Rehab Centers that Offer Exercise Programs

The benefits of exercise in rehab on mental health are numerous and well-documented, and many modern rehab centers now offer fitness programs as a central component of their treatment. Regular exercise can support physical recovery after substance use, improve mental health and help with stress management. It can also provide structure and routine, which can be helpful as you transition from rehab to independent living.

Exercise during rehab should always be a complement to evidence-based treatment modalities and not attempt to replace therapy, medication or professional assistance. While exercise is an important part of physical, mental and emotional health, it’s just one part of addiction recovery. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of exercise in addiction recovery, what activities are often offered and how to stay safe while adding exercise to your routine.

Exercise probably isn’t the first thing on your mind when you’re seeking substance use treatment, but exercising in addiction recovery can help people in physical, emotional and social ways.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits

You already know that exercise is good for your body. It boosts circulation, increases cardiovascular health and builds muscle. But it can be especially beneficial in recovery as you work to rebuild your strength and health and create a better relationship with your body.

Some of the many physical and emotional benefits of exercise in rehab include:

• Weight management
• Immune system boost
• Improved physical strength
• Better sleep
• Increased self-esteem
• Improved physical health

The sleep benefits of exercise are especially important during and after rehab, as both insomnia and oversleeping are common. Engaging in regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster, increase sleep quality and regulate your circadian rhythm. While exercise can help reduce cravings in some people, it should never be used as a substitute for professional help and evidence-based treatment.

In addition to reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, physical activity through exercise can reduce cravings associated with addiction. This can make it easier for people in addiction recovery to follow through without relapsing, which can be especially difficult during the detox and withdrawal periods.

Working out also releases endorphins, a group of hormones that reduce pain and boost a person’s overall sense of well-being. Fitness provides the brain with natural dopamine, a neurotransmitter that’s associated with pleasure, which is often depleted with heavy drug or alcohol addiction. Rebuilding these pathways through healthy dopamine hits from physical activity can help with long-term mood regulation.

Group classes offer an excellent opportunity for people in rehab to build support networks and find camaraderie. Participating in group activities or sports can also give people a sense of routine and structure, goals to work toward and a sense of community, all of which can help to reduce stress further.

Group exercises in rehab can include classes, such as yoga or Pilates, or playing group sports, such as basketball. By working out regularly in a group, you start to build a community of people who share interests and support one another. You’re also all working toward similar goals, share many things in common through both fitness and addiction recovery, and you may even stay connected through aftercare and beyond.

Rebuilding Health During Recovery

Substance misuse can negatively affect all areas of your life, but it can be especially detrimental to your physical health. It’s important to get clearance from a medical professional before adding any kind of exercise to your routine and to start slowly.

It can take time to rebuild strength and endurance, and this stage is about learning to listen to and partner with your body. Fitness activities should be adjusted based on your current health, any withdrawal symptoms you’re still experiencing and the stage of treatment you’re in.

Because fitness programs provide many benefits, more inpatient and outpatient rehab centers are incorporating them as either an amenity or a part of treatment. While exercise can’t replace medication, therapy and other treatments, it can be part of a holistic approach to substance use recovery. Gentle exercises, such as meditation and yoga, can support mindfulness and distress tolerance, and more vigorous exercises, such as strength training, can help with mood regulation and stress management.

Patients are also typically encouraged to spend their free time participating in activities that keep them active and socializing with others. This can help build supportive relationships with others in recovery that often continue after formal treatment is over. The exercise programming available depends on the rehab center, the staff and the level of care.

Fitness as Part of Holistic Recovery

Fitness therapy in rehab can be incorporated into most levels of care, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, but how rehab centers approach this can vary. Some programs only provide unstructured recreational exercise opportunities. This may include walking paths or gym equipment that clients are free to use if and when they want.

Other rehabs use more formal fitness therapy programs, which may include personal trainers on staff, scheduled exercise classes and group recreation outings, such as hikes. Structured exercise therapy for addiction generally includes individualized exercise recommendations based on each person’s medical history, physical condition and any other relevant health factors. No matter how the rehab approaches fitness, it should still be part of a broader treatment plan that includes therapy and behavioral support.

It’s common to find a variety of exercise options in addiction treatment, depending on location and the age groups served. What’s available may also depend on the type of program. For example, outpatient centers may not have the same space to devote to fitness equipment as residential treatment programs.

Exercise programs found in rehab commonly include:

• Yoga and meditation
• Cardio
• Strength training
• Aerobic exercise
• Weight lifting
• Team sports
• Outdoor activities

Some of the best exercises in rehab are those that get a person’s heart rate up through movement. Vigorous activity can help with stress management, and the dopamine release can boost mood. Exercise that has a cardio element, such as walking, swimming or playing basketball, also keeps your heart and lungs healthy.

Holistic rehab centers offer alternative forms of fitness therapy, such as yoga and meditation, acupuncture and massage. These types of rehab fitness programs focus on physical fitness and add an additional layer of spirituality or mindfulness, which can support stress relief and mental health.

One benefit of participating in exercise in rehab is that many programs can tailor activities to specific health needs. Beginners and older adults may need to start more slowly and work on proper form to avoid injury, and those recovering from physical health complications related to substance abuse may have special restrictions.

Wellness and Recreational Therapy Programs

Recreational therapy and wellness-based programming can play a significant role in addiction treatment. In addition to the physical health benefits that come with staying active, exercise can also be used as a health coping skill for overwhelming emotions or difficult days instead of turning to substance use. Activities such as meditation, stretching, tai chi or taking walks on a nature-based campus can increase mindfulness and strengthen the mind-body connection, which can help with emotional regulation and dealing with triggers.

Participating in wellness and recreational therapy activities can also give clients the opportunity to find new hobbies or rediscover old ones. If you loved playing basketball when you were younger, getting back into the game can be a fun way to stay active and spend time more productively. Group activities, such as sports, earn bonus points for reducing isolation and providing opportunities to meet new people.

When you’re exploring rehab programs, keep in mind that holistic rehab centers may place more emphasis on wellness services and alternative therapies than traditional exercise. It’s always a good idea to ask about what recreational opportunities are available and how they incorporate physical activity into the daily routine.

Exercising during rehab is generally safe as long as the individual’s health, fitness level, and other relevant factors are taken into account. Individualized treatment plans and workout routines in rehab are essential when starting a fitness program, as people are entering with a wide range of backgrounds and fitness levels.

Many rehab centers impose physical activity restrictions, depending on the specific type of exercise program, the person’s overall health issues and capabilities and the stage of recovery they’re in. People are often more limited at the start of recovery and during detox, but they’re able to engage in more activities as they progress and start to feel better.

Rehab centers sometimes impose limits on strenuous physical activities and intense exercise and focus more on wellness-based activities, such as stretching, meditation and yoga. Rehab may also limit workouts if it lacks the medical staff to handle fitness-related injuries or if staff members aren’t trained for those situations.

Some people in rehab may have mobility concerns or limitations based on health conditions, and modifications or adaptations should be made accordingly. This can mean using modified exercises or limiting weights or repetitions based on what’s safe and comfortable for different fitness levels in rehab.

It’s also important to consider your overall health. People entering rehab are often dehydrated, malnourished or physically weak from substance use. A balanced diet is essential for physical fitness, as healthy eating can support energy levels and enhance physical performance. It can also help people who feel sluggish or unmotivated to get moving and increase their energy levels.

Since nutrition is so important to recovery and fitness, specialized nutrition plans are now common at some rehabs. These plans can include plant-based options, such as vegetarian or vegan options or protein-based diets, which may help those in recovery build muscle and have more energy.

If physical activity and fitness opportunities are important to you in rehab, ask questions about a potential program’s amenities, wellness activities and fitness classes. This can help you get a better idea of whether a rehab uses fitness and recreational therapy as part of its treatment program or simply provides outdoor spaces and gym equipment for free use.

It’s also a good idea to ask questions about staffing and how fitness activities and exercise classes are supervised. A good rehab program should have medical staff on-site who can assess each patient’s physical activity level and guide them to the right workouts and activities. They should also be equipped to provide first aid and tend to clients in the event of a medical emergency.

Remember that while exercise programs and activities can complement addiction treatment and help you focus on your physical and mental health while in rehab, evidence-based treatment should still be the primary focus of care. Individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment and clinical support should be the foundation of any strong rehab program. What your insurance will cover, whether the rehab is in network and what levels of care are provided can also be important factors when deciding on a treatment program.

If you’re at a low fitness level to start with, you’ll likely want to start slowly with light activities, such as walking and stretching. Yoga, tai chi and mobility exercises are also good starter options. As your body heals and your fitness level improves, you can increase the levels of your workouts, as long as you’ve spoken with your healthcare provider and they’ve given you the okay.

You can also set small, achievable goals for yourself at each stage and make sure you celebrate when you achieve them. Practice listening to your body as you move. It’s normal to have some light soreness, but pain, debilitating soreness and extreme fatigue are warning signs you may be pushing too hard. Remember that you should generally feel better after exercising, not worse.

Having opportunities to work on your physical fitness in rehab for alcohol or drug addiction can make a significant difference when it comes to achieving a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. If you need assistance locating a quality drug or alcohol addiction treatment center for yourself or a loved one that integrates fitness and addiction recovery, RehabNet.com is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of working out while in alcohol and drug rehab and to get started on your own recovery journey today.