Adam Finds Health and Hope Inside a U.S. Penitentiary
Adam discovered his passion for health and fitness while serving a 213 year sentence inside a U.S. Penitentiary.
Health and fitness have changed the course of Adam's life while in prison.
Shortly after my sentencing hearing I was designated to United States Penitentiary Allenwood and arrived on this yard in May 2001. Since that time this place has changed dramatically but so have I. My initial days and months here were spent 'lost in the sauce' (drinking heavily) and inevitably, this got me into some trouble. However, it wasn't just the drinking but also smoking 2 packs of non-filtered cigarettes each day, combined with a severe lack of sleep that contributed to the very unhealthy lifestyle decisions which kept me from fully adjusting to my new environment...and 'adjusting' is the best you can ever hope for because life inside these walls never becomes 'comfortable.’
Almost one full year after my arrival I finally got hooked up with a guy who was serious about his workouts AND willing to work with me. He was extremely knowledgeable and dedicated. Under his guidance I began the very slow and gradual transformation that would forever change the course of my life. We spent most of everyday together for the next 2 years and I made great progress under his guidance but my 'bad habits' continued to stunt my development. I was growing physically but mentally I was still quite ignorant and immature.
Then one day I received some news that hit me like a bolt of lightening. My workout partner, who had by now become my closest friend on the inside, was exposed as a jailhouse informant...he was a 'snitch'. There was indisputable evidence against him, some of which resulted from him attempting to set me up, and he instinctively ran off before anyone was able to confront him. His hasty departure left me alone to pick up the pieces and to try and explain how he could have done what he had for so long. It was an extremely uncomfortable position to be in but that experience was an omega point for me. I was forced to finally grow and take responsibility not just for my own actions but for those who were close to me as well....We are the reflections of those closest to us...we ALL reflect each other.
Instead of growing cynical from yet another betrayal, I chose instead to pour all of my energy and emotion into my workouts. It wasn't long before people noticed my renewed devotion to fitness and guys began lining up to both ask for my advice and/or to join in my workouts. This positive reinforcement was the motivation that I needed to clean up the rest of my life. I quit drinking, stopped smoking, and began eating a much more healthy and balanced diet. All of those lifestyle changes resulted in a much more healthy, happy, and optimistic ME...and it occurred at just the right time.
In 2004 I began teaching fitness classes as a volunteer for the Recreation Department here at USP Allenwood I continued to work with small groups and individuals on the side but my actual volunteer title became that of a group Fitness Instructor. As an instructor/teacher I have always felt compelled to 'lead by my own example' and that kept me highly motivated to stay ahead of the pack. There is a tremendous amount of competition in here and I've tried to utilize it both to my own personal advantage but also to the benefit of everyone in each of my classes. I was very fortunate to get a job doing something that I wake up and look forward to each day.
Almost one full year after my arrival I finally got hooked up with a guy who was serious about his workouts AND willing to work with me. He was extremely knowledgeable and dedicated. Under his guidance I began the very slow and gradual transformation that would forever change the course of my life. We spent most of everyday together for the next 2 years and I made great progress under his guidance but my 'bad habits' continued to stunt my development. I was growing physically but mentally I was still quite ignorant and immature.
Then one day I received some news that hit me like a bolt of lightening. My workout partner, who had by now become my closest friend on the inside, was exposed as a jailhouse informant...he was a 'snitch'. There was indisputable evidence against him, some of which resulted from him attempting to set me up, and he instinctively ran off before anyone was able to confront him. His hasty departure left me alone to pick up the pieces and to try and explain how he could have done what he had for so long. It was an extremely uncomfortable position to be in but that experience was an omega point for me. I was forced to finally grow and take responsibility not just for my own actions but for those who were close to me as well....We are the reflections of those closest to us...we ALL reflect each other.
Instead of growing cynical from yet another betrayal, I chose instead to pour all of my energy and emotion into my workouts. It wasn't long before people noticed my renewed devotion to fitness and guys began lining up to both ask for my advice and/or to join in my workouts. This positive reinforcement was the motivation that I needed to clean up the rest of my life. I quit drinking, stopped smoking, and began eating a much more healthy and balanced diet. All of those lifestyle changes resulted in a much more healthy, happy, and optimistic ME...and it occurred at just the right time.
In 2004 I began teaching fitness classes as a volunteer for the Recreation Department here at USP Allenwood I continued to work with small groups and individuals on the side but my actual volunteer title became that of a group Fitness Instructor. As an instructor/teacher I have always felt compelled to 'lead by my own example' and that kept me highly motivated to stay ahead of the pack. There is a tremendous amount of competition in here and I've tried to utilize it both to my own personal advantage but also to the benefit of everyone in each of my classes. I was very fortunate to get a job doing something that I wake up and look forward to each day.
USP Allenwood
Later that same year my final appeal to The United States Supreme Court was denied and I found myself at a pivotal point in my life. This appeal effectively closed the door to the courts on me once and for all.Again, it would have been easy for me to simply give up hope and revert back to my old bad habits but I was feeling way too good about myself and my life. Of course I was initially angry about the Court's decision and even 'freaked out' (alone in my cell) for about an hour...but after I let it all out and took a long, deep breath I realized that I felt a tremendous 'RELIEF'. It felt like I'd just shrugged off a 120 pound back pack that I'd been lugging around for way too long...and I was left with hope...lots and lots of Hope. Deep down I knew that I'd done everything within my power to prevail on all of my appeals so there was no room left for any feelings of regret...I'd done my part. I also realized that I had much to be grateful for despite my physical confinement. For the very first time in my adult life I had no external concerns and could focus all of my attention INWARD...it was an integral step in my personal development.
Introspection can be a very frightening journey because all that you discover along the way, both the good and the bad, is a part of you. Most people rarely, if ever, get the opportunity to focus all of their attention upon themselves. It can become an extremely humbling experience once you are forced to confront and admit your more serious mistakes- even if that admission is only made in self-acknowledgement.Most often that type of knowledge carries with it (at least for a little while) a heavy burden of guilt and remorse. Finding a way to make peace first with yourself and then with those you've harmed is no simple task that can be undertaken lightly. I've spent many years now attempting to make amends for my past and have only recently come to the harsh realization that forgiveness cannot always be given or even earned. Sometimes you have to simply learn from those mistakes and move forward or risk drowning in your own guilt and remorse.
Since 2004 I've managed to maintain an optimistic outlook on life while working to help others to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. Throughout that time I've designed and instructed a wide variety of fitness programs for men of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Those programs include: Stability Ball Training, Plyo-Medicine Ball Training, Core And Abs Class, Jump Rope And Calisthenics Class, Spinning Class (Indoor Sprint Cycling), F.A.S.T. Class (Flexibility, Agility and Stability Training), and 50 And Over Class (keeping all those over the age of 49 physically fit). Each of my classes runs for a 'quarter', or approximately 90 days. I alter the physical curriculum each quarter so that all of the classes remain novel and interesting...as much to keep me motivated as it is to keep my students constantly 'inspired'. I genuinely love what I do and could not imagine myself doing anything else. My 'work' is also my passion and I get to share that with nearly every person I meet.
In order to stay well informed on the latest scientific findings related to health and fitness I'm constantly reading industry literature. Each month I receive and read numerous periodicals on exercise, rehabilitation, nutrition, and behavioral sciences. I not only enjoy learning more about those topics but it's of even greater interest because I have a forum for the practical application of that acquired knowledge. Over the years I've compiled a small library of related books ranging in topics from physical anatomy, to holistic healing, to meditation and visualization.My goal is to learn something new and positive each day and to then pass that knowledge onto someone else so that they can share its benefit.
For many years now meditation has been an integral part of my daily routine. In addition to the meditation I often incorporate various breathing techniques, such as Chi Kung, which help to stimulate the body much in the same manner that meditation stimulates the mind. These practices allow me to find harmony and balance in all aspects of my life. In an attempt to further my meditative practice I began a 12 year self-study guided meditation course this past year. The 'lessons' therein have helped to keep me focused on the things that matter the most in my life while encouraging me to continue growing personally. Many of the lessons have not only been influential in my own life but they've also helped to positively influence many of the people around me.
Recently I completed a couple of voluntary courses that were aimed at workplace safety. I believed that both of them would be beneficial for both myself as well as the participants in all of my classes. The first one was the American Red Cross' CPR training certification course and I believed that I had a responsibility (as a class instructor) to update my previous certification. It was actually quite informative and filled with useful tips and reminders. The other course I learned a lot from was OSHA's Occupational Safety and Health Training Course'. Fortunately, no situations have ever arisen where I needed to utilize the knowledge I acquired from that course and I hope they never do. I did appreciate all that I learned and was happy to have had the opportunity to take that course. Many employers and Unions require their workers to take this OSHA course so I know that it has great value.
Over the years I've developed a number of 'hobbies' that I never even would have considered prior to my incarceration. Some of those hobbies are directly related to my passion for health and fitness while the others are quite diverse. These hobbies tend to occupy much of my 'personal time' although I often wish that I could devote much more time to EACH of them. As far as relating to health and fitness I greatly enjoy designing obstacle courses and structures, writing detailed exercise and diet programs for mass consumption, envisioning/inventing new exercises or new applications for existing equipment, and creating innovative new business models. I'm ALWAYS looking for new ways to apply all the related knowledge I have stored in my brain. Unfortunately, many of my ideas are still confined to paper until I am able to find a means to make them a reality. One of the things I AM able to experiment with are the new exercises that I occasionally envision. However, some of the things that I see in my mind don't work out in the real world where the pesky laws of gravity and physics tend to get in the way...so there have admittedly been a few minor mishaps and injuries along the way -but thankfully no broken bones or anything more serious!
A couple of years ago I was suddenly inspired (I don't recall by whom or what exactly) to explore my 'artistic side' by learning to play the guitar. Since I lack no confidence in my physical abilities I thought I could easily pick it up in no time. There was only one small problem that first needed to be overcome...the guitar program had been shut down for more than two years and no one was interested in helping me to resurrect it…until I was able to enlist the help of our resident 'savant' Salvatore Brunetti. Sal is an extraordinary classically trained at the esteemed Curtis Conservatory musician and painter whom agreed to teach a Music Theory and Composition Class in order to get the guitar program re-started. In the past 2 years he has taught me not only how to play the guitar but how to compose my own songs and music. Now if I could only find (make) more time to devote to my physical daily practice I could better utilize all that I've learned from him.
I discovered yet another hobby while we we're locked in our cells for about a month this past summer...drawing. I've had this aversion to drawing since I was in grade school and never really gave myself a chance to fully explore my artistic abilities...I figured that I might as well give it a shot. Since I'm really into anatomy it seemed logical for me to begin by drawing the human body...and I started with my own foot. My very first sketch came out better than I ever would have expected and inspired me to keep drawing and testing my abilities. I've drawn quite a few (very basic) pictures since then and it's clear I'm no Picasso in hiding, but like with anything else in life the more you practice the better you become. I really haven't devoted much time to this 'practice' but it's something I would like to further explore in the future when my schedule is a bit more accommodating. Sometimes I actually find myself wishing for a 'lock-down' so that I can stay in my cell for a few days so that I can just draw and play my guitar...I'm sure that sounds a little crazy but it's true.
In contrast to my artistic hobbies I've also come to enjoy a variety of games that challenge my more analytical side. I enjoy Suduko, Kakuro, and Logic puzzles as well as game shows such as 'Jeopardy' and 'Cash Cab'. These puzzles and games help keep my mind sharp, test my knowledge, and often teach me something new. I believe it's important to find a balance between your artistic and analytical modes of thought and that's what I've attempted to do during these last few years.
I decided long ago that I was going to use my time in here to work on becoming a better man. My intention has always been to try and pursue any activity that might improve my personal life and/or allow me to positively affect the lives of those around me. There's never been any other 'incentive' for me to accomplish the things I have in here aside from the fact that they make me feel good. I've definitely chosen to tread the proverbial 'road less traveled' during my time behind the wall.
Most guys in here spend their time either learning how to become better criminals or chasing after 'bad habits'. It's so easy to get caught up in the negative flow of things in here because there are so few people are trying to do something positive. By choosing to follow the more positive approach to this life I've shown many of the men around me that they do in fact have 'alternatives'. I could have spent my days at the card table, on the basketball court, or in front of the television but then I wouldn't be the man that I am today. What once seemed a lonely road has become a little more well traveled since I ventured down this way and I'm happy to have some company. 'They never said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it.'
Introspection can be a very frightening journey because all that you discover along the way, both the good and the bad, is a part of you. Most people rarely, if ever, get the opportunity to focus all of their attention upon themselves. It can become an extremely humbling experience once you are forced to confront and admit your more serious mistakes- even if that admission is only made in self-acknowledgement.Most often that type of knowledge carries with it (at least for a little while) a heavy burden of guilt and remorse. Finding a way to make peace first with yourself and then with those you've harmed is no simple task that can be undertaken lightly. I've spent many years now attempting to make amends for my past and have only recently come to the harsh realization that forgiveness cannot always be given or even earned. Sometimes you have to simply learn from those mistakes and move forward or risk drowning in your own guilt and remorse.
Since 2004 I've managed to maintain an optimistic outlook on life while working to help others to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. Throughout that time I've designed and instructed a wide variety of fitness programs for men of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Those programs include: Stability Ball Training, Plyo-Medicine Ball Training, Core And Abs Class, Jump Rope And Calisthenics Class, Spinning Class (Indoor Sprint Cycling), F.A.S.T. Class (Flexibility, Agility and Stability Training), and 50 And Over Class (keeping all those over the age of 49 physically fit). Each of my classes runs for a 'quarter', or approximately 90 days. I alter the physical curriculum each quarter so that all of the classes remain novel and interesting...as much to keep me motivated as it is to keep my students constantly 'inspired'. I genuinely love what I do and could not imagine myself doing anything else. My 'work' is also my passion and I get to share that with nearly every person I meet.
In order to stay well informed on the latest scientific findings related to health and fitness I'm constantly reading industry literature. Each month I receive and read numerous periodicals on exercise, rehabilitation, nutrition, and behavioral sciences. I not only enjoy learning more about those topics but it's of even greater interest because I have a forum for the practical application of that acquired knowledge. Over the years I've compiled a small library of related books ranging in topics from physical anatomy, to holistic healing, to meditation and visualization.My goal is to learn something new and positive each day and to then pass that knowledge onto someone else so that they can share its benefit.
For many years now meditation has been an integral part of my daily routine. In addition to the meditation I often incorporate various breathing techniques, such as Chi Kung, which help to stimulate the body much in the same manner that meditation stimulates the mind. These practices allow me to find harmony and balance in all aspects of my life. In an attempt to further my meditative practice I began a 12 year self-study guided meditation course this past year. The 'lessons' therein have helped to keep me focused on the things that matter the most in my life while encouraging me to continue growing personally. Many of the lessons have not only been influential in my own life but they've also helped to positively influence many of the people around me.
Recently I completed a couple of voluntary courses that were aimed at workplace safety. I believed that both of them would be beneficial for both myself as well as the participants in all of my classes. The first one was the American Red Cross' CPR training certification course and I believed that I had a responsibility (as a class instructor) to update my previous certification. It was actually quite informative and filled with useful tips and reminders. The other course I learned a lot from was OSHA's Occupational Safety and Health Training Course'. Fortunately, no situations have ever arisen where I needed to utilize the knowledge I acquired from that course and I hope they never do. I did appreciate all that I learned and was happy to have had the opportunity to take that course. Many employers and Unions require their workers to take this OSHA course so I know that it has great value.
Over the years I've developed a number of 'hobbies' that I never even would have considered prior to my incarceration. Some of those hobbies are directly related to my passion for health and fitness while the others are quite diverse. These hobbies tend to occupy much of my 'personal time' although I often wish that I could devote much more time to EACH of them. As far as relating to health and fitness I greatly enjoy designing obstacle courses and structures, writing detailed exercise and diet programs for mass consumption, envisioning/inventing new exercises or new applications for existing equipment, and creating innovative new business models. I'm ALWAYS looking for new ways to apply all the related knowledge I have stored in my brain. Unfortunately, many of my ideas are still confined to paper until I am able to find a means to make them a reality. One of the things I AM able to experiment with are the new exercises that I occasionally envision. However, some of the things that I see in my mind don't work out in the real world where the pesky laws of gravity and physics tend to get in the way...so there have admittedly been a few minor mishaps and injuries along the way -but thankfully no broken bones or anything more serious!
A couple of years ago I was suddenly inspired (I don't recall by whom or what exactly) to explore my 'artistic side' by learning to play the guitar. Since I lack no confidence in my physical abilities I thought I could easily pick it up in no time. There was only one small problem that first needed to be overcome...the guitar program had been shut down for more than two years and no one was interested in helping me to resurrect it…until I was able to enlist the help of our resident 'savant' Salvatore Brunetti. Sal is an extraordinary classically trained at the esteemed Curtis Conservatory musician and painter whom agreed to teach a Music Theory and Composition Class in order to get the guitar program re-started. In the past 2 years he has taught me not only how to play the guitar but how to compose my own songs and music. Now if I could only find (make) more time to devote to my physical daily practice I could better utilize all that I've learned from him.
I discovered yet another hobby while we we're locked in our cells for about a month this past summer...drawing. I've had this aversion to drawing since I was in grade school and never really gave myself a chance to fully explore my artistic abilities...I figured that I might as well give it a shot. Since I'm really into anatomy it seemed logical for me to begin by drawing the human body...and I started with my own foot. My very first sketch came out better than I ever would have expected and inspired me to keep drawing and testing my abilities. I've drawn quite a few (very basic) pictures since then and it's clear I'm no Picasso in hiding, but like with anything else in life the more you practice the better you become. I really haven't devoted much time to this 'practice' but it's something I would like to further explore in the future when my schedule is a bit more accommodating. Sometimes I actually find myself wishing for a 'lock-down' so that I can stay in my cell for a few days so that I can just draw and play my guitar...I'm sure that sounds a little crazy but it's true.
In contrast to my artistic hobbies I've also come to enjoy a variety of games that challenge my more analytical side. I enjoy Suduko, Kakuro, and Logic puzzles as well as game shows such as 'Jeopardy' and 'Cash Cab'. These puzzles and games help keep my mind sharp, test my knowledge, and often teach me something new. I believe it's important to find a balance between your artistic and analytical modes of thought and that's what I've attempted to do during these last few years.
I decided long ago that I was going to use my time in here to work on becoming a better man. My intention has always been to try and pursue any activity that might improve my personal life and/or allow me to positively affect the lives of those around me. There's never been any other 'incentive' for me to accomplish the things I have in here aside from the fact that they make me feel good. I've definitely chosen to tread the proverbial 'road less traveled' during my time behind the wall.
Most guys in here spend their time either learning how to become better criminals or chasing after 'bad habits'. It's so easy to get caught up in the negative flow of things in here because there are so few people are trying to do something positive. By choosing to follow the more positive approach to this life I've shown many of the men around me that they do in fact have 'alternatives'. I could have spent my days at the card table, on the basketball court, or in front of the television but then I wouldn't be the man that I am today. What once seemed a lonely road has become a little more well traveled since I ventured down this way and I'm happy to have some company. 'They never said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it.'
Move to McKean
Back in April 2010 I finally made it out from behind the wall. After nearly a decade at USP Allenwood I was granted a "public safety waiver" and re-designated to a medium security facility. That was a "big deal" because the Bureau Of Prisons NEVER had to reduce my custody level due to the length of my sentence. Only a few "lifers" including myself were lucky enough to make it out of there at that time. Since then not a single day has gone by without me pausing at some point to briefly reflect upon my good fortune. Life is definitely much better these days.
My new home, F.C.I. McKean, is located up in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania on the edge of the Allegheny National Forest. I've been out here for well over a year now and it's taken me most of that time to fully acclimate to my new environment. Thankfully I had a very good friend already here to help me make the transition. Even though this wasn't the destination at the top of my list it's probably the best place that they could have sent me. I'm genuinely happy here. The easiest way for me to describe this place is simply to say that it's far "better" than Allenwood in almost every way.
Shortly after I arrived here at McKean I began training a small group of 8-10 men out on the yard each afternoon. This was neither part of a class for the Rec. Dept. nor part of my job but instead something I wanted to do primarily for myself and a few other guys. These daily sessions were extremely intense and allowed everyone to achieve tremendous results in a relatively brief amount of time. One of my trainees was so impressed by what he witnessed that he urged me to post my training philosophy and workouts on the internet. Through that effort www.prisonbodyfitness.com was born and it is now home to the wealth of fitness related knowledge that I've acquired over the years. My goal was/is to make the site a valuable resource to all fitness aficionados, especially those which have trained with me and been released. Undoubtedly, it will continue to grow and evolve, as I do, and hopefully become a positive influence to many.
Nearly every day someone approaches me with a question related to health and fitness. Most often, the inquiry involves "losing weight" and I try to give them the most basic advice possible. Unfortunately I don't have the time to work with each and every person on an individual basis so I decided to design and instruct a H.I.I.T. (High Intensity Interval Training) Class through the Rec. Dept. My goal is to teach all of the participants how to utilize frequent H.I.I.T. sessions in conjunction with proper daily nutrition to achieve their fat loss goals. I'm excited to see how quickly H.I.I.T. spreads from my class to the rest of the population as the participants begin to show results.
There is another class that I've been attempting to coordinate since my arrival here which may also soon commence. My goal was to create a self study music program that allowed each of the participants to purchase their very own acoustic guitar. Each individual would then be able to study and practice right inside their own cell. Initially this idea was met with some resistance but after many months of lobbying the Administration my persistence paid off. They recently "approved" my program proposal so soon I should be able to purchase my own guitar. I'm ecstatic to have the opportunity to continue my music studies and guitar practice while I'm here at McKean.
For a number of years my life has continued to steadily improve. Moving to McKean was yet another positive step forward and I believe that it was the best thing that could have happened to me under these circumstances. Looking back I can now see how far I've come and it fills me with even greater hope and optimism than I've ever known before. I'm genuinely happy to be here and feel like I'm in an excellent position to take advantage of whatever opportunities may arise for me in the future. "Dum spiro, spero".
My new home, F.C.I. McKean, is located up in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania on the edge of the Allegheny National Forest. I've been out here for well over a year now and it's taken me most of that time to fully acclimate to my new environment. Thankfully I had a very good friend already here to help me make the transition. Even though this wasn't the destination at the top of my list it's probably the best place that they could have sent me. I'm genuinely happy here. The easiest way for me to describe this place is simply to say that it's far "better" than Allenwood in almost every way.
Shortly after I arrived here at McKean I began training a small group of 8-10 men out on the yard each afternoon. This was neither part of a class for the Rec. Dept. nor part of my job but instead something I wanted to do primarily for myself and a few other guys. These daily sessions were extremely intense and allowed everyone to achieve tremendous results in a relatively brief amount of time. One of my trainees was so impressed by what he witnessed that he urged me to post my training philosophy and workouts on the internet. Through that effort www.prisonbodyfitness.com was born and it is now home to the wealth of fitness related knowledge that I've acquired over the years. My goal was/is to make the site a valuable resource to all fitness aficionados, especially those which have trained with me and been released. Undoubtedly, it will continue to grow and evolve, as I do, and hopefully become a positive influence to many.
Nearly every day someone approaches me with a question related to health and fitness. Most often, the inquiry involves "losing weight" and I try to give them the most basic advice possible. Unfortunately I don't have the time to work with each and every person on an individual basis so I decided to design and instruct a H.I.I.T. (High Intensity Interval Training) Class through the Rec. Dept. My goal is to teach all of the participants how to utilize frequent H.I.I.T. sessions in conjunction with proper daily nutrition to achieve their fat loss goals. I'm excited to see how quickly H.I.I.T. spreads from my class to the rest of the population as the participants begin to show results.
There is another class that I've been attempting to coordinate since my arrival here which may also soon commence. My goal was to create a self study music program that allowed each of the participants to purchase their very own acoustic guitar. Each individual would then be able to study and practice right inside their own cell. Initially this idea was met with some resistance but after many months of lobbying the Administration my persistence paid off. They recently "approved" my program proposal so soon I should be able to purchase my own guitar. I'm ecstatic to have the opportunity to continue my music studies and guitar practice while I'm here at McKean.
For a number of years my life has continued to steadily improve. Moving to McKean was yet another positive step forward and I believe that it was the best thing that could have happened to me under these circumstances. Looking back I can now see how far I've come and it fills me with even greater hope and optimism than I've ever known before. I'm genuinely happy to be here and feel like I'm in an excellent position to take advantage of whatever opportunities may arise for me in the future. "Dum spiro, spero".
