to run, for example, we might set out to run five miles our first time back out. However, doing so can actually be more harmful to our bodies than not running at all. We must be conscious of or present-day fitness levels so as to avoid overexertion and injury.
This is where the personal trainer comes in. Choosing to work with a personal trainer gives us the opportunity to have our fitness levels accurately assessed. We can then implement an exercise plan created by a professional towards the goal of getting stronger, sustainably. Additionally, a personal trainer can monitor overall health, as a means of minimizing the risk of exercise-induced complications.
What If I Am Not Fit at All?
For many of us upon entering treatment, the most exercise we have had in years is the repetition of bringing our glass to our mouth. So we switch that out for a water bottle and step outside to get moving. Everyone has a starting point on their fitness journey, and wherever we are physically at right now is a perfect place to begin.
Our goals may be different than someone who has been an athlete or otherwise involved in fitness. However, once again, a personal trainer can work with us towards our fitness goals. Coming out of active addiction, we must get our bodies moving again. Exercise is a great way to be productive and fill time in our day. Additionally, whether it is yoga, lifting weights, or cardiovascular activities, physical movement exercises the mind too. And in recovery, strengthening the mind is just as important as strengthening the body.
What If I Exercised Regularly During Active Addiction?
If we have been athletic and exercised regularly throughout active addiction, we will have different goals. Typically, we will want to tone and maintain their bodies. However, sometimes we will set new goals for our fitness. The personal trainer can help here too, as they know the difference between us challenging and overexerting ourselves.
Trainers keep an eye out for health issues related to recovery, making sure that our exercise decisions are mentally, as well as physically healthy. When we give up one addiction, sometimes we move on to another. Exercise can often serve as a substitute addiction. In these cases, it is important that we are aware of what we are doing, both to our minds and our bodies.
Exercising Outdoors
If exercise is healing for our bodies, exercising outdoors in beautiful surroundings is healing for our souls. Choosing a facility that is off the beaten path, such as a ranch or farm, can be an amazing healing experience. Not only does this kind of setting offer seclusion from city life and a change of pace, but it also provides open natural spaces to get moving in. The ability to go for walks or hikes in nature, to spend time with animals while getting a workout, or to challenge ourselves on an agility trail with a personal trainer are all experiences that heal the body, as well as the spirit.
The Power of Exercise in Recovery
When we start on the recovery path, we begin to regain powers in our life that we may have inadvertently given up during active addiction. Physical exercise is one of those powers. In addition to getting our bodies moving, exercise releases more endorphins in our brains. Some people refer to this experience as a “natural high.” Exercise makes us feel good. Done in moderation, it is very healthy for us. It is a great new pastime for some and a great activity to renew for others. By taking control of our bodies back and helping our minds as well, we unleash the power to heal ourselves.
Staying on the Fitness Path
Just like staying on the trail when hiking, staying on the fitness path is an important part of our recovery. We start with the personal trainer as our guide, and then we step out on our own. We may miss a day here or there because we are human, but we need to recommit to our exercise routine each day, just like our recovery. As we step it up in our physical fitness, we are stepping up for ourselves.
Find the fitness level that suits you at Rancho Milagro Recovery. Call (951) 526-4582 to find out about our hiking trails, including the agility trail. Take advantage of our beautiful landscape as you commit to healing your mind, body, and soul.