Forward Movement Magazine SUMMER ISSUE 2016 | Page 39
ABOUT THE
it gives a person time to separate from whatever situation
is causing the agitation. This
time spent physically moving can be a period to think
instead of acting impulsively
and potentially dangerously.
time is perfect for an individual
to start an exercise program.
(You could even sign up for a
fitness competition, 5k, or mud
run.) The less time a person
spends on the couch thinking
about the past, the better.
New Habits
Where To Start
Most people that are entering recovery did not arrive on a particularly positive note or a winning
streak. In most cases, individuals
that are newly sober reached
this part of their life through a
string of harmful consequences
and hard times. This can have
a negative impact on self-esteem and belief in one’s self.
The good news is that this particular area is one in which exercise can have a direct impact. By
setting and reaching small goals
with physical activity, a person
may start to lay the foundation
for winning behavior. Small
successes with exercise can help
to build confidence and lead to
commitment and motivation in
other areas of life. As self-efficacy
increases, a person can continue to produce positive results
as they gain confidence and
handle situations as they arise.
When starting down the road
to recovery, it is common that
people find themselves with
an abundance of extra time on
their hands. During a person’s
drinking or drug using career,
the majority of the day was spent
thinking about using, actively
using, or recovering from using.
In sobriety, there are suddenly
a large number of hours each
day that are unaccounted for.
This down time, if not filled with
something positive or healthful,
can be potentially dangerous for
the recovering addict. This extra
We know that exercise and
being physically active can
have a major impact on a person’s chances of staying sober,
but where do you begin? The
best way to implement a new
workout routine is to be honest
about where you are starting
and have realistic goals.
This may be as simple as a
ten minute walk around
the neighborhood a few
times a week or going to play
basketball for 20 minutes in
the park. Try a few different
activities and find one that
you enjoy. The more fun
that you are having being active, the more likely
you are to stick with it.
Initially, being consistent
is the most important thing
when becoming more active.
Find a workout partner who
will not let you skip a workout, or slack off. Or trying
starting an Instagram account
that focuses on your fitness
journey and share it with people.
This helps hold you accountable, and motivates you. The
most important thing is to stick
with your program and give your
body time to adjust. Keep your
eyes on your goals and be as
tenacious about healing yourself as you were about harming
yourself. You will be amazed
at just how different and wonderful your new life can be.
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author
DAVE
CANON
Originally from San Francisco, Dave
is a California native with extensive
knowledge of addiction recovery and
12-step programs. He is passionate
about the idea that food and nutrition
can be a path to recovery from drug
addiction and eating disorders.
Dave is a certified personal trainer
through the National Academy of
Sports Medicine (NASM). In addition,
he is trained as a pilates and yoga instructor focusing on mind-body exercise and a balanced holistic approach
to wellness.
View some of his work at
www.NutritionInRecovery.com
Addiction recovery websites
www.nutritioninrecovery.com/
www.thefix.com/
www.addiction.com/