Springfield non-profit aims to help recovering addicts through fitness

A local non-profit organization is aiming to help recovering addicts in the Springfield area through fitness.

Recovery X was formed in June 2018 “to build community through fitness and change the game in addiction recovery,” said Lance Cartmell, co-founder of Recovery X.

The organization hosts group fitness classes that are built around strength training, cardio and meditation.

“It’s a place where you can feel safe coming to, free of judgment and full of encouragement if you are in addiction recovery,” Cartmell said.

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Classes are free and open to anyone who is in recovery or who is supportive of that community. The program runs five days a week with classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Recovery X has worked with almost 300 people since the program started, Cartmell said, and about 15 to 20 people attend regularly on a weekly basis.

The program is funded by public donations, both financial and material, and through the support of other local non-profits. The organization is also working to apply for local, state and federal funding.

Once a month, the non-profit hosts a “Sober Sunday” event that gives attendees another opportunity to connect to each other and the greater Springfield community, Cartmell said.

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The next event will be held today from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the basement of the Central Community Center, 102 W. High St. in Springfield.

The “mock meet” will be for specific members of the program to come in an establish their heaviest lifts for squat, bench and dead lift. However, this event is still open to anyone in recovery who either wants to lift or get more information.

“It’ll be incredible rowdy, loud, and inspiring time of lifting and encouragement,” said Cartmell.

Cartmell said he appreciates what Recovery X does for people and the community.

“They need to know there is hope in this city, and people and services that believe in them, their goodness, and are able to help them realize that.”’

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