Brandon H. sings the praises of running and fitness:

"Before I came to the John Volken Academy, I was underweight and unhealthy I had poor eating habits and engaged in little to no exercise at all. Since I began a plan of exercise during my time at the Academy, Ive gained around 15 pounds of healthy weight. I have gradually improved my strength and stamina by running and lifting weights, which has in turn taught me discipline, consistency, and the importance of setting realistic, achievable goals. Before I began exercising, I had become comfortable and complacent in not putting forth my best effort, and training and working through self-doubt and physical pain has given me the mental tools I need to push through similarly uncomfortable feelings in other areas of life.

Working out is a healthy habit I will carry with me through the rest of my life, and running is its cornerstone. I can always get a quick run in - even with no gym or equipment and help myself feel great naturally. I love the lifestyle changes that exercising regularly has brought me, and always encourage others to try an exercise plan for themselves especially if they are in recovery. Thank you! "

And a few words from Jack A.:

"Physical fitness is a huge pillar of my life and recovery, and has played a pivotal role in my time here at the John Volken Academy. Fitness has enabled me to foster discipline in all areas of life; being able to run and push through intense physical exertion has increased my distress tolerance in other areas of life as well.

Fitness has also served as an apt indicator of my progress in the program. Upon arriving at the Academy, my physical stamina left much to be desired, but as I worked my way through the program, my strength and stamina improved along with my mental fortitude. Exercise has also taught me how to be patient and finish what I started, as the results I get from working out reinforce in my mind the benefits of sticking with regimented plans and following them through to completion. Running and lifting weights has also made me more effective at my responsibilities here at the program; I have more focus and can balance tasks and handle stressful situations that would have thrown me for a loop before I used fitness to get a handle on things.

I also plan to rely on a structured fitness plan in my time immediately following the Volken Academy; I intend to use exercise as a grounding point and means of connection with others in my lifelong sobriety journey. I could not be more thankful for all that my training lifestyle has given me, and I cant wait to see where it takes me next. Thanks! "