Healing and Community through Physical Activity
Scott Strode on Emotional Well-being, Mental Health, and The Phoenix
“On challenging days, members can rely on each other for support, much like they would on a difficult climb. This reciprocal relationship helps everyone rise together, creating a resilient and nurturing community.”
by Alex Richmond
According to the CDC’s 2019 report on physical activity, social support is positively linked to physical activity participation, building individuals’ propensity towards and confidence to exercise more regularly. More so, physical activity serves as a powerful platform for individuals facing mental health challenges to develop new coping mechanisms for past traumas.
Engaging in physical activity alongside others fosters a sense of community — a team that provides mutual support. Together, they help each other rise and meet new challenges. We sat down with Scott Strode, Ashoka Fellow and Founder of The Phoenix in the United States, to hear how he is creating a movement that empowers individuals through physical activity.
Q: Can you describe your work at The Phoenix? What is the mindset shift you are creating?
Scott: At The Phoenix, we create a nurturing space for individuals in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorder, as well as those who choose to live sober.
The Phoenix was founded based on my own lived experience. I found recovery through a boxing gym where I discovered camaraderie and support, which led me to other activities like climbing and triathlon. I realized that I valued the journey and connections with others more than the achievements themselves. This insight became the foundation of The Phoenix.
Today, we operate in 40 states and over 150 communities, working with criminal justice systems, treatment programs, and various community leaders. Our most popular activities include CrossFit, climbing, and yoga, which all address one of the core issues behind the addiction crisis: the search for emotional well-being and self-worth from external sources rather than from within. Many people seek validation through social media, appearance, career success, and relationships, often resorting to unhealthy behaviors and substance use. The Phoenix offers an alternative.
By engaging in transformative activities, participants learn to center themselves and develop healthier coping mechanisms. These activities help individuals manage emotional triggers from their past, offering a constructive way to handle life’s challenges instead of turning to substances.
While participants initially come to The Phoenix for these coping mechanisms, they soon find themselves surrounded by a supportive community. This mutual support system fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. On challenging days, members can rely on each other for support, much like they would on a difficult climb. This reciprocal relationship helps everyone rise together, creating a resilient and nurturing community.
Q: What is the role of physical activity in positive mental health? In healing past traumas?
Scott: Physical activity not only improves mental wellbeing but also encourages goal-setting and achievement. This process helps counteract the negative internal narrative many people have about their self-worth.
At a foundational level, people usually understand first that The Phoenix is a place where, if you're in a bad headspace, you come and exercise, feel a little better, and reset your mind. However, what's underappreciated, is the connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the increased likelihood of chronic illness for those with high ACE scores.
Exercise not only improves mental health but also addresses a range of chronic health issues, including substance use disorders, heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer's. Research shows that physical activity can help repair the frontal cortex, which is crucial for cognitive function and emotional regulation. The Phoenix connects individuals through physical activity combined with a nurturing and supportive community, so that individuals can heal both physically and mentally while in connection with others.
Q: How can more people, communities, or organizations benefit from your approach?
Scott: I view The Phoenix as a movement, one that is changing the way the country approaches addiction, rather than just an organization. Substance use impacts a vast number of people, whether directly or through their loved ones. Many individuals, even if they don’t personally struggle, are touched by this issue and understand its broader impact on their communities.
To build this movement, we need more than just those directly affected; it requires the involvement of allies and supporters. For example, we might have a brother who lost his sibling to an overdose and wants to lead a cycling event in Las Vegas. We train him in our model, our volunteer team supports him in running the activities, and we market the event to attract participants. This process can inspire others from his ride to start their own events, creating a ripple effect. He becomes a changemaker, expanding the movement through volunteer-led activities. This model empowers anyone anywhere to become part of the solution to the addiction crisis.
The nurturing environment at The Phoenix fosters self-actualization, finding meaning and purpose by contributing to others. Self-actualization is a continuous, expanding journey. For instance, someone might initially join and learn to engage in a nurturing way, gradually embodying and promoting our ethos. They might then be asked to coach, pursue certification, and eventually lead and inspire others. This certification could be their first significant achievement, marking a profound step in their journey of growth and contribution. Anyone wanting to learn more about how to begin this journey can check our our website, thephoenix.org
Q: How can collaboration strengthen the sport for changemaking field?
Scott: There are many possibilities we haven’t fully explored yet. For instance, bringing together organizations that work in this space could be incredibly powerful. We could learn from each other and share best practices. This kind of collaboration would be relatively easy to initiate and highly beneficial.
I’m a big believer in storytelling. I often think about those ESPN shows that delve deep into an athlete’s story, exploring their background and challenges. Imagine if we had a similar series focusing on organizations using sport to transform lives. Each month, a different organization could be highlighted, showcasing how they leverage sports for positive change.
Industries and changemakers also sometimes need translators — people who can bridge the gap and help both sides understand the mutual benefits. Often, social entrepreneurs think the benefit lies in reaching many people and attracting significant funding. However, the real benefit may be in reaching more people who are impacted by the issue we’re addressing, helping them find a transformative solution. This kind of collaboration is something we’re trying to foster on our app, and we’re really excited by some of the early connections and outcomes.
This article is part of our “Sport for Changemaking” series — a collection of articles that examine how Ashoka Fellows around the world are utilizing sports to create impact and mobilize change. The series showcases the potential of sports as a tool for social transformation and provide insights into strategies, impact, challenges, and lessons learned. Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date with Ashoka’s Sport for Changemaking initiative.
