In a recent post, we suggested that adding some walking to your daily routine is a great way to support your ongoing recovery. We have also recently suggested a simply beautiful spot in St. Louis where you can do some walking while enjoying a historic and fascinating setting.
A walking routine is an excellent step toward making exercise a regular part of your life in recovery. And why is exercise important for a person in recovery from a substance use disorder? Because exercise supports good physical health and good mental health—two conditions that are deeply intertwined and both of which firm up the foundations of your recovery efforts.
We want to be clear here: Walking really is a wonderful form of exercise. But if you want to expand your exercise repertoire a bit (or even a lot), we have a few suggestions that might help you get started.
Remember, however, that you should talk with your doctor before adding anything strenuous to your preferred exercises.
Stretching Is a Great Way to Stretch Your Exercise Options
You might think of stretching as a mere precursor to exercising. You have probably seen athletes of all sorts do some stretching and figure it is helpful but is not exactly exercise itself.
The truth, however, is that stretching is exercise—exercise that promotes flexibility, which is good for you generally and certainly necessary for many other kinds of exercise. Sticking with a daily stretching routine can have significant benefits.
There are some additional exercise options that might be said to be stretching-adjacent. You could, for example, try some yoga or some tai chi, both of which can help with flexibility while also encouraging you to stay in the present moment—a practice that can also support your recovery.
Dive Into the Pool and Give Swimming a Try
Swimming can be an excellent exercise for a variety of people—including those with persistent or chronic pain that makes other forms of exercise particularly challenging. Spending time in the pool can help you build muscle, improve your cardiovascular fitness, and more.
That said, swimming can be an intense activity—especially in the early going—and you want to make sure you are pursuing it in a safe environment, which includes ensuring lifeguards are present when you are in the water. If you are not a strong swimmer (or if you would just like to get a refresher on good techniques for moving through the water), taking some lessons is a good idea.
Going From Walking to Running or Biking
For many people, a regular walking routine is a good fit. You can add distance over time if you are so inclined, and it is also an activity that lends itself to spending time with a friend or listening to that podcast you have been meaning to get to.
But you may find that you would like to try something a little more strenuous. That might mean jogging or running or riding a bike, any of which would amp up your overall aerobic exercise. Make sure you have good equipment (supportive shoes, a good bicycle, etc.) to lessen the chance of injury.
Get Stronger Does Not Require a Heavy Lift
Lifting weights might seem like an activity for folks who are already in great shape, but the fact is that strength training is important for everyone. And it turns out you can get started just by taking advantage of your bodyweight, using resistance bands, or grabbing a couple of full water bottles. You might well progress to heavier objects (make sure you learn proper form before you do), but you can start small and still get big benefits from strength training.
Pairing some easy strength building exercises with stretching exercises like those we considered above is a great way to get stronger and more flexible at the same time.
There Are Plenty of Other Ways to Get Some Exercise
We have only scratched the surface of exercise options you might enjoy. Take a dance class, join a rec-league team, or just get in the habit of playing catch with a friend or family member. The key to exercising regularly is finding something you enjoy—and then you can enjoy the benefits of doing do so!
Exercise Your Option to Get the Help You Need
If you are struggling with a substance use disorder you are likely not getting a lot of exercise. Meanwhile, the drugs or alcohol are chipping away at your physical and mental health. Indeed, reclaiming your overall well-being should be a priority after treatment.
But you can’t prioritize the things that come after treatment until you prioritize treatment itself. If you have been putting off getting the help you need for one reason or another, we encourage you to set any and all excuses aside so that you can do the work of reclaiming your life sooner rather than later.
At The Aviary Recovery Center, an award-winning treatment facility located near St. Louis, Missouri, we offer individualized treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. When you are ready to reclaim your life and build a better future for yourself, we are ready to help you reach your goals.
