A new boxing gym in Mokena, Illinois, is helping people in recovery fight addiction through structured workouts. BVL Boxing Solutions was founded by Joe Leonard and his family in memory of his brother, Brian Leonard, who struggled with chronic pain and became addicted to pain medication. After multiple attempts at rehab, Brian passed away last year from a fentanyl overdose. The gym named in his honor provides a space where people can regain strength, focus, and confidence through boxing.
The Leonard family are lifelong boxers and trainers and wanted to create a supportive environment for those coming out of rehab. Their goal is to provide an immediate, structured activity for people in recovery, helping them stay on track. BVL Boxing operates as a nonprofit and lets participants pay what they can afford. Glenn Leonard, Brian’s uncle, explains that even those who are hesitant at first often leave feeling uplifted, finding motivation and purpose in the workouts.
One gym-goer, who’s battled alcohol addiction for years, shares how training at BVL Boxing has helped him stay sober. He attends four times a week and says the workouts make him feel good and reduce his urge to drink. The gym focuses on cardio-based boxing workouts rather than sparring, with an emphasis on physical and mental well-being. Joe Leonard sees the gym as both a way to both honor his brother’s memory while helping others on their path to recovery.
Source: CBS NEWS
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