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There are many health benefits to exercising but for those in recovery, there are extra benefits. Exercise not only helps to reduce ones weight, but it can also help to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and reduces the risk of health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, stroke and osteoporosis.
If you are in recovery, however, exercise is the perfect replacement for substances that were once relied upon to relieve stress or to help with relaxation. The more you exercise, the better you will feel. Your self-image will improve, you will have more energy, and you will sleep better. Exercise is also a powerful tool when it comes to improving mood; it is said to alleviate symptoms of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorder.
If You Are New to Exercise
It is unlikely that you have been exercising because of your addiction, so it is a good idea to start off slowly. If you have never been one for exercising, you should speak to your doctor before you begin a programme of exercise. Nevertheless, walking is an exercise that is suitable for most people as it is not too strenuous. You should start by walking for at least twenty minutes every day to get your body used to a higher level of activity before you embark on anything more rigorous.
Things to Consider
If you want to get started with an intense programme of exercise and have spoken to your doctor, there are a number of things to consider when creating an exercise plan. Your general health, age, and daily schedule will all need to be taken into consideration before you begin. You will also need to think about access to facilities and your budget if you are planning to join a gym, for example.
If you want to get fit, lose weight, and tone your body, there are a number of exercises you will want to incorporate into your exercise plan, including cardio and strength training. Cardio is great for weight loss and for getting you fit while strength training will help you to develop lean muscle tissue and get the toned physique you are aiming for.
Find Something You Enjoy
Some people love exercising because of the rush it gives them. They like knowing that they are working hard and will see fantastic results because of it. Nonetheless, others find it difficult and just do not enjoy it. The good news is that exercise can be fun. You do not have to go to the gym and lift weights to get fit. There are many opportunities to have fun while you exercise. For example, you could take up a sport and join a team. If you do this, you will be more inclined to stick with it because you will know that other people are relying on you to show up. If you are part of a team for a sport you enjoy, you can excel and enter competitions, which will make you want to work harder.
You could also consider joining a dance class or taking up aerobics class. Swimming is another great exercise and one that works the entire body, so if you enjoy swimming, then why not think about going more often.
Get an Exercise Buddy
Exercising with someone else is also something worth considering. It would be a good idea to ask someone from your recovery group to exercise with you. That way, you can encourage each other to get fit while also working on your recovery. With someone else to inspire you, you will find that you are more likely to stick with your programme and doing so will give you both something to focus on, which will help when it comes to long-term recovery.
