The WarriorWOD PTSD Recovery Experience: Class 01-24

Discover the profound impact of WarriorWOD’s holistic approach to PTSD recovery, combining exercise, community, and personalized support to help veterans reclaim their lives.

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Transformative Impact

The Journey of Class 01-24: The WarriorWOD PTSD Recovery Experience

WarriorWOD’s program focuses on PTSD recovery for veterans through exercise, nutrition, and mentorship. Our WarriorWOD PTSD Recovery model has proven successful with Class 01-24.

On September 15, 2024, WarriorWOD proudly celebrated the graduation of Class 01-24. This cohort of 35 veterans embarked on a transformative journey that began on March 15, 2024. Through the power of exercise, community, and personalized support, these veterans made significant strides in their recovery from PTSD. Their stories and data illustrate the profound impact WarriorWOD’s program has on veterans’ lives, helping them reclaim their health, confidence, and sense of purpose.

Class 01-24 began its journey with 43 veterans from 18 different states, each bringing their unique experiences and challenges from their time in service. With an average age of 44, participants ranged from 26 to 68 years old, reflecting a broad spectrum of life stages:

This class was not only diverse in age but also in background, with 51% of the veterans coming from racial and ethnic minority groups. This diversity strengthened the program as veterans supported each other through shared and varied experiences.

Over the course of six months, these veterans engaged fully in WarriorWOD’s holistic “Exercise as a Prescription” program, which integrates rigorous physical exercise, personalized nutrition plans, and consistent mentorship. These components work synergistically to address the complex challenges of PTSD, fostering not just physical health, but mental resilience and emotional well-being.

Measurable Impact: PCL-5 Data on PTSD Symptom Reduction

After six months of dedication to WarriorWOD’s “Exercise as a Prescription” for PTSD recovery program, 35 veterans completed the journey, showcasing resilience and strength that we are honored to celebrate. The results were profound: participants saw significant reductions in PTSD symptoms across the board, a testament to the program’s effectiveness in helping veterans reclaim their lives. Their resilience and strength are a testament to the power of comprehensive support through exercise, nutrition, and mentorship.

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Overall Improvement

Participants experienced a remarkable 30.20% improvement across all PTSD symptoms, underscoring the transformative impact of WarriorWOD’s holistic approach. This comprehensive program, which combines structured exercise routines, personalized nutrition plans, and ongoing mentorship, targets both the physical and psychological aspects of PTSD. The significant reduction in symptoms not only highlights the effectiveness of these combined strategies but also illustrates how tailored, multifaceted support can empower veterans to regain control over their lives. Through consistent physical activity, proper nutrition, and the guidance of experienced mentors, WarriorWOD helps veterans build resilience, improve their mental health, and ultimately achieve lasting recovery from the challenges of PTSD.

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Hyperarousal

Participants experienced a 27.85% average reduction in hyperarousal symptoms, including overwhelming guilt, hypervigilance, and trouble sleeping, significantly improving their overall emotional regulation.

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Avoidance

Avoidance-related symptoms, such as avoiding traumatic thoughts and external reminders, improved by an average of 32.93%, helping participants better engage with their environments.

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Intrusive Memories

Intrusive memories, including disturbing dreams and reliving experiences, showed a 31% improvement on average, reducing the frequency and intensity of these distressing symptoms.

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Mood

Symptoms related to negative alterations in cognition and mood, such as strong negative beliefs and loss of interest, improved by an average of 31.35%, contributing to a more positive outlook on life.

“My name is Rich Trinkwalder, and I am a Navy veteran. After my military service, I became a law enforcement officer, a career that, over time, worsened my PTSD due to constant exposure to violence and trauma. Eventually, I knew I had to make a change—for myself and my family. But leaving law enforcement left me feeling lost, disconnected from the brotherhood I had known. I tried going to the gym, but without guidance or motivation, I was just going through the motions. My health deteriorated, and I accepted that this was my fate.”

“One day, while browsing the internet, I stumbled upon WarriorWOD. The concept of ‘Exercise as an RX’ resonated with me. I hated relying on prescriptions and desperately wanted to find a way to manage my PTSD naturally. I applied and was fortunate enough to be selected for the program. Kyle, my WarriorWOD Nutrition Coach, suggested I try CrossFit, emphasizing the sense of community and structured workouts it offers. After visiting several gyms, I finally found my place at CrossFit Faded Glory. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was different—the community was welcoming, and I felt like I belonged.”

“Now, I attend CrossFit Faded Glory multiple times a week. Although the workouts are challenging, and I’m still working on my fitness, I feel better than I have in years. My Battle Buddy, Alan Fredendall, and I text frequently, sharing our workout experiences and supporting each other. My mental clarity, mood, and overall outlook on life have improved significantly. I’m sleeping better, my health is improving, and I finally see a future where exercise, not prescriptions, is my path to well-being. I’m incredibly grateful to WarriorWOD for showing me the way. Thank you.”

Rich Trinkwalder

Program Participant, WarriorWOD

A Diverse and Resilient Cohort

Class 01-24 was a diverse group, reflecting the broad spectrum of veterans that WarriorWOD serves. This diversity enriched the program, as participants brought different perspectives and experiences, supporting each other through their unique challenges.

Racial Diversity

WarriorWOD’s Class 01-24 reflects a rich tapestry of racial and ethnic backgrounds, with 46% identifying as White, 23% as Black or African American, 20% as Hispanic or Latino, 6% as Two or More Races, and 3% as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. This diversity is crucial to WarriorWOD’s mission, ensuring that our programs are inclusive and representative of the diverse veteran community we serve.

Gender Representation

The class had a majority male participation at 66%, while 31% identified as female, and 3% as non-binary/non-conforming. WarriorWOD values the importance of providing support to veterans of all gender identities, creating a welcoming environment where everyone can benefit from our holistic approach to wellness.

Age Distrubtion

With an average age of 44, WarriorWOD’s Class 01-24 spanned a wide age range, from 26 to 68 years old. This broad range, with significant representation across different life stages—from younger veterans in their 20s to those in their 60s—highlights the adaptability and relevance of our program across diverse age groups, meeting the unique needs of each veteran.

Branch

The class was composed of veterans from various branches of the military, with 40% from the Army, 26% from the Marine Corps, 14% from the Air Force, 14% from the Navy, and 6% from the National Guard. This diverse military background is essential to WarriorWOD’s mission, as it enables us to tailor our support and resources to meet the distinct needs and experiences of veterans from all service branches.

The experiences of WarriorWOD’s Class 01-24 highlight the profound impact the WarriorWOD PTSD Recovery program can have. Participants have shown significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, demonstrating the effectiveness of our holistic approach. From reducing intrusive memories to alleviating hyperarousal, the progress made by these veterans is a testament to the power of community, exercise, and personalized support.

We invite you to be part of this transformative mission. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, your involvement can help us continue to make a difference. Together, we can support more veterans in reclaiming their lives and achieving lasting mental health.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your support is crucial in helping us continue our mission. By donating the WarriorWOD PTSD Recovery, you are directly contributing to the well-being of veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Your generosity enables us to expand our programs, reach more veterans, and provide the comprehensive support they need to overcome PTSD and other mental health challenges.

Learn more about WarriorWOD’s exercise, nutrition, and mentorship programs.

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Transforming Lives Through Exercise – The Journey of Class 01-24