By: Nic Abelian
Scott Schrey, the founder of The Foldy Mat, has turned his personal journey of battling active addiction into an inspiring mission to enhance the global wellness community. His story is one of resilience, personal growth, and a commitment to improving the yoga and fitness experience for practitioners of all levels. More than just a product, The Foldy Mat symbolizes Scott’s transformation and his dedication to fostering a healthier and more mindful lifestyle.
A Challenging Beginning and the Path to Recovery:
Scott’s early life was marked by star athleticism and an inclusive sociable nature, but beneath the surface as most, he struggled with feelings of inadequacy and a sense of not knowing he was enough. Despite being deeply loved and cared for, especially by his father, Scott felt he had to prove his worth through accomplishments and social competition. This belief system left him vulnerable to feelings of self-doubt and internal turmoil when normal failures occurred.
The onset of late blooming puberty and grappling with his unique sexuality compounded these issues, setting the stage for his struggles with not wanting to be who he was and escapism
through social substance abuse. When Scott first drank alcohol and used drugs, he felt a profound emotional release, a numbing of his deep adolescent angst and a sense of belonging- As an adult, he describes it as “False Enlightenment”. Unknown to him this first time use also triggered a genetic allergy to addiction, an abnormal reaction that most people don’t experience leading to an allergic reaction that triggered the progression of drug craving that would eventually control his life.
Hitting Rock Bottom and the Turning Point:
Scott’s addiction spiraled into a cycle of dangerous binges, homelessness, and multiple stints in treatment centers, holistic experiences, and hypnotherapy clinics to no avail. He sold, stole, or lost nearly everything he owned, risking his life repeatedly to satisfy the phenomenon of craving kicked in by the allergy, ignition. Despite these struggles, Scott’s story took a positive turn when he finally recognized he couldn’t survive without consistent change of everything. This realization led him to an international sober community, where he found education on his allergy support, understanding, and a path to sobriety.
With the help of this community, Scott embraced a life of daily accountability, responsibility, and spiritual growth. Through consistent participation, prayer, and importantly mental mantra training, he began to retrain his thinking and rebuild his life. The daily practices of the 12-step program, coupled with the unconditional support from his sober community, helped him forge a new identity rooted in self- equity, self-worth and spiritual connection. Scott uncovered and admitted to his brutal self-discrimination and was deeply determined to counteract it with ancient truths of personal equality and self-respect he designed and developed to thrive and survive internally on a daily basis.
Discovering Yoga and Creating The Foldy Mat:
As part of his recovery, Scott explored various activities to support his physical and mental well-being. Tennis became a significant outlet, providing focus and a sense of healthy accomplishment, Scott says as a childhood athlete continuing your athletic abilities as an adult is almost mandatory to well-being. Alongside tennis, Scott discovered the benefits of yoga, which offered him not only physical relief but also mental clarity and peace. However, during his practice, he encountered a common issue: the discomfort and instability of traditional yoga mats when folded for additional support.
This challenge sparked the idea for The Foldy Mat, his patent pending product designed to provide stable, targeted cushioning for the knees, wrists, and ankles during yoga and pilates practice or fitness exercises. Scott’s innovation features seams that allow for easy and stable folding doubling the cushion, making it an ideal choice for beginners who need extra support and seasoned seniors looking for reliability and pain protection. The Foldy Mat represents Scott’s dedication to improving the yoga, pilates and fitness experience, aiming that practitioners can focus on their practice without fear of injury or excessive pain.
Introducing the FreeZone Project
Scott’s journey of overcoming addiction and finding purpose extends beyond The Foldy Mat. He is also the driving force behind the FreeZone Project, an initiative aimed at supporting individuals struggling with addiction and depression. The FreeZone Project provides coaching, school programs, seminars, and workshops designed to offer guidance and support. The project focuses on educating people about the concept of addiction as an allergy and the phenomenon of craving that is triggered by the allergic reaction, helping individuals understand that addiction is not a choice but a genetic condition that requires education, compassionate and informed real time techniques and care.
Through the FreeZone Project, Scott aims to provide a safe space for individuals to explore their struggles without self deprecation, and find their equal worth to all. ByThrough the FreeZone Project, Scott aims to provide a safe space for individuals to explore their struggles without self deprecation, and find their equal worth to all. Visiting FreeZoneProject.org, individuals can access individual coaching at no charge, resources and connect with a community committed to supporting recovery and wellness.
Celebrating 18 Years of Sobriety and a Commitment to Wellness
Sept. 2nd marks Scott Schrey’s 18th year of sobriety, a milestone that speaks to his resilience and commitment to living life like he matters with integrity and mindfulness to himself, to the spiritual realm, and service to others as his lifestyle intention.. Scott attributes his success to the unwavering support of his sober community and his daily practice of reminding himself of his allergy and that he as well as everyone is inherently worthy because we were born. His belief that everyone deserves safe and comfortable yoga and workout practice drives his mission to promote health, wellness, and mindful living through The Foldy Mat.
A Message of Hope and Inclusion:
Scott’s journey from addiction to entrepreneurship is a powerful reminder of the impact that personal growth and determination can have on one’s life. His story exemplifies how overcoming adversity can lead to innovation and positive contributions to the well-being of others. Scott’s message is clear: everyone matters, and everyone is worthy equally. By investing in quality fitness equipment like The Foldy Mat and embracing the resources offered by the FreeZone Project, individuals can enhance their personal wellness journeys inside and out knowing their safety and comfort are prioritized.
Join the Foldy Mat Community
The Foldy Mat is available on Amazon, where it has garnered attention for its unique design and enhanced comfort. Customers can experience the benefits of this thoughtfully designed product and connect with The Foldy Mat community on Instagram by following @foldymat. The account features product interviews, user testimonials, and insights into the brand’s mission to support individuals on their wellness journeys. For more information about The Foldy Mat and to join the growing community dedicated to health and wellness, visit the product page on Foldymat.com and follow Scott Schrey on Instagram and Facebook
Final Remarks
Scott Schrey’s journey from addiction to wellness entrepreneurship inspires others to improve their lives. His commitment to physical and mental well-being is evident through The Foldy Mat and the FreeZone Project. Scott’s work shows it’s never too late to change, and everyone deserves a life of health, joy, and purpose
