For many, recovery doesn’t happen sitting still. And it doesn’t tend to happen in isolation, either.
The Phoenix organization was built on a simple but powerful belief: connection through movement can help people rise, recover, and live. Founded in 2006, The Phoenix has grown into a nationwide sober active community offering free, peer-led fitness and wellness experiences for anyone with 48 hours of sobriety. From strength training and running to yoga, climbing, and hiking, the mission is the same everywhere: show up, move together, and don’t do it alone.
But the real story of The Phoenix isn’t the scale or the programming. It’s the people. The ones who found recovery through fitness. The ones who walked into their first workout scared, isolated, or unsure they belonged. And the ones who stayed, not because it was easy, but because community made it possible.
We heard dozens and dozens of powerful stories. Below are a small handful of those. No sugarcoating. No bullshit. Just the voices of those who embody what it means to recover, train, and rise together.
To start us off, tell us how you came to discover The Phoenix.
Gavin Young: I'm someone who's been in long-term recovery from alcohol. Early in my sobriety, I found a deep connection to physical fitness. That journey eventually led me to discover CrossFit and later, to start coaching.
When The Phoenix first began running programs in Philadelphia, they were looking for coaches to help lead sober workouts for others in recovery. As soon as I learned about their mission, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of and reached out right away to get involved.
Being active and engaged in my own health has been a cornerstone of my recovery, and having the opportunity to bring that same experience to others walking a similar path is something I'm deeply passionate about.
Lauren Johnston: I've been an athlete and mentor my entire life. I struggled with substance use for years before I could finally admit I had a problem. I played Division I squash, eventually turned pro, earned good grades, and was seen as a role model, but inside, I was hurting deeply. It took years to accept help because I believed healing meant giving up my athlete identity. Losing that part of myself felt like losing my purpose.
Getting clean and staying clean has been the hardest and most rewarding battle of my life. I often say that if I had found The Phoenix earlier, my recovery might have felt a little less lonely. The moment I discovered The Phoenix, I knew I needed to be part of it. It reminded me that movement isn't just about performance, it's about connection, resilience, and rebuilding from the inside out. I accepted the first community-centered Phoenix position in Philadelphia to help others find that same strength.
“The Phoenix reminded me that movement isn't just about performance, it's about connection, resilience, and rebuilding from the inside out.”
Now, as I pursue a new chapter turning professional in padel, I continue to represent my community through my work with The Phoenix, as an athlete, and as a college squash coach. I'm passionate about breaking down barriers and stigma around recovery, proving that you can rise, rebuild, and become the strongest version of yourself, both on and off the court.
Tiffany Foster: I found The Phoenix after I was already sober, but it completely changed the direction of my life. Before that, I'd spend hours in the gym with my earbuds in, just me and the weight on the bar. I was still in isolation, the same way I had been in addiction, chasing this idea that if I could just change my body, I'd finally be happy.
I came from years of active addiction and surviving human trafficking, and for a long time I was focused on making my body smaller or trying to look a certain way. But I was never satisfied. Then I found CrossFit through The Phoenix, and everything shifted. There were no mirrors, no comparisons, just people in recovery pushing themselves and each other, choosing life instead of slowly destroying it.
For the first time it wasn't about what my body looked like, it was about what it could do. Pull-ups, pistol squats, snatches, all the things I never thought I could do. And being surrounded by that kind of community pushed me to levels I could never reach on my own.
One day I woke up and realized I actually loved my body. It was powerful, capable, and strong. And so was I. That's when I knew I'd found my place, my people, and my purpose through The Phoenix.
Jonathan Prim: I found The Phoenix in a moment of desperation. I knew the direction my life was heading was to a dead end. There didn't seem to be a way out. After deciding to get sober, I took some time away to get back on track, but once the dust settled, I found myself bored and isolated. I was 70 pounds overweight, didn't know what I enjoyed anymore, and lived in constant fear. I didn't want to go out because I wasn't sure I could handle it mentally.
Eventually, I hit an emotional rock bottom and reached out to a friend who had been posting about sober events. I said, "Hey, I'm sober now. What am I supposed to do?” He told me, "Download the newform app and go find The Phoenix to have some fun." So, I did, and then I waited another four months to actually do anything because I don't like new people, new things, or feeling uncomfortable.
When I hit another emotional low, I decided enough was enough. I signed up for a hike, even though I hadn't done any physical activity in a long time. When I got to the trailhead, I sat in my car having a panic attack, terrified of the unknown. The only thing that got me out was seeing the volunteer's name: Margarita. I thought to myself, "Well, I've never met a Margarita I didn't like, so let's go."
That hike turned into a three-hour lightbulb moment. I realized I could have fun without substances. I was sweating profusely the entire time, but I didn't give up. It was the first time in a long time that I felt fully present in my body, thinking, wow, you can do this.
What did fitness look like for you before The Phoenix and how has that evolved since?
Gavin: I was never an athlete growing up. I pretty much drank and smoked my way through my teens and early 20s. When I finally quit drinking, I made a commitment to become an active participant in my own health. That shift didn't just improve my physical fitness, but it completely changed my mental health as well.
Getting involved with The Phoenix community connected me with a group of like-minded people who use fitness not only to strengthen their bodies, but to build community and resilience. When we're training or working out together, it feels like a form of insurance against the destructive behaviors of our past. For me, fitness has become more than just exercise. It’s an everyday part of who I am and a cornerstone of my recovery.
Lauren: Before The Phoenix, fitness was all about performance and perfection. I overextended myself, pushed myself to my limits, and tied my worth to my results. Even while struggling with substance use, training was my way to hide pain and maintain a sense of control.
After finding The Phoenix, my mindset completely shifted. Movement became about healing, not proving myself. I stopped seeing everything as a competition and started seeking connection with myself and others in recovery. Fitness turned into a tool for rebuilding confidence, supporting my recovery, and rediscovering joy in movement. Now, every workout reminds me that strength isn't about winning. It's about showing up.
Tiffany: Before The Phoenix, fitness was something I used to fill the silence. I'd go to the gym, put my earbuds in, and zone out. It was just me and the weights, and honestly, it was still the same isolation I'd lived in for years. I wasn't connected to anything or anyone. I didn't understand that movement could be more than physical.
After joining The Phoenix, I realized fitness could be a form of connection, not escape.
It wasn't just about lifting weights anymore. It was about lifting people up, including myself. I started training alongside others who understood struggle, who showed up for themselves and for the person next to them. That changed everything.
My fitness became about growth, not control. About community, not competition. I learned to take pride in what my body can do and gratitude for the fact that I get to do it. Fitness stopped being a coping mechanism and became a way to live.
Jonathan: When I first joined The Phoenix, I honestly didn't know what I was capable of anymore. I was 70 pounds heavier, unsure of what I liked, and had no idea what I wanted. After I signed up for that first hike, everything clicked. I realized I could push my body further than I ever thought possible, and that my mind was the only thing holding me back.
From there, I got a trainer to help me in the gym, started taking fitness classes through The Phoenix, and began setting real goals for myself. Me, the guy who used to run away from every goal because he was afraid of failing, was suddenly chasing them down.
That's when I found running. Through The Phoenix, I connected with the La Jolla Half Marathon team, who encouraged me to take on my first race. I joined our Sober Run Crew, followed a training plan, and got to work.
Fast forward to now: I've completed my second half marathon within a year, set a personal record with a 7:39 pace and a 1:40 finish time, and placed 19th in my age group. WHAT?! Now I'm gearing up for the San Diego Triple Crown, three races in 2026! All of this started because I chose a different way of living, one filled with community, connection, and people who reminded me that I could do hard things.
What does it mean to you to be NOBULLshit?
Gavin: Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer, and that experience reshaped my perspective on training. It stopped being just about strength or endurance and became more about longevity, about being present for the people I love, and about truly taking ownership of my health. Today, I’m 17 years sober and seven years cancer-free. I’m also a father of two daughters who look up to me, and that’s all the motivation I need. The choices I make in training every day aren’t just about me anymore. They're about being present, strong, and healthy for the long haul.
I’ve made a commitment to myself to take care of my health for the long run, and it’s a commitment I remake every single day. My fitness and training are daily practices that give me a little bit of insurance against ever picking up again. When I think about the concept of NOBULL, it reminds me that I have real agency in my life and in my health outcomes. I always tell people, “Be an active participant in your health.” For me, that means sticking to a training schedule even on the days I don’t feel like it, because I know my life – physically, mentally, and emotionally – is better when I move. At this point, it’s not even a decision anymore. It’s part of who I am.
That consistency – that daily choice to show up for myself, for my recovery, and for my family is what NOBULL means to me.
Lauren: To me, being NOBULL means holding myself accountable, showing up for my community, pushing my limits, and choosing progress over perfection. It's about listening to myself and filtering out the noise and distractions. Through recovery and sport, I've learned that real strength isn't about proving anything to others. It's about being honest, focused, and resilient enough to keep going when it's hard. I have nothing to prove to anyone except myself, and I'm certainly my toughest critic. That mindset and drive to lead by example push me to get 1% better every single day.
Tiffany: Being NOBULL means showing up exactly as you are and doing the hard things anyway. It's not about looking the part or pretending you have it all together. It's about doing the work when nobody's watching, laughing when you fall on your ass, and getting back up to try again.
When I started CrossFit, The Phoenix paid for my Level 1 seminar within six months. I was working at a halfway house then, loading my car with women and taking them to Phoenix classes. Coaching and training gave me something I hadn't had in years, an identity outside of addiction. I wasn't just the addict anymore. I was a coach, a mentor, an athlete.
I'll never forget my first CrossFit Open. I had never done a squat clean. When I hit that 125-pound bar, I gave it a go and ended up flat on my ass, the bar almost rolled over my head. I laughed at myself, got up, and tried again. That second lift? I stood it up. The buzzer sounded, the room went wild, and I was hooked.
Since then, I've done every single Open. I've done it sick with COVID, I've made quarterfinals twice, I've done one in Mexico, I've competed in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and at Wodapalooza. I've finished first, and I've finished dead last. But I always show up and do my best. Some days the workout feels terrible. Some days I PR my Fran by a minute.
The PRs don't come as often now that I'm 37, but I'm still getting fitter, especially mentally. Because the only person I'm in competition with is yesterday's version of me. That's what no bullshit means. You show up, do the work, stay humble, and keep getting better, in the gym, in recovery, and in life.
Jonathan: To me, being no bullshit means not believing the lies my mind tells me when it wants to quit. My best thinking once got me to the lowest point in my life, rock bottom, so I've learned that growth comes when I stop overthinking and start listening to what my body and spirit are capable of.
The NOBULL mentality shows up for me every day when I choose to keep going even when it's uncomfortable. Whether it's pushing through a tough run, walking into a new room of people, or challenging old fears, I focus on getting just 1% better, mentally, emotionally, and physically. That consistency and honesty with myself is what keeps me moving forward.
What’s your why? What keeps you showing up to The Phoenix?
Gavin: My daughters are the reason I continue to show up. They've never seen me drunk. They only know this version of me. I plan to be around for a very long time, and the more intentional I am about my health and how I take care of myself, the better I can be for them.
After having my cancer scare and being faced with the reality of my own mortality, I've come to recognize just how precious this time is. I want to make sure I'm in the best possible condition to take care of myself for the long term. I don't plan on getting any less active, every year that goes by. I see my training as an investment in my life, a way to keep getting a little bit better every day.
I also think back to the person I was in my early 20s and how far I've come since then. Every day I train, I get a little bit further from that version of myself. That's important to me because this feels like the most authentic version of who I am: healthy, present, and connected to what truly matters. That's my why.
Lauren: My recovery journey was extremely difficult. For a long time, people made assumptions about what recovery was supposed to look like. I was told there was only one right way to heal. That never resonated with me and, at times, caused more harm than good because no one was really listening to what I needed.
At The Phoenix, my goal is to make sure everyone feels welcome and has the autonomy to recover in the way that works best for them. I show up to remind people that it's okay not to have all the answers or to be okay all the time. Recovery is an individual journey and The Phoenix community will meet them exactly where they are and support them in whatever way they need.
Tiffany: My why is the person I used to be and the people who are still there. The ones sitting in a cell, in a halfway house, or in the back of a meeting wondering if they'll ever feel whole again. I keep showing up to The Phoenix because I know what it feels like to think your story is over. I also know what it feels like to realize that it isn't.
Now I get to coach in jails and prisons with The Phoenix. I get to bring hope and community into some of the darkest places, places I've been. Every time I walk through those gates, I see a piece of myself in the people standing on the other side. I get to show them that recovery is possible, that strength can be rebuilt, and that they're not alone.
This community gave me my life back. It taught me that fitness can heal, that connection can save, and that purpose can grow out of pain. Every time I coach, I'm reminded that I get to do this: move my body, lead others, and prove that recovery isn't about going back to who you were. It’s about becoming someone stronger. I show up because I owe it to the next person walking through that door or through those gates. The one who doesn't believe yet that they can.
Jonathan: I keep showing up to The Phoenix because The Phoenix showed up for me when I didn't believe in myself. Margarita reached out her hand and told me I could do that hike when my mind screamed at me to say no. The Phoenix was there again when I was encouraged to run my first half marathon, even as my thoughts told me to stop. The Sober Run Crew stood beside me during training for my second half, pushing me to go faster and harder when I didn't think I could.
I keep coming back because if I can give someone else that same feeling, that spark of hope, then I've done my job. Someone was the light for me when I couldn't see my own. Now, I show up so I can be that light for someone else.
What is your favorite thing about The Phoenix?
Gavin: For me, it’s witnessing the personal transformations. I participate mostly in our Phoenix CrossFit programs, and what I love most is seeing people walk in with little or no athletic background, often carrying a lot of self-doubt about whether they even belong there, and then watching that completely change over time.
It's incredible to see the shift that happens, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. People start to move from a mindset of "I can't do this" to "I can do hard things." That belief doesn't just stay in the gym. It carries over into every part of their lives.
Year after year, you see that growth in confidence, self-assuredness, and resilience. Being able to witness and be part of that transformation is, to me, the most powerful and inspiring part of this community.
Lauren: My favorite part of The Phoenix is getting to try activities I never would have tried otherwise. Every new experience, whether it's a workout, an event, or a volunteer-led class, reminds me how powerful connection can be. I love hearing member stories, learning from our volunteers, and watching them welcome new faces. The Phoenix isn't just about fitness. It's a reminder that true community building happens through shared strength, vulnerability, and growth.
Tiffany: My favorite part of The Phoenix is walking into the jail every week and watching that spark come alive in people's eyes. There's nothing like it. I lost my dad to an overdose six months after he was released from a 10-year prison sentence, and I think about him every time I'm there.
Now I get to help build a community both inside and outside those walls. I get to form real relationships, to be there for people when they get out, to be the resource I didn't have, that my dad didn't have. That's what The Phoenix is about. It's about connection, second chances, and showing people that their story isn't over.
Knowing The Phoenix is here, and will be here for the ones coming next, that's everything to me. We're breaking stigma, ending shame, and building stronger humans and stronger communities, one workout at a time.
Jonathan: My favorite part of The Phoenix is that I get to show up exactly as I am. I don't need to label myself or identify as anything. I just get to be present. For the first time in my journey, I could simply exist in the moment.
I could share my story if I wanted to, but I also didn't have to. I could just do the workout and still feel seen. Even without saying a word, I knew I was surrounded by people and trainers who understood my story who got it, at its core. That kind of understanding doesn't happen every day.
There's something incredibly powerful about being met exactly where you are, in the moment you're in. That's what The Phoenix gives me every single time I show up.
Lastly, we asked the whole group to capture their Phoenix community in a single word.
Some went for verbs. No surprise. These guys are all about the action.
Empowering. Accepting. Catalyzing. Inspiring. Healing. Loving.
Others tried to describe everything The Phoenix is — or makes them feel.
Supportive. Transformative. Legit. Unbreakable. Brave. Fearless. Hopeful.
But a single word came up more often than any other.
Resilient.
That’s NOBULL. That’s The Phoenix.
