“Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional, and mental states.” This quote by Carol Welch, a neuromuscular therapist, articulates the powerful role physical activity, such as exercising, can play in overall wellness, including recovery. Exercise offers more than physical benefits. It can help reduce stress, improve mood, build self-esteem, and provide a healthy outlet for frustration and self-expression, especially for individuals working through substance use and mental health challenges.
Omni Center, Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS)’ residential treatment program for men, first began collaborating with CrossFit BLVD in 2023 through owner and head coach Yvette Martinez, who founded the Strong Path Program to support individuals in recovery through strength, structure, and community. What began with Omni Center residents has continued to grow, with other Social Model Recovery Systems programs, including Mariposa, one of SMRS’ residential treatment programs for women, now participating in Strong Path as well.
Through this partnership, participating residents have been able to experience movement as a healthy and supportive part of their recovery. For many, structured exercise can offer a sense of routine, accomplishment, and emotional release while helping them recognize their own strength and resilience. It also gives them a chance to step outside their comfort zone and discover that they are capable of doing hard things, both in the gym and in their recovery journey.
Residents from Mariposa and Omni Center recently experienced a different type of movement during a special introductory Muay Thai workshop held at CrossFit BLVD during one of their Strong Path group sessions. The workshop was led by Andrew Esqueda, an Army veteran and friend of Yvette’s who volunteered his time, along with Joey Rivera. Together, they introduced participants to the basics of Muay Thai while also sharing the discipline, focus, and mindfulness behind the practice.
For Andrew, Muay Thai is about more than just learning how to strike or move. He spoke about using training as a way to manage emotions, release pent-up anger, and turn difficult energy into something positive. He also reflected on trauma, identity, coping strategies, and the importance of community in recovery. Through movement and discipline, residents were encouraged to reflect on who they are becoming, what helps them stay grounded, and who they want to surround themselves with as they continue to move forward.
Following each workout session, Yvette guides everyone through breathwork and reflection, giving the group a moment to catch their breath and talk about the experience. Some spoke about the challenge of getting started and the sense of accomplishment after. Others reflected on what it meant to push through discomfort, set their mind to something, and realize they were capable of doing hard things. Staff in attendance also shared words of encouragement and recognized the effort residents brought to the session.
In closing, the Muay Thai workshop gave participants from Mariposa and Omni Center a chance to try something new and connect movement with their recovery in a different way. The experience offered a reminder that healing takes place in the body, mind, and spirit. Through programs like Strong Path, residents are given space to push through challenges, recognize their own strength, and carry that confidence with them as they continue moving forward.
