I started this group through a journey of recovery having spent most of my adult life using recreational drugs and alcohol and it getting out of hand. I've been clean and sober since 7th October 2018 and owe a lot to strength training and the strongman community for my continued sobriety.The process of getting clean is a tough one and fraught with complications and struggles. I experienced a tremendous amount of anxiety and depression especially during the early days of recovery, though I was lucky enough to find and surround myself with the right people. I am a huge advocate and believer in recovery through connection and base what we do on the "Five Ways to Wellbeing". A model widely recognised in the mental health services. The lightbulb "eureka!" moment came for me having learnt about the Rat Park addiction study originally conducted in the 1970s. In particular, the TED Talk by Johann Hari "Everything you think you know about addiction is wrong". Well worth a watch if you are, or know someone who is struggling with addiction issues.It changed my life.Now I work on bringing this message to the wider community through my own unique style. Lifting heavy, laughing loudly and appreciating the people around me.What we do isn't just for people in recovery. You don't need to suffer from any mental health issues, or consider yourself "in need", we offer a fun environment for anybody simply interested in "slinging tin", trying something a bit different and hanging out with an incredible group of people. There really is nothing like it!