The best benefits of all come from growing together in a mutually supportive group – we are all competitive in our own way, but never at one another’s expense. We encourage one another to “be there”, to perform our best, and to break through into new territory. The camaraderie is definitely what keeps us coming back. Of course, the physical benefits are clear – intense, varied and challenging workouts have resulted in amazing expansion of my physical capabilities – I now jump high boxes, jump rope comfortably, and occasionally hit personal bests on erg workouts, all while feeling better and moving better than ever out in the world. The mental benefits are equally strong – I cruise through the day after our workouts release an explosion of endorphins, but also have the mental benefit of knowing that I can do things I couldn’t do a year ago or two years ago. 

If you had asked me a year ago if I would still be committed to brutal workouts, I do not know if I would have said yes, but AIR (Athletes In Recovery), and all of my friends and family there, helped me learn to breathe. 

When I joined Fitness in Recovery workouts I was lonely, isolated, unfit, and smoking cigarettes. 6 months into my participation, I had dropped 15 pounds, stopped smoking, and signed up for my first half marathon. Lots of good will in this organization.

Life Changing, Hope Inspiring!!!

When I couldn't afford even $5 for a donation, the group told me "Just keep coming back, we got you." A couple years later when I had gotten myself back on stable ground, I paid it forward by covering the new person's donation.