If you are planning on doing a cleanse such as the 2-Step Cleanse and Detox from Optimal Health Science, you may have considered how your daily routines should (or will) change during your cleanse. Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body, but how should you modify your workouts during a cleanse? Should you even exercise at all? This post will look at the pros and cons of exercising during a cleanse.

The Benefits of Exercise

Exercise is a natural way to detox. There’s nothing quite like working up a good sweat to cleanse the skin and flush out toxins. Aerobic exercise can strengthen your heart, lungs, and muscles, improve digestion and overall health, and even boost your mood. Regular exercise can help your bowel movements be more regular too!

In order to enjoy the benefits of exercise, you have to give your body the right fuel. During the 2-Step Cleanse and Detox, instead of restricting calories, your focus should be on eating a healthy, balanced diet that is low in fat and high in fiber. Choosing this kind of diet will help fuel your workouts and improve the effectiveness of your cleanse. You should also drink plenty of water before and after you exercise. We recommend that you drink at least 16 glasses (128 oz.) of water a day each day of your cleanse.

Modifying Your Workouts During a Cleanse

If you are drinking plenty of water and following the recommended low-fat, high-fiber diet during your cleanse, you can exercise, but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious and even modify your exercise routine if needed. You may want to start out with gentle stretching or a low-impact exercise like yoga to see how you feel.

Anytime you make a change to your diet, it will have an effect on the energy you have during exercise. Try to avoid putting too much stress on your body and especially your digestive system during your cleanse. If your workouts are normally high-impact and high-intensity, consider substituting a lower-impact exercise. For example, you could go for a scenic walk instead of a run. You could also try swimming, cycling, dancing, or other activities, but consider doing these activities at a lower intensity than usual during your cleanse.

Making Your Own Exercise Plan for Your Cleanse

After making your own pros and cons list, make your decision about how you will exercise during your cleanse based on what feels the best for your body. You can also consult with your health provider before starting your cleanse if you have any questions.

You might want to try setting exercise goals for yourself or scheduling workouts into your calendar so that you treat them like an important appointment. That said, pay attention to how you are feeling. It’s OK to take a break or take it easy during a workout if you feel that your body needs extra rest during your cleanse. Learn to recognize the signals that your body is sending to you, and keep making the choices that you know will help you live your best, healthiest life in the long run.