The Role of Physical Fitness in Recovery from Addiction
Recovery from Alcohol and Drug Addiction needs a balanced approach of the mind, body and spirit. The whole person is injured in mind, body and spirit. So, the recovery of the whole person conjointly involves the mind, body and spirit. One cannot operate independently of the other. The mind, body and spirit are interconnected at all times.
Several recovery programs advocate support groups, religious development and counseling. These are excellent interventions to accommodate the mind and also the spirit, however what concerning the body. What is the role of physical fitness and well being in an exceedingly healthy recovery program?
Will a recovering individual lead a top quality life if he is physically sick? Can he honestly boast about having 10 years of sobriety even when he smokes cigarettes, is 40 pounds overweight and is tormented by diabetes and heart disease?
Before embarking upon the physical element of any recovery program, it's completely imperative that the recovering individual obtain an accurate and comprehensive assessment of his current health status.
Some key queries that need to be addressed are:
o Is the individual capable and willing to begin a fitness program?
o What are the physical limitations of the individual?
o What is the ultimate goal for the individual's recovery? ( To walk, to play the piano, to come back to figure)
o Which health professionals will help with the physical component of the recovery process?
The Four Key Elements in Determining a Fitness Program are:
o Current Health Standing
o Realistic Long Term Goals (e.g. Quit smoking, maintain ideal body weight, normalize blood sugar etc.)
o Incremental Short term Goals (Focusing on making little enhancements day in and day trip can enable you to achieve your goals a lot of quickly, simply and with less stress than any different method.)
o Utilize a Variety of Health Professionals (e.g. Medical Care, Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Naturopathy etc.)
What is the best work up to assist a person recovering from Alcohol and Drug addiction?
There is probably not one single activity or exercise that may cover all the bases. In order to develop an individualized fitness program, a fitness professional can think about the five parts of fitness.
The commonly accepted five parts of fitness are:
1. Cardio-vascular endurance: (e.g. swimming, biking or running)
2. Muscular strength: (e.g. lifting weights or performing resistance exercises)
3. Muscular endurance (e.g. cardio-vascular activities such as walking, jogging, bicycling, or dancing)
4. Body composition: (Refers to the relative amount of muscle and fat in a person's body. A person's total body weight may not change over time -- but the toilet scale does not assess how much of that body weight is fat and the way much is lean mass)
5. Flexibility: (The range of motion allowed by a joint and its surrounding musculature. Smart flexibility within the joints can help stop injuries through all stages of life. If you wish to improve your flexibility, try activities that lengthen the muscles like Yoga, Pilates or a basic stretching program)
The program might not include all 5 fitness components because of physical limitations and considerations. But, a sensible fitness program can allow the individual to move forward and gain strength in his overall recovery. Getting started and moving forward are far more important than satisfying the requirements of a text book or an insurance company.
I strongly believe that the physical facet of recovery from addiction is typically neglected or minimized. It's a nice accomplishment to stay clean and sober for any amount of time. But, a healthy recovery is a balance of the mind, body and spirit.
Let's move forward and embrace a healthy and balanced recovery program.
Dr. Larry Smith Chiropractor and Author of:
Embrace the Journey of Recovery: From Tragedy to Triumph!
Are You Recovering From Alcohol or Drug Addiction?
“If your answer is yes, then this book is for you!”
Embrace the Journey of Recovery can passionately reignite your spirit and teach you how to confront, conquer and powerfully conquer addiction, cancer or any other life threatening illness! Is addiction a genuine life threatening illness like cancer? If therefore, then why is it hid behind a wall of shame and denial?
Discover the solution and experience the exceptional story of 2 courageous nonetheless ordinary individuals and their astonishing recoveries from heartbreaking tragedy. Notice out how a cancer survivor and an alcoholic mutually support every alternative and passionately embrace the journey of recovery.
Author Resource:
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