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Spiritually Fit Co-op
What is the philosophy behind Spiritually Fit Co-op, and what makes it unique?
Our founder, Jacob Daffner, was first exposed to yoga in inpatient rehab over 11 years ago, and it changed his life in ways he never imagined. He experienced a sense of peace and serenity that he had long been searching for in unhealthy ways. After leaving rehab, he dove into recovery, 12-step programs, and yoga.
As he began teaching, he quickly realized that many people in early recovery couldn’t afford studio classes. To address this, he launched free recovery-based yoga sessions that spread quickly across the Valley. Soon, treatment centers began inviting us to offer yoga, meditation, fitness, and sound healing on-site.
As demand grew, and his wife also became a certified teacher, they knew it was time to create a dedicated space—one that was welcoming, affordable, and accessible to all.
Jacob and Alexandra Daffner
Their newly remodeled studio is light, clean, inviting, and inclusive. Their team consists of not only top-tier professionals, but compassionate individuals who foster a supportive, non-intimidating environment. The classes are priced at less than half the cost of most Phoenix studios, and they offer scholarships for those in early recovery. They believe cost should never be a barrier to spiritual growth. Located off the 101 and Via Linda, they are easily accessible from all over the Valley.
Recovery isn’t just about stopping unhealthy behaviors—it’s about nourishing mind, body, and spirit. Is that what inspired the studio?
Absolutely. Recovery is more than abstaining—it’s about rebuilding, reconnecting, and learning to feel at home in your body again. We wanted to create a space where people could move, breathe, and heal without judgment or pressure.
For years, clients in treatment would ask, “How do we keep doing this once we leave rehab?” For many, cost or location became a barrier. That’s what sparked the idea for Spiritually Fit Co-op—to create a bridge between treatment and lifelong wellness.
What advice would you give someone new in recovery who is considering a class?
Just come to class. Don’t let doubt, fear, or shame keep you from trying. We provide everything you need—mats, props, water—and we will happily give you your first class. You don’t have to be flexible or know any poses. You just need to be willing. We welcome people exactly as they are—that’s the entire point. Start where you are, not where you think you should be.
What are some of the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga?
Physically, yoga helps release tension, improves mobility, strengthens the body, balances the nervous system, and supports cardiovascular health. Many people in recovery carry years of stress, trauma, and pain in their bodies. Yoga begins to gently unravel that.
Mentally, it improves focus, reduces anxiety, and teaches us to pause and respond rather than react—crucial for anyone in recovery. It also increases endorphin production, which can ease symptoms of PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome).
Emotionally, yoga creates space to reconnect with your body in a safe and empowering way. It’s not uncommon for students to shed a tear—not from sadness, but because something inside them is finally being released.
“Addiction thrives in isolation, and our studio is designed to foster community.
Yoga teaches embodied awareness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion—all essential to sustainable recovery.”
Chris Carabajal
What role does yoga play in overall well-being and recovery from addiction?
Yoga is a powerful tool for recovery. Addiction is often rooted in shame, trauma, and disconnection—and yoga counteracts all of that. It heals physically, calms mentally, and restores spiritual connection.
Addiction thrives in isolation, and our studio is designed to foster community. Yoga teaches embodied awareness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion—all essential to sustainable recovery. Many of our clients call yoga their “sober anchor.” It’s a practice they return to during cravings, overwhelm, or simply when they need to feel grounded.
Because many of our instructors are in recovery themselves, we guide from a place of empathy and understanding—whether someone is facing substance use or mental health challenges.
What is most rewarding from teaching yoga?
Witnessing people come back to life. When someone tells us they took their first deep breath in years or realizes they’re stronger than they thought—it’s everything.
We also love the community that’s formed. We laugh, cry, heal, and grow together. Watching someone walk in feeling broken and gradually remember their worth is the heart of why we do this work.
Do you offer community events or special programs in addition to regular classes?
Our mobile business provides yoga and meditation classes at multiple treatment centers and behavioral health facilities in the Valley. We teach in all levels of care specializing in substance use and mental health related issues.
Our classes are trauma-informed and teach across all age groups including adolescent care. Whether the facility focuses on eating disorder recovery, substance use, PTSD, anxiety/depression we are masters at creating engagement and being able to relate to our students.
At our studio space we host workshops and events throughout the year—sound healing nights, trauma-informed yoga trainings, and large-scale outdoor yoga events with lululemon that bring together people in recovery and their allies.
Our nonprofit arm provides scholarships for anyone on a mental health or recovery journey. We believe finances should never block someone from healing. We also offer a corporate membership program so businesses can support their employees’ well-being through yoga and mindfulness.
This summer, we’re hosting a kids camp at the studio (ages 4–8) during the last week of July! We believe building healthy, holistic habits early in life sets the foundation for long-term wellness.
To stay updated, follow us on Instagram @spirituallyfitco or visit https://spirituallyfitco-op.com for class schedules and upcoming events.
