If lifting weights isn’t part of your recovery to-dos, you might consider adding it, especially if you’re struggling with a co-occurring substance use disorder and depression.

While strength training can’t cure depression, one study showed that it can help to ease symptoms of depression like low mood, loss of interest in once enjoyed activities and feelings of worthlessness. And this is regardless of a person’s age, sex or health status.

For healthy adults, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends strength training a minimum of two non-consecutive days each week. Of course, it’s best to talk to your health care provider to determine how much and what type of strength training is best for you and your overall health.

Lifting weights can also strengthen your recovery in a variety of ways. Here we take a look at a few:

• You’ll gain confidence. Strength training can super charge your energy and your confidence levels – leaving you more mentally prepared to handle the demands of recovery.
• You’ll sleep better. People who lift weights have been found to fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. A good night’s rest can help make you more focused and help you to make healthier decisions as you journey toward lasting sobriety.
• You’ll be less angry. Strength training can help boost your mood, and more specifically, ease any feelings of anger, which is a common emotion that many young adults struggle with during recovery.

Exercise to Support Your Sobriety At Spearhead Lodge, daily physical fitness is part of the routine. We offer an up-to-date fitness center where our clients can learn to use fitness equipment or resume previous levels of training. We also help our clients understand their body and how to maintain optimal health through regular exercise. To learn more about our extended care for young adults, call today: 888-483-0528.