Rehab Fitness Programme

A healthy body can do wonders for a healthy mind, with both needed for a successful recovery from addiction. At Oasis Runcorn, our fitness programme is all about supporting your treatment by improving your physical well-being. This aspect of recovery is often neglected but is important for helping you feel better both inside and out. Our fitness rehab programme is designed to be approachable for everyone, no matter your fitness level. It is not about becoming a fitness expert – it’s about moving your body, feeling good and giving yourself the best chance at a full recovery.

What is a rehab fitness programme?

Fitness in rehab is intended to help you feel stronger, more focused and ready for the challenges of recovery. Oasis Runcorn’s rehab fitness programme is available to all our clients, regardless of ability, with activities tailored to your mobility and personal help. Whether you’re looking to rebuild strength or want to move your body gently, we’ve got you covered.

Mild to moderate exercise has been shown to help those recovering from addiction and reduce the symptoms of co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and PTSD. Exercise produces serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine, and these natural boosters help lift your mood, ease stress, and even make cravings feel less intense.

Some of our other therapies also weave in gentle exercise to give your body and mind a much-needed boost. From mindful fitness sessions to yoga and nature walks, it is not so much about hitting the gym hard as creating a sense of balance and well-being.

We will also ensure that your nutrition is taken care of while you stay with us. Substance abuse can drain your body of vital nutrients, which can leave you feeling run down. Our dedicated nutritionist and private chef will provide daily meals that are not only nutritious but delicious too! Combined with our rehab fitness programme, this holistic approach sets you up for a healthier time in treatment and can also give you fantastic recipe tips!

Why is rehab health and fitness so important?

Addiction can take a serious toll on the body and mind and many people arrive at Oasis Runcorn in a fragile state. Our rehab fitness programme is important for getting you back on your feet and kickstarting the healing process.

Exercise is a powerful tool in recovery. It helps to boost your mood, reduce cravings and improve sleep naturally – all issues which are common with addiction. Many people with long-standing substance abuse disorders live very sedentary lives, but by incorporating fitness into your rehab treatment, we will get you moving again.

We understand that fitness needs to be approached carefully, especially for those with long histories of addiction, co-occurring conditions or who are suffering from eating disorders. Our team will guide you through activities that build up strength without putting undue pressure on your body.

What are the recovery benefits of physical exercise?

Exercise and even regular movement can be the key to unlocking a healthier you. Here are some of the fantastic recovery benefits of physical exercise:

Increased strength and energy

Addiction can leave you feeling completely drained. Regular exercise helps rebuild your strength, increase your energy levels and make you feel more physically capable as you heal.

Better organ health

Exercise improves circulation, which is essential for heart and organ health, especially if they have been damaged by substance use. Regular movement helps your heart pump more efficiently, strengthens your lungs and aids in the detox process as your body recovers.

Lowered blood pressure

Physical activity can reduce high blood pressure, which is a common side effect of addiction. With gentle exercises, you can lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of related health issues.

A clearer mind

Exercise helps clear the brain fog of addiction. As you start moving, it becomes easier to focus on your recovery, make healthier decisions and think more clearly.

A better mood

Whether it’s a walk in nature or a bendy yoga session, exercise releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins. These naturally reduce stress and anxiety, giving you a mental boost during challenging times that will undoubtedly arise during rehab.

Newfound confidence

Seeing your physical progress, even small changes, gives you a sense of accomplishment and boosts your self-esteem. This is very important for ensuring your motivation because addiction can destroy your confidence, which can hamper recovery.

New resilience

Developing a fitness routine builds discipline and persistence – qualities that often suffer as a result of addiction. It can give you a sense of control and help you handle stress more effectively both during and after your stay at Oasis Runcorn.

Improved sleep and appetite

If addiction has disrupted your sleep patterns or appetite, regular exercise can help restore them. This can lead to better rest, extra energy and an overall improvement in how you feel.

Rehab fitness for young male patient

How does fitness help prevent relapse?

One question we get asked a lot about at Oasis Runcorn is how routine and discipline help long-term recovery. We believe that regular fitness routines can have enormous benefits long after you leave rehab and should be a key part of everyone’s relapse prevention plans.
First of all, exercise provides structure and routine, which is often a big change from a life in addiction. When your days have a sense of purpose, with regular exercise as part of your schedule, it becomes easier to stay on track and avoid slipping back into old habits. Physical activity also helps to fill time that might otherwise be spent thinking about or craving substances.
Exercise can also act as a healthy outlet for stress and emotions. Recovery comes with its own set of challenges and being able to work through stress by going for a run, practising the yoga you learned in Oasis Runcorn or even taking a brisk walk can stop negative feelings from piling up and pushing you toward relapse.
Fitness can also do wonders for your self-confidence. As you begin to see and feel the benefits of exercise, you’re more likely to believe in your ability to stay sober. This newfound self-assurance can be a powerful deterrent to relapse.

Get stronger every step with Oasis Runcorn’s rehab fitness programme

If you are looking for some feel-good gains, then Oasis Runcorn has the workout for you! We pride ourselves on being a well-rounded rehab fitness centre with our fitness programmes designed to build your strength and confidence during treatment and beyond. Get in touch with us today, and we will tell you how our rehab fitness programme will help you run towards recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do rehab fitness programmes adapt to different types of injuries?
At Oasis Runcorn, we understand that everyone’s body has been through its own unique challenges. Our rehab fitness programme is suitable for all capabilities and your health will be assessed to prevent any risks. Whether you have a past injury or current limitation, we will adapt the fitness sessions to ensure they are safe and effective.
How do rehab fitness programmes incorporate nutrition?
At Oasis Runcorn, we believe that fitness and nutrition go hand in hand so our nutritionist and private chef make sure that your body is getting exactly what it needs to heal. You will enjoy nutritious, delicious meals that support your energy, strength and overall recovery, giving you the fuel you need to feel your best.
Can rehab fitness programmes be done at home after addiction rehab?
Absolutely! The skills and exercises you learn during your time at Oasis Runcorn can easily be carried into your everyday life after rehab. From yoga to weight lifting to nature walks, our fitness programme is designed to be practical and flexible so you can keep up with the routines at home.

(Click here to see works cited)

  • Wiginton, Keri. “Exercise: How It Can Help With Addiction Recovery.” WebMD, 28 May 2023, https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/exercise-help-addiction-recovery. Accessed 9 September 2024.
  • Zhang, Li, and Ti-Fei Yuan. “Exercise and substance abuse.” International review of neurobiology vol. 147 (2019): 269-280. doi:10.1016/bs.irn.2019.07.007. Accessed 9 September 2024.
  • Linke, Sarah E, and Michael Ussher. “Exercise-based treatments for substance use disorders: evidence, theory, and practicality.” The American journal of drug and alcohol abuse vol. 41,1 (2015): 7-15. doi:10.3109/00952990.2014.976708. Accessed 9 September 2024.
  • Piché F, Daneau C, Plourde C, Girard S, Romain AJ (2023) Characteristics and impact of physical activity interventions during substance use disorder treatment excluding tobacco: A systematic review. PLoS ONE 18(4): e0283861. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0283861. Accessed 9 September 2024.
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