The Importance of Exercise and Getting Outdoors in Addiction Recovery
Any person that has struggled with addiction will tell you that there was always a root cause to their addiction. The root cause of addiction is different for every person. For example, if you were abused in any way as a child and you did not receive the psychological care and support that you needed after these terrible incidents happened, then you may fall into the trap of addiction simply because you’re looking for some escape in terms of what you may be thinking or feeling. It’s also possible that a person could experience trauma as an adult and experience the same struggles. Once you decide to break free of your dependence through addiction treatment and drug rehab, you will be in a much better place to deal with these struggles in a healthy manner.
When you commit to an addiction treatment program, you will begin to learn things about yourself that you may not have realized in the past. For example, you may come to find that you genuinely love spending time outside. There are plenty of exercises and outdoor activities that you can participate in recovery to help you learn more about yourself and help you along the course of your recovery journey. Here are just a couple of the reasons why it’s encouraged that you take advantage of both exercising and spending time outside after addiction treatment:
Stress relief
Any person that has ever struggled with addiction will tell you that they have struggled to deal with the stress that they experienced in their life. Although it’s impossible to avoid any stress during and after you complete your recovery program, when you take time to learn about what can help reduce your stress, you put yourself in a better position to not fall back into the trap of addiction again. Spending more time outdoors and exercising regularly while in recovery has been shown to naturally reduce stress, which comes as a welcome comfort, particularly during the early stages of your addiction.
Structure
When you set time aside every day to work out, you find that you put yourself into a continuous structured cycle throughout your day. This can help you remain focused on the goals you have, not only for your sobriety but also for your life in general. Also, setting aside this time every day will help you exclusively focus on yourself and your own well-being. Once you are done with your “me time,” you may come to realize that an issue that you once thought was unavoidable isn’t as challenging to manage as you thought it once was.
Physical improvement
One of the leading benefits of exercise is seeing physical changes in your overall health and well-being. It’s possible that you gained or lost weight when you were struggling with addiction. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help you get where you need and want to be physical. A new physical appearance can also help you feel mentally healthy, which is key to moving forward in your overall recovery journey.
The Top Paved and Off-Road Bike Trails in Los Angeles
If you’re a biking enthusiast and live in the Los Angeles area, you are certainly in luck as there are several paved and off-road biking trails in and around Los Angeles you can use after drug or alcohol rehab. Before you decide to venture out and explore one of these trails, you must have the proper supplies and necessities in place, such as:
Double-check your bike
It would help if you always did a once-over on your bike to ensure it’s in top shape before your biking excursion. A good rule of thumb is to check the tire pressure so you don’t put yourself in a position where you could get thrown from your bike or hurt during your ride. Also, you should double-check the pedals and the chains to confirm that everything is in working order. This will not only keep your bike in excellent condition but will also protect you during your ride.
Make sure that you have all of your safety gear
Regardless of whether you’re an avid biker or just going out on your first ride, you should always wear specific safety gear. For instance, you should always wear a helmet to protect your head in case you fall. You should also have biking gloves and elbow and knee pads which will add to your level of protection. Always try to keep this gear with your bikes so you can quickly grab it on your way out to your ride.
Pack a backpack
Bringing a backpack of snacks and drinks with you is a good rule of thumb to ensure you stay nourished and hydrated during the time that you’re out on the path. Having a backpack on hand is also an excellent way for you to bring your cell phone with you or other necessities that you may need in case of an emergency.
Once you have gone through your checklist, you’re now ready to take on some of the Los Angeles area’s paved and off-road bike paths.
Paved Bike Paths in Los Angeles
Although it may be fun simply to bike down a few Los Angeles streets while in recovery after addiction treatment, the reality is that there are plenty of paved areas in Los Angeles that are specifically designed for bikers of all experience levels. If you would prefer to stick to a paved trail, here are some of the top options:
Bike Tours Hollywood
Are you looking for a unique way to see Hollywood? Why not opt to take advantage of the tours offered through Bike Tours Hollywood? This incredible biking adventure takes you in and around all famous Hollywood attractions. Tours set off at different points throughout the day. However, you should always call ahead and book your spot, as these tours do tend to fill up throughout the week. Typically, tours can run seven days a week, any time between 10 AM and 4 PM.
7060 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
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South Bay Bike Trail
If you’re looking for a bike path that still provides you with an easy ride but a beautiful environment, you should make time to explore South Bay Bike Trail. This location takes you along the water, making it an excellent option to bike along either first thing in the morning or as the sun goes down. This type of activity can provide you with the breathing room you need at the end of the day.
Ballona Creek Bike Path, Los Angeles, CA 90028
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Off-Road Bike Paths in Los Angeles
If you’re looking for more of a biking challenge, then an off-road biking trail may be the best option for you. Similar to paved bike paths, there is an abundance of off-road biking trails throughout Los Angeles. When you’re ready to explore, here are some great options for you to try:
Griffith Park Trail
Griffith Park Trail is one of the most challenging bike paths in the Los Angeles area. Countless people use this trail not only to test out their biking skills but also as a way to train for marathons. This trail is long, so you can easily spend your entire day exploring the different ins and outs of the trail. You may also want to bring a camera along on this adventure so you can explore some of the beauty that this trail offers.
2715 N Vermont Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
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Elysian Park Trail
Elysian Park Trail is one of the most scenic areas in Los Angeles county. One of the main features of this park is a beautiful unpaved bike trail that gives you an abundance of opportunities to test out your biking skills regardless of whether you are a novice rider or someone more experienced. You can access the trail and time you want; however, this trail is not lit once the sun goes down, so this is something that you should always be conscious of.
Elysian Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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Are you interested in learning more about the addiction treatment options available through Muse Treatment Center? Our intake team is available around the clock to provide you with the answers to any of the questions you may have while in recovery or starting addiction treatment. We always take the time to learn more about your needs and goals so we can assist you in putting together a recovery plan that works for you. Please get in touch with us at (800) 426-1818 today for more information.
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