As a personal trainer at Morningside Recovery, I work one-on-one with individuals recovering from addiction and mental health issues. I’ve seen how fitness and fitness hacks give them new focus and the motivation to stay sober. Here at Morningside Recovery we believe in giving everyone the best possible advantages for lasting recovery and health. That’s why clients have access to our fully-equipped gym, personal trainer and nutritionist.
Fitness is essential to the quality of human life. When we stay physically fit our body creates positive synergy with our mind. Exercise releases endorphins, improves depression, and relieves stress. It is key for a healthy and happy life, especially for people in recovery. Here are five fitness hacks to get you eating, moving and feeling better right away.
1. Get Out Of Your Chair
People spend too much time sitting behind a desk. Prolonged sitting can slow down your metabolism, which interferes with the body’s ability to break down body fat, and regulate blood pressure and blood sugar. Research has linked it to serious health problems including some types of cancer, diabetes, and obesity. The solution? Get up and move, stretch, jump, or break into dance. Make it a goal to get out of your chair every 20 minutes.
2. Stay Hydrated
This may seem like one of the no-brainer fitness hacks, but people don’t prioritize drinking enough water. Common signs of dehydration include headaches, fatigue, lower metabolic rates, and HUNGER! Our minds can easily mistake the signal of being thirsty for hunger which can lead to unhealthy weight gain. The best way to combat dehydration is to carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go and try to refill it at least 3-5 times a day.
3. Avoid Added Sugar
High sugar consumption is the primary cause of weight gain and our national obesity epidemic. Not all calories are created equal. 150 calories from soda versus 150 calories from almonds are digested and utilized in completely different ways. Sugar gives off a much greater spike in insulin and leads to fat storage. So when you’re shopping at the store try purchasing whole foods and avoid the Double Stuffed Red Velvet Oreos.
4. Stay Active
I have seen countless times how physical activity improves all other aspects of life. Not only does exercise transform people physically, but also mentally. Exercise can help combat the effects of depression, sleeplessness, abnormal blood pressure, anxiety, AND SO MUCH MORE! We are not meant to be sedentary beings sitting on couches eating bon-bons. We are made to move! So get outside or go to the gym. Try to stay active for 30-60 minutes every day.
5. Make Your Own Meals
Eating out everyday is expensive and bad for you. A lot of foods from restaurants are made with hydrogenated oils, MSG, and (the infamous) ADDED SUGAR! When I cook my own meal I know exactly what I’m eating and it makes it so much easier to make healthy decisions. I cook my meals in advance so I’m ready for the week. Tupperware should become your new best friend!
Fitness Hacks at Morningside Recovery
Unfortunately, you fitness hacks can’t get you out of every problem. Some things, such as addiction and mental health disorders, require comprehensive care and a long-lasting commitment to health. At Morningside Recovery, we provide clients with all the rehab programs, addiction therapy services, and support they need to achieve health, happiness, and sobriety. To learn more about our programs, call us today at 855-631-2135.
