6 Ways a Fitness Routine Can Help Those in Recovery

Being in recovery from anything isn’t easy. Whether it’s recovering from an injury, recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction or recovering from a mental health illness, few things are more frustrating than having to stay out of the action, especially if you are typically an active person. When this happens, many people are tempted to lounge on the sofa and watch TV till it all feels better. Unfortunately, research has shown that inactivity during the time you are healing from an injury leads to the recovery mechanisms of the body slowing down and the recovery taking longer to happen. What is even more discouraging, is that lack of proper exercise might actually weaken your muscles and your performance by the time you make a complete recovery. Here is a summary of reasons why exercise is a great idea after an injury. 1. It is the Cure for Cardiovascular Disease It is a known fact that one of the best ways to deal with cardiovascular conditions. Regular exercise lowers blood sugar levels and helps people with obese BMI bring it down to a healthy range. However, there is another healing effect that exercise has on cardiovascular health; the fact that it leads to the release of hormones which are good in moderating levels of good and bad cholesterol in the body. There is research which shows that regular exercise actually lowers the risk of heart failure and that when coupled with a good diet, exercise reverses the effects of obesity in small children. 2. It Helps to Rebuild Muscle According to research, people who engage in athletic activities when they are younger have a lower possibility of ending up with osteoporosis than those who do not exercise. This is because exercise leads to a greater bone density. Also, when you exercise, there are small tears that happen to your muscles, and during the healing process, they come back denser and stronger. When you are used to activities like lifting weights, you are likely to gain bone density because a load on the bones signals to them that they should grow in order to bear the load. 3. It Reduces Levels of Inflammation Another huge benefit that comes from exercising is that it has the ability to lower inflammation which results to most chronic conditions such as cancer and diabetes among others. Scientists have discovered that inflammation is the one thing that links up all illnesses. The presence of inflammation is marked by the presence of a hormone known as C-Reactive protein. This hormone is found in high levels when a person is dealing with a chronic condition. There are also messenger molecules known as cytokines, which are caused by a bad diet and inactivity. When you exercise, you lower the levels of the C-reactive hormone a great deal. The connection between this hormone and chronic disease is therefore broken with an increased level of activity. 4. It Boosts the Immune System Did you know that people who exercise often have a very reduced possibility of getting a common cold? When you are exercising, you are able to remove bacteria from the lungs through the continuous inhalation and exhalation. Second, when exercise, you elevate your body temperature, which lowers the possibility of bacteria growth. Last, exercise is known to lead to the release of hormones which lower stress and low-stress levels are directly linked to a stronger immune system. 5. It Supports Mental Health Mental health is a significant component of healing and recovery from injury. The connection between the body and the state of mind is remarkable. Exercise works as an antidepressant and increases the secretion of serotonin, the feel-good hormone. Reproductive health problems such as erectile dysfunction can actually be treated by regular exercise. 6. It Helps You to Think Clearer

The other benefit you get when you exercise is the delayed onset of age-related mental health conditions such as dementia Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. When you exercise, your brain neurons work better and fire faster, which keeps the cognitive faculties sharp for longer than people who lead an inactive lifestyle. There are millions of ways in which exercise leads to healing, and it is important to tap into all these benefits. As long as you have a routine that is manageable and enjoyable, you will reap the good health benefits for many years. Always remember that the ideal exercise routine is one that involves a rest and recovery day.