Who received the carrots?
We will start posting our weekly winners on this blog and on our social media accounts.
Last week’s winner was Joseph G.
This week’s winners were Dominic and Christina (pictured). More to follow!
Too often in recovery, there are no carrots, lots of sticks, and many of those sticks are inconsistently applied. We model a different approach. Living Free Health & Fitness has a bias toward positive reinforcement deliverable frequently and regularly via our Small Wins (TM) philosophy. This approach is backed up by research conducted by Williams & Strean 2004 demonstrating the efficacy of combining moderate physical activity, structure and incentive in improving addiction recovery outcomes.
Sticks definitely have their place in helping direct positive behavioral outcomes. But because we are clear about our rules, demand personal responsibility, and are consistent and objective in the application of consequences, clients always feel that they are being treated fairly, and that their choices lead to self-determined consequences. Good, or bad.
In our fitness program at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission, we have established a number of rules for participation, and milestones to meet in order to qualify for – AND KEEP – subsidized gym memberships.
On top of earning gym memberships, we have established weekly performance awards. These are material things like a copy of the book REBALANCING THE ADDICTIVE MIND: BEATING ADDICTION WITH EXERCISE AND NUTRITION, baseball caps, protein bars and other recovery/fitness related items.
Each week, one man and one woman will earn the prize and bragging rights as that week’s top-performer. We want to encourage our people to try harder and to begin to believe in themselves. As we say, “suiting up and showing up” is 80% of the game in life. Toward that end, we are incentivizing regular participation and the development of long-term behavior change in regard to physical activity and healthy eating.
