More Than a Makeover: A Gym Renewed with Purpose
As winter approaches and outdoor activities become limited, the timing was right to give the gym at St. Christopher’s Inn a series of improvements. What followed was a true community effort, bringing together ideas from staff and residents, the talents of our Maintenance and Facilities Team, and generous support from the Peter and Henry Block Foundation.
Walk into the gym today, and the space feels bright, welcoming and familiar. Our Maintenance and Facilities Team approached the renovation with care, thoughtfully selecting a fresh color palette and adding inspirational messages throughout the room. Good lighting, fans, exercise mats and thoughtfully arranged equipment give the space the comfortable feel of a neighborhood gym. But perhaps more important is the sense of camaraderie within it: men exercising alongside one another, offering encouragement and sharing a common interest in becoming stronger and healthier as they move forward in their recovery journeys.
The renovation was completed quickly and with care to minimize disruptions to residents’ daily routines. Once the men saw what was happening, they were eager to lend a hand and become part of the process. Their enthusiasm added another dimension to the project and gave them an opportunity to contribute to something they and other residents will enjoy. It also reflected skills our counselors encourage every day: communicating and listening, cooperating with others and learning to be part of a team. The gym renovation offered residents an opportunity to put those skills into practice while working toward a shared goal.
The gym is open seven days a week with flexible hours. Men can choose from weight-training machines, free weights and a range of cardio equipment, with suggested exercise routines posted for those looking for guidance or a place to start. The variety gives residents the flexibility to find an approach to fitness that works for them as they focus on their health and develop healthier routines.
Our individualized approach to recovery at St. Christopher’s Inn recognizes the importance of caring for the whole person: mind, body and spirit. For some men, that might mean exercising in the gym; for others, it could be joining a guided nature walk on the beautiful grounds of Graymoor. Residents can also participate in creative therapies that provide opportunities for self-expression through painting and drawing, creative writing, cursive writing classes, graffiti art, poetry, beading and film. These varied experiences offer opportunities to explore new interests, express themselves in different ways and develop healthy routines as they move forward in recovery. Together, they complement the counseling, clinical care and spiritual direction that are central to life at the Inn.
For men ready to take the next step in their recovery journey, there is room to begin. St. Christopher’s Inn has beds available for men seeking residential treatment for substance abuse disorder. Referral professionals, providers, individuals and families interested in learning more are encouraged to contact our Admissions Department.
