Our Methodology

Utilizing dosed exercise (movement-sequencing) to change state, regenerate neuropathways, accelerate systemic recovery.

We originally started our work with addictions and mental health disorders. With this population our methodology primarily addresses hedonic deficit. Hedonic deficit is a phenomenon that simply put “makes it harder to feel good and easier to feel bad”. This is seen in early sobriety from substance use disorders and certain mental health disorders.

In 2018 we began to develop and implement our programming with individuals who have ALS, Parkinsons, and other neurodegenerative disorders (such as MS and Dementia). In this population our methodology aims to improve and preserve functioning of the nervous system. We currently provide our services one-on-one with individuals diagnosed with any of the above disorders and fund this work through donations.

In Summer 2022 we expanded our work to include the Neurodivergent population. We have collaborated with two organizations in New York: US Autism Homes (USAH) and Luv Michael. With this population our methodology addresses the sympathetic overdrive that leads to challenging behaviors, anxiety disorders, sleep disruptions, etc – all very common in individuals with Autism. These symptoms are often managed with potent psychopharmacology that carry significant adverse effects. Our work aims to minimize the pharmacologic burden while improving the quality of life, optimizing functionality, and promoting independence. Work with this population has contributed to the scope, development, and application of unique and powerful sports opportunities (like CrossFit, rowing, sailing and surfing).

AIR Body//Mind combines 16 minutes of high intensity interval training with 16-24 minutes of continuous counterpose sequence. This program teaches us the art of resting inside work through conscious engagement of the parasympathetic nervous system.

AIR Sport is an aerobic power and muscular strength endurance movement sequence. Typically lasting for more than an hour, this program is intended to stimulate the release of endorphin and anandamide, leaving the participant feeling calm and contented for hours after workout.

AIR Strong follows the standard Powerlifting programming protocol and each training session is dedicated to improving one of three lifts. This program is intended to improve memory, learning, and executive functioning of the participants.

AIR RACE stands for Recruit, Activate, Connect and Engage. The RACE protocol utilizes a progressive movement sequence moving from strength, to power, to metabolic conditioning, to counterpose. It is intended to improve the ability to perform complex physical tasks under stress while remaining calm and focused.

AIR Flow is a movement sequence that has the participant travel slowly through a controlled, deliberate, and seamless combination of counterposes with a specific emphasis on focused concentration on a variety of breathing techniques. It is intended to provide a deep sense of relaxation and physical recovery.

AIR FHIT stands for Functional High-Intensity Training. It combines aerobic, anaerobic, strength, and power movements designed to spread the muscular load through the body and is intended to provide an energized, focused, and calm state of mind.

PROGRAMMING

Specific forms of exercise are now a part of evidence-based medicine. Professionally designed movement sequencing, or “dosed-exercise,” has the potential to accelerate systemic addiction recovery by collectively improving multiple health domains adversely affected by addictions and other disease.

Neurobiological studies have demonstrated the utility of exercise for regenerating pathways in the brain damaged in addiction. With consistent application, we can restore the “fitness” of the once addicted/damaged brain and optimize mental health.

Fitness in Recovery has developed workouts that leverage dosed-exercise and the findings of this exciting research.

Neurophysiology of FIR Programming

Air Sport involves continuous aerobic metabolic conditioning such as an indoor circuit or an outdoor group activity lasting longer than an hour, and this type of exercise is intended to stimulate the release of endorphin and anandamide.

AIR BODY//MIND is intended to stimulate the release of dopamine, GABA, and serotonin providing a deep sense of relaxation and physical recovery.

The exercises in AIR FHIT and AIR Flow are associated with neurotransmitters: Dopamine, serotonin, and GABA.

AIR RACE is intended to provoke the release of dopamine, GABA, serotonin and endorphin that together improves the ability to perform complex physical tasks under stress while remaining calm and focused.

AIR STRONG is intended to provoke the release of norepinephrine known to improve memory, learning, and executive functioning.

How We Do It

Each of the specific workouts has been developed, tested, and refined in conjunction with high level coaches and athletes prior to inclusion in the FIR collection. We offer our programming in all different settings to meet the needs of our participants.

Stronger Together, Let's Build a Community

Our Methodology

Mental Health & Addictions

Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodivergent Disorders

AIR Body//Mind

AIR Sport

AIR STRONG

AIR RACE

AIR Flow

AIR FHIT

PROGRAMMING

Neurophysiology of FIR Programming

How We Do It

One-on-One

Small Groups

Large Groups

Corporate

Stronger Together, Let's Build a Community