Making physical activity a regular part of your new sober life is perhaps one of the best things you can do for yourself during recovery. Certainly this isn’t the first (or last) time we’ll talk about how exercise does wonders for your mind and body – helping you stay physically and mentally strong as you fight to stay sober.

Not to mention the health benefits ranging from a lower risk of heart  disease, diabetes and eight types of cancer to improved memory and sleep and decreased risk of anxiety and depression.

Unfortunately, despite the study-proven benefits of physical activity a whopping 80 percent of Americans fail to get enough of it. But there’s good news: It may be easier than ever to meet the new physical exercise guidelines from the federal government. An updated version was just released for the first time in 10 years.

The new guidelines make it clear that even a little bit of exercise counts and that doesn’t mean going to the gym. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking further away all count toward reaching your goal. Here are a few more guidelines for adults, some of which haven’t changed:

• Adults should move more and sit less.
• Adults need at least 2 1/2 hours to five hours a week of moderate intensity exercise or 1 hour, 15 minutes to 2 ½ hours of intense activity every week.
• Adults need some sort of strength training two or more days a week.

Exercise to Support Your Sobriety
At Seabrook, we believe that regular exercise is an important part of your addiction recovery. To this end, we offer clients a fitness center complete with treadmills, elliptical trainers, recumbent bikes, treadmills, free weights and more. To learn more about our treatment program, call today: (888) 223-0298.