This time of year, teenagers may be less active. School breaks, the end of sports seasons, and general life can get in the way of regular teen exercise. Many teenagers may not feel they need exercise. They’re young and in good health. Exercise, however, can make a huge difference in mental health, especially for teenagers. For many teens struggling with depression, substance abuse, or process addiction, exercise there can help them break cycles and improve their overall health.
If your teenager is struggling with addiction, mental health concerns, or you suspect they have a process addiction, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today. Our programs for adolescent men include exercise therapy for teens to help your son gain back control of his life. Call us at 866.300.5275 to learn more.
What Is Exercise Therapy?
There are many types of therapies that help teens struggling with mood disorders or substance abuse. Exercise therapy is a supplement therapy that gets teenagers physically moving. Many rehab and counseling centers include specific exercise programs to help teens manage stress, balance hormones, break habits, and feel better. These programs might include:
- Yoga
- Rock climbing
- Group sports and games
- Swimming
- Dance
- Group movement
No matter the type of exercise, moving your body will decrease physical pain and relieve stress. These effects can help teens manage their emotions and focus. During exercise therapy, teens often forget about their smartphones, video games, or other compulsive behaviors. Exercise therapy helps teens engage in mindfulness, staying in the present moment. Exercise programs vary. Some are more casual, while others provide structure some teens need. Whether your teenager likes structure or loved outdoor play as a child, exercise therapy can help them return to things they love.
Often, we pair exercise therapy with individual, family, and group counseling. Teenagers in a residential rehab program may have various types of exercise therapy. In these cases, cognitive-behavioral therapists can help teens implement therapy on the track, in the pool, or on the yoga mat. A combination of modalities can provide holistic healing and help teens build routines for adulthood.
Benefits of Exercise Therapy
While most children are highly active, as they age, teenagers may spend less time outside and less time moving their bodies. Therapeutic exercise can help teenagers re-engage with activities they used to love. They may even find a new sport or physical activity they want to practice for years to come. Exercise and therapeutic use of exercise may seem like it only benefits physical health. In reality, exercise can be critical for adolescents. Benefits of exercise therapy include:
- Improved sleep
- Weight loss
- Improved mood
- Ability to withstand stress
- Improved judgment skills
- Mind-body awareness
- Increased confidence
When exercise becomes a type of therapy rather than a competition, teens are given the opportunity to thrive. Many exercise programs focus on teens feeling their bodies as they move and getting out of their heads. Depression, process addiction, and drug use all change when a teenager regularly engages in exercise. Competitive sports and large fitness classes at school can increase stress, social pressure, and the desire to escape with drugs or alcohol. During exercise therapy, however, everyone wins.
Start Healing with Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Do you think exercise therapy may help your teenager? If your son needs support in recovery from substance abuse, video games, disordered eating, or other process addictions, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today. Our comprehensive, holistic treatment center in serene North Carolina helps young men with dependency and co-occurring disorders. With equine therapy, we believe time outdoors can help your son recover. Call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today to learn more about our exercise therapy programs at 866.300.5275.
