Sober, Clean & Quit?
Now What.

FITNESS improves recovery

Lat pull down

The human body is ‘built to take it’ — and nobody proves that better than using alcoholics and addicts. Creating extremes of poor fitness, weight problems, diminished capabilities and shortened lifespan with a poorer quality of life become ‘normal’. However, once you are clean and sober, 12-StepGym workouts can help your recovery and wellness.

Ongoing, regular workouts are a great way to get in better shape. Some people find it’s best have a buddy to work out with to help each other get to the gym and be accountable. 12-StepGym workouts are simple, and great worked with a buddy.

Tracking progress and goal setting is helpful when you are trying to improve performance. You can ‘count approximate pounds’ to keep track of your progress. There’s a blog post about it here.
12-StepGym utilizes simple, machine-based workouts.

get a doctor’s okay to lift. Check out workouts here.
GEt to the gym!!

Get a Workout buddy.

12-StepGym workouts are better with a buddy:
Although you can go to the gym on your own, it’s great to work out regularly with a friend. When you do 12-StepGym circuits and take turns on weight machines, each workout should take less than an hour.

12-StepGym primarily uses weight and exercise machines:
Machines facilitate discipline, help you develop good technique and help to prevent injuries. You can always add free weights and dumbbells once you get a good routine going.

12-StepGym discipline utilizes ‘counting approximate pounds’:
Weight x Reps x Number of Circuits = Pounds - a method of measurement, progress and goal setting. You can read about counting pounds in a blog post here.

Try these weight circuits: get started!

  • Core Circuit

    Core strength is really important - especially as we get older. This circuit utilizes the Crunch Machine, Leg Lifts and Plank. Really good basics.
    See the circuit here.

  • Upper Body

    This shoulder and chest circuit includes the Chest Press, Shoulder Press, Fly Machine and Hammer Strength Chest Press. More basics that work.
    See the circuit here.

  • Lats & Arms

    This circuit is work for your arms and lats that includes: Seated Row, Lat Pull-Downs, Curl Machine, Cable Rope Pulls, and the Tricep Machine.
    See the circuit here.

  • Leg Circuit

    Don’t skip leg day! This circuit includes lunges and Angled Leg Press, Leg Extension, Smith Machine – Squats, and Calf Extensions.
    See the circuit here.

12-Exercise Full-Body
workout

This workout is made up of twelve exercises from the four basic circuits above, and can be utilized as a whole body work out you can put into your personal workout schedule. It’s really great to do with a buddy. We do three sets of each exercise - taking turns on the machines and get the workout done in just over one hour. Guys can compare total pounds lifted and pounds-per-hour. We don’t like getting manic about the the amount of total weight lifted, but counting pounds is great way to set goals and measure improvement. See the full body workout here!

  • A lovely sunset over the Minnesota valley

    Shape Up!

    Really taking advantage of the amazing new life we get through recovery requires taking care of ourselves physically.

    Find a buddy, then get to the gym and get started!

  • Beautiful blue gulf coast seashore

    Be MIndful!

    Better thinking includes better routines and willingness to do ‘simple but not easy’ workouts to live your best new life!

    Connect with friends interested in conditioning!

  • Sunset over a winter farmland scene

    find truth!

    We are spiritual beings given the opportunity to experience an amazing physical life. Take care of yourself!

    Working out is part of a rich spiritual life. Get busy!

12-STEPGYM “SEcond Chance” SWEATS: a CLOthing DO-OVER!

Recovery gives everyone another chance - and everyone and everything deserves one. One day during a thrift-shopping excursion we decided to put some old sweatshirts to work in the 12-StepGym by screening over the old “stories” they have to tell, helping them get a fresh start. Take a look at our selection; you can usually see what the sweats were like, what happened — and what they're like now.

Every 12-StepGym garmet is a thrift store purchase that has been through a recovery process that includes a 12-StepGym logo, a sewn-on embroidered 12-StepGym patch and usually a “12 3-Stripe” somewhere on the garment.

When You purchase a a 12-StepGym garment, you’ll be making a contribution to the 12-StepGym fund that helps people in early recovery get to the gym and start to work on healthier routines and a better life.

Check out our recycled
12-StepGym Sweats here.