Gym Owner and Former Addict Gives Back to Her Community

The struggle to overcome one’s addiction is certainly difficult. At Victory, we witness first-hand the hardships that patients are facing as they work towards their goals of becoming clean and sober. Kristy Hagan, a gym owner in North Carolina, was once a former addict who turned her life around. She now wants to give back to her community and provide a safe and welcoming place for those who are in recovery. 

Hagan’s past was something that she certainly hopes to never revisit. To name a few of her hardships: she was in jail, lost custody of her children, and was homeless living on the streets of New York City. Incredibly though, she is now over 10 years sober. Hagan has since relocated to North Carolina, where she owns a CrossFit gym called Neuse River.  

The desire to help others and give back to her community is a desire that means a lot to Hagan. When she saw that a nonprofit was offering free CrossFit to those in addiction recovery, Hagan decided that she should do the same. With the help of the non-profit, The Phoenix, Hagan’s gym began offering free classes to anyone who has at least 48 hours of sobriety. The partnership and bond between the non-profit and Hagan blossomed and grew rapidly. Five years after partnering, Hagan now provides free CrossFit and yoga classes twice a week. Additionally, between 15-30 people attend the “Sober Sunday” class.  

Hagan is proud of her accomplishments – as she should be. In fact, some of these former addicts have become CrossFit Level 1 coaches. They help Hagan run and operate her classes. Hagan recognizes the importance of feeling connected, and her community of fitness enthusiasts and former addicts has even helped her to stay positive, and most importantly, remain sober.  

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, Victory Recovery Partners can help. We are a network of five addiction and recovery centers on Long Island, NY with locations in Farmingville, Shirley, Massapequa Park, Hempstead, and Hicksville. Additionally, Methadone treatment is now being offered at our Farmingville location. Visit our website, www.victoryrp.com to learn more.