The Phoenix, a nonprofit founded in Boulder, Colorado, uses CrossFit for athletes who are recovering from addiction. Per Ignem CrossFit, the affiliate within The Phoenix, takes its name from the Latin for “through fire.”
“Just like the story of the phoenix rising from the ashes, that’s what happens here for people in recovery,” says founder Scott Strode.
Strode, who considers addiction a chronic disease, says CrossFit provides health and wellness benefits, as well as a community aspect that aids tremendously in recovery from addiction.
Among those at The Phoenix is well-known CrossFit Games athlete Carleen Mathews, in recovery for alcohol and drug abuse after battling an eating disorder. Mathews, who owns CrossFit Saint Helens in Oregon, says she felt accepted by the CrossFit community right away.
CrossFit athlete Rudy Martinez echoes Mathews’ sentiment. “CrossFit has become a safe haven for people in recovery,” Martinez says. “I’m so grateful for CrossFit and Per Ignem CrossFit because it seriously saved my life.”
Video by Mike Koslap.
Originally published – June, 2018.
Per Ignem CrossFit: Through Fire to Fitness