What Are the Benefits of Exercise for Men in Recovery?

There are many benefits of exercise for men in recovery. Exercise can help guys get or stay in shape, improve their mental health, and help maintain long-term recovery. For that reason, every man should consider making exercise a part of their recovery regimen. Unfortunately, some stigmas or stereotypes may turn some men off of exercise. For example, some men may feel that to work out. They must be super sporty or extremely muscular. This could not be further from the truth. Exercise is not about being the fittest person in the world or looking like a fitness model. It is about taking care of your physical and mental well-being. 

In addition to the physical and mental benefits, exercise can reduce the chances of developing other health concerns. It can even teach men self-discipline and help them learn to create structure and routine. To learn more about the benefits of exercise for men, continue reading below. 

The Physical Health Benefits of Exercise for Men

Before discussing how fitness aids in your recovery journey, we must consider the health benefits of fitness in general. Most of us know that exercise has several advantages for our physical health. People exercise to lose or manage a healthy weight, gain muscle, or improve their respiratory functions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes physical activity as “one of the most important things you can do for your health.” According to the CDC, physical activity can: 

• Improve brain health 
• Help manage weight 
• Reduce the risk of disease 
• Strengthen bones and muscles
• Improve your ability to complete daily activities 

As mentioned, physical activity can reduce health risks. For example, heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death in America. The CDC indicates that a minimum of “150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity can put you at a lower risk for these diseases.” It also helps lower “blood pressure and improve your cholesterol levels.” Another significant advantage and benefit of exercise for men is the reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. 

Lastly, physical activity can also lower the risk of developing certain cancers. The CDC states that adults who engage in more exercise reduce the chances of developing cancers of the: 

• Bladder 
• Breast 
• Colon 
• Endometrium 
• Esophagus 
• Kidney 
• Lung
• Stomach  

The Benefits of Exercise for Men on Mental Health

In addition to physical well-being, physical activity, and exercise have several benefits for mental health. For example, exercise can reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. Furthermore, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) indicates that physical activity can help you sleep better, boost your energy level, and enhance your mood and overall emotional well-being. The CDC also claims it can help you maintain thinking, learning, and judgment skills as you age. 

Another significant benefit of exercise on mental health is boosting self-esteem and confidence. There are many correlations between low self-esteem and mental health conditions. Exercising will help with weight, endurance, and muscle tone. Over time, this will help you gain more confidence in yourself. We feel good when our body feels good. So, it makes sense that improving our bodies will help us improve our minds. 

Exercise and Substance Use Disorder

Consider how exercise can help your addiction recovery now that you have more information about its benefits on physical and mental well-being. Research on the impact of physical activity on substance use disorder (SUD) indicates that exercise can effectively help in the following ways: 

• Increases your chances of abstaining from drugs and alcohol 
• Reduces withdrawal symptoms 
• Eases symptoms of anxiety and depression in treatment or recovery 

Exercise also offers men in recovery a distraction. Triggers and cravings appear when we least expect them. Exercise is an effective, healthy way to distract ourselves from these triggers. It is also an opportunity to get out our frustrations, handle stress, and work out complex emotions we feel throughout sobriety. 

Before leaving treatment, you may have the opportunity to create a relapse prevention plan. This plan will consist of ways to prevent yourself from relapsing and reduce the risks of relapse. Exercise can be a formidable tool in your relapse prevention plan, not only because it distracts from triggers and cravings but also because it maintains overall wellness. 

Types of Exercise You Can Try Today

We mentioned earlier how people have stereotypes about exercise and fitness. Sometimes, men think they must be muscular or already in amazing shape, but that is not the case. Anyone can embark on a fitness journey regardless of their present fitness level.

Types of exercises you can try doing to start your fitness journey include: 

• Walking 
• Hiking 
• Strength training 
• Bicycling 
• Going to the gym 
• Swimming 
• Taking up a sport 
• Yoga 
• Rock climbing 
• Trying at-home or calisthenics workouts 

Physical fitness is a vital asset to consider for your post-treatment recovery routine. Reach out to learn more or consider a men’s-only treatment center today. 

Most of us know about the benefits of exercise on our mental and physical health and well-being. It helps with weight loss and muscle tone and improves other physical functions. Exercise can also reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. However, did you know that exercise also has benefits for men in recovery? If you’re in recovery from substance use disorder, you should consider incorporating exercise into your daily recovery routine. It can provide distractions from triggers and cravings and increase your chances of abstaining from drugs and alcohol. To learn more about the benefits of exercise for men in their sobriety journey, call Healing Pines Recovery at (720) 575-2621.