The Pheonix

Founded: 2006 by Scott Strode
HQ: Denver, CO
Budget: ~$13M
Reach: 220,000+ members in 45 states
What it is: Free fitness and community for people in recovery
Join with: 48 hours of sobriety
Website: thephoenix.org

what it does
The Phoenix runs free group workouts, yoga classes, bike rides, climbing trips, and other activities for people who are staying sober. Anyone can join as long as they’ve been sober for 48 hours. Most of the events are led by people who are in recovery themselves.

They hold events in gyms, parks, jails, treatment centers, and online. The idea is to help people build new routines and friendships through shared activity—not just sit in a circle talking about addiction.

It started with Scott Strode, who got sober through boxing and wanted to give others that same kind of support.

why it matters
A lot of people relapse after treatment because they don’t have anyone to lean on or anything to do. The Phoenix gives them a reason to show up, and people to show up with. It’s simple: move your body, feel better, do it with others who get it.

Most members say it helps them stay sober, and internal data shows that people who stay involved are far less likely to relapse. It’s also free, which makes it way more accessible than most recovery programs.

For many people, it’s the first time sobriety feels like something to be proud of—not something to hide.

the bigger picture
Millions of people in the U.S. struggle with addiction, and most don’t get lasting help. The system is set up for short-term treatment, not long-term recovery. But staying sober usually depends on what happens after rehab—whether someone has support, structure, and connection.

That’s where The Phoenix fits in. It’s not treatment. It’s what comes next—and for many, it’s what makes sobriety stick.