Matt & Debbie: Surviving Trauma & Healing Communities Through CrossFit

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#50:  Matt Shindeldecker defines himself as a CrossFit L2 Coach, the owner of 13 year affiliate CrossFit Crave, and most proudly as a trauma survivor. 

When Matt and Debbie first opened their gym, CrossFit Crave, they had no way of knowing the transformative effect it would have on their community. But they decided if they could just change one life, the community would be a better place. Fueled by that goal, Debbie’s background in trauma-informed education, and Matt’s healing experience in CrossFit, they started a juvenile fitness program.  In the program, they connect young folks to a supportive community aimed at bridging mental health, wellness, and CrossFit programming. Six years later, the program has the lowest recidivism rate in the state of Ohio.  

To share the knowledge that led to the program's success, Matt and Debbie launched  CrossFit’s Affiliate Community Empowerment Program (ACEP)*.  ACEP's goal is "to arm affiliates with the tools and education they need to create and host programs that serve people who have experienced trauma by improving their health and fitness, and helping them find a community." 

In the episode, we discuss CrossFit, Trauma, ACEP* and more: 

• Matt’s lived experience with substance use disorder and his personal recovery journey, 
• How Matt’s first introduction to CrossFit changed his whole perception; it was the first time in his life he felt like he was seen for him, not as someone with SUD, 
• The importance of fostering community and how to be patient as resource for youth, while setting healthy boundaries, 
• The 3 pillars that uphold their program: community, equality, and consistency; paired with trauma-informed coaching. 

Learn more about CrossFit Crave: https://www.crossfitcrave.com/

*Update: Since the recoding of this podcast, the ACEP program including the Trauma Training have been cut in the downsizing at CrossFit HQ.  Matt and Debbie are continuing the Juvenile Program and the Trauma Training  independently.  For more information you can contact them at [email protected] and [email protected] 

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