Why Exercise Therapy?
Exercise therapy is increasingly being used in addiction treatment programs due to its potential to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engaging in regular exercise can help individuals in recovery manage symptoms of addiction, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in the brain, and can provide a natural high that can reduce the desire for drugs or alcohol.
Research has also shown that exercise therapy can help in the prevention of relapse in individuals recovering from addiction. By promoting healthy habits and positive lifestyle changes, exercise therapy can provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which can help individuals stay motivated and on track with their recovery goals.
Exercise therapy can improve sleep, appetite, and overall physical health, which can also aid in addiction recovery. It can also help individuals develop new skills and hobbies, which can help them find a sense of purpose and fulfillment beyond substance abuse.
Exercise therapy is a valuable component of addiction treatment that can provide numerous benefits for individuals in recovery. By incorporating exercise into a comprehensive treatment plan, individuals can improve their physical and mental health, reduce the risk of relapse, and build a foundation for a healthy, sober lifestyle.
Physical Health Benefits of Boxing
Boxing is a high-intensity sport that requires physical strength, endurance, and agility. As such, it provides numerous health benefits that can improve overall physical well-being. Here are some of the physical health benefits of boxing:
Cardiovascular Health: Boxing involves aerobic and anaerobic exercises that can improve cardiovascular health. It can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Increased Strength and Endurance: The repetitive movements involved in boxing can build muscular strength and endurance. Punching bags and shadowboxing can also help improve muscle tone and flexibility.
Weight Management: Boxing is a high-intensity workout that burns calories and can help individuals maintain a healthy weight.
Improved Coordination and Balance: Boxing requires coordination and balance, and training in boxing can help individuals develop these skills.
Stress Relief: Boxing can be an excellent stress reliever, as it provides a physical outlet for releasing tension and frustration.
Improved Hand-Eye Coordination: Boxing requires quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination, which can improve reaction times and motor skills.
Reduced Risk of Injury: Proper boxing training techniques can improve balance, coordination, and overall physical fitness, which can help reduce the risk of injury in other physical activities.
Mental Health Benefits of Boxing
In addition to the physical health benefits, boxing can also provide numerous mental health benefits.
Stress Relief: Boxing can be an effective way to release stress and tension. Punching a bag or engaging in a sparring session can help individuals feel calmer and more relaxed.
Improved Self-Esteem: Regular boxing training can help individuals develop a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. Learning new skills and improving physical fitness can provide a sense of pride and confidence.
Increased Focus and Concentration: Boxing requires intense focus and concentration, which can improve mental clarity and overall cognitive function.
Reduced Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: Boxing can help individuals alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals in the brain.
Improved Mood: Boxing can also provide a natural mood boost, which can help individuals feel happier and more positive.
Enhanced Mind-Body Connection: Boxing requires a strong mind-body connection, as individuals must be aware of their body movements and physical sensations. This enhanced mind-body connection can improve overall mental and physical well-being.
Improved Sleep: Boxing can also help improve sleep patterns by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Boxing in Addition to Addiction Therapy
Boxing has emerged as a valuable addition to traditional addiction therapy. Many addiction treatment programs are now incorporating boxing training as a form of physical exercise therapy to complement traditional treatment methods.
Boxing can provide numerous benefits to individuals recovering from addiction. It can help reduce stress, promote physical fitness, build self-esteem and confidence. Boxing requires discipline, focus, and perseverance, all valuable skills to develop during recovery.
Boxing can also provide an alternative to drug or alcohol use by providing a natural high through the release of endorphins. Individuals in recovery can learn to channel their energy and emotions in a positive and healthy way through training and practice.
Many boxing programs emphasize teamwork and camaraderie, which can help individuals feel connected and supported during a vulnerable time in their lives.
Overall, boxing can be a valuable addition to traditional addiction therapy. It can provide numerous physical and mental health benefits, promote self-esteem and confidence and provide an alternative to drug or alcohol use. By incorporating boxing into addiction treatment programs, individuals can develop new skills, build resilience, and cultivate a foundation for a healthy, sober lifestyle.
Boxing and Relapse Prevention
Some ways boxing can help with relapse prevention:
Stress Reduction: One of the main reasons people turn to drugs or alcohol is to cope with stress. Boxing can be an effective stress reduction tool, as it provides a physical outlet for releasing tension and frustration.
Improved Mood: Regular exercise, such as boxing, can promote the release of endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals in the brain. Improved mood can help reduce the risk of relapse by providing a natural alternative to drug or alcohol use.
Building Resilience: Boxing requires discipline, focus, and perseverance, all of which can help individuals build resilience and overcome challenges. Developing these skills can be particularly valuable in the face of triggers or cravings that can lead to relapse.
Sense of Accomplishment: Training can help individuals develop a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem, which can promote positive self-worth and reduce the risk of relapse.
Positive Peer Support: Many boxing programs emphasize teamwork and camaraderie, which can provide individuals with a positive support system. Having a supportive community can be particularly valuable during times of stress or vulnerability.
Channeling Energy: Boxing can help individuals learn to channel their energy and emotions in a positive and healthy way. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who previously used drugs or alcohol to cope with negative emotions or experiences.
Boxing at Siam Rehab Thailand
Siam Rehab has an amazing gym and boxing ring.
3 times a week Tanes Ongjunta is at the center for group boxing lessons, private lessons are also available at an additional cost. At Siam Rehab clients can train in traditional boxing or Muay Thai Boxing.
Our head coach and trainer, Tanes Ongjunta, aka Jomvo presently holds the WBA Asia title and is an active fighter.
Prior to his transition to standard boxing he was a Muay Thai champion, military boxer, Thailand team boxer who won 2 silver medals at the SEA games.
Tanes will inspire you and get more out of you then you ever thought you could. As well as being an amazing fighter he is a world class coach and trainer.
