Rates of addiction, mental illness, homelessness, violence, and more are higher than ever.
The Phoenix — a sober, active community “revolutionizing how people take control of their own lives and their health” — partners with CrossFit gyms around the country to address those challenges.
“Fueling resilience and building a community helps support sobriety and recovery so that Phoenix members can rise, recover, and live,” says Dr. Meg Patterson. “Phoenix activities like CrossFit not only help change our members’ lives, but they also help strengthen the connections between them and the community that results.”
CrossFit classes at gyms partnering with The Phoenix are free and open to anyone who has been free from all non-prescription substances for at least 48 hours.
“There’s incredible synergy between the unique CrossFit culture that values hard work, accountability, courage, and service to others,” Patterson says. “And our sober active approach at The Phoenix — that makes us natural partners.”
In this talk given at the CrossFit for Health Summit on Feb. 3, 2024, in Austin, Texas, Patterson and fellow Phoenix representatives Dr. Jacki Hilios and Dr. Katie Heinrich share how CrossFit amplifies the work The Phoenix is doing to transform lives.
SPEAKERS
Jacki Hilios, Ph.D., MSW
Katie Heinrich, Ph.D., FACSM, FAAHB
Meg Patterson, Ph.D., MPH
CHAPTERS
0:00-1:20 – Introduction and overview.
1:31-2:34 – About The Phoenix.
2:40-6:24 – Addiction, disconnection, mental illness, and more: the crisis we face today.
6:51-14:03 – How CrossFit is saving the lives of Phoenix members through holistic health and psychological safety.
14:18-19:56 – Data that proves the power of the CrossFit community to transform mental health.
20:05-22:19 – Empowering a more connected and healthy society together.
LECTURE SERIES PLAYLIST
Episode 1: Own Your Health, With Nicole Carroll
Episode 2: Exercise for Longevity and Healthspan, With Dr. Rhonda Patrick
Episode 3: CrossFit for Health: Muscle-centric Medicine, With Dr. Gabrielle Lyon
Episode 4: From Obesity to Opioids, How CrossFit Can Save the World, With Dr. Tom McCoy
Episode 5: Simple, Not Easy, Ways To Improve Your Health
Episode 6: Training for Fitness vs. Performance
Episode 7: The Role of Lifestyle in Chronic Disease, With Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng
Episode 8: Metabolic Health Is Mental Health, With Dr. Chris Palmer
Episode 9: The Relationship Between Connection, CrossFit, and Health
Episode 10: Future-Proof Your Brain, With Dr. Tommy Wood
About the CrossFit for Health Summit Spring Lunchtime Series
On Feb. 3, 2024, hundreds of CrossFit affiliate owners, coaches, and healthcare professionals gathered in Austin, Texas, and online for the CrossFit for Health Summit, presented by GORUCK.
CrossFit thought leaders led panel discussions on fitness, performance, and the hard work of health, while renowned experts shared cutting-edge research on longevity, mental and metabolic health, and chronic disease — and how the CrossFit community has the power to transform the landscape of it all.
CrossFit for Health: The Relationship Between Connection, CrossFit, and Health