Getting Fit Behind Bars

05/31/24 • 44 min

In today's episode, Tony and Sonny dive into the unique challenges and surprising solutions for maintaining health and fitness while incarcerated. From the humorous yet revealing story of Tony’s pre-prison weight gain to the rigorous workout routines that helped them stay fit, this episode offers a raw and insightful look at prison life through the lens of health and wellness.

Tony and Sonny kick off the episode by discussing the topic of health and fitness in prison. Tony shares his personal story of weight gain before entering prison, humorously describing himself as "Hamburger Healthy" at 222 pounds. This sets the stage for a deeper conversation about how they both managed to stay fit during their time behind bars.

The "31 Down" Pushup Challenge. Sonny details this grueling pushup routine that starts with 31 pushups and decreases by one each set, totaling 500 pushups. The hosts emphasize the importance of consistent fitness routines, sharing insights on various exercises like pushups, pull-ups, and burpees that helped them stay in shape.

Sonny recounts how he found a group to work out with and the benefits of having workout partners. He shares stories about Big Mike, an imposing yet friendly inmate, who introduced him to intense burpee workouts. These anecdotes provide a glimpse into the camaraderie and support systems that form within prison walls.

The discussion then shifts to the creative cooking methods inmates use to prepare their meals. Tony and Sonny talk about how they managed to cook their meals using limited resources and contraptions. From making stir-fry and chicken soup to grilling cheese with irons, their stories highlight the ingenuity and resourcefulness required to maintain a healthy diet in prison.

Maintaining fitness post-prison is another crucial topic covered in this episode. Tony and Sonny offer advice on staying fit after release and discuss how the discipline learned in prison helps in the outside world. Tony shares his journey from gaining weight before prison to achieving a fit physique and how he maintains it post-release. They stress the importance of having a fitness routine to fall back on once outside, given the numerous distractions and pressures.

Previous Episode

From Indictment to Incarceration

Today marks a special episode as we introduce our new co-host, Sonny. Sonny’s story is one of unexpected turns, legal battles, and the harsh realities of prison life. This episode delves deep into his experiences, providing an eye-opening look at the journey from freedom to incarceration.

We kick off the episode with Sonny reflecting on the day he received an envelope that would change his life. The indictment came two and a half years after his business had already been shut down by the government. Despite having no prior criminal history, Sonny found himself facing serious charges related to his business operations.

Sonny discusses the emotional turmoil and confusion that followed the indictment. With no previous run-ins with the law, he was unprepared for the legal nightmare that ensued. Over the next two years, Sonny navigated court dates, legal fees, and the constant stress of an uncertain future. He explains how the government’s case was riddled with inaccuracies and fabrications, yet the burden of proof was on him.

The anticipation of his sentencing was filled with hope and fear. Sonny’s lawyer assured him that the worst-case scenario would be home confinement or community service. However, the reality was far more devastating. In court, the judge’s unexpected harshness led to Sonny receiving a sentence of a year and a day in federal prison. The judge’s cryptic and prejudiced remarks added to the shock and disappointment.

Sonny details the surreal experience of self-surrendering to Atwater Federal Prison. From his last meal at Carl’s Jr. to the moment the prison doors closed behind him, Sonny shares the visceral emotions and thoughts that raced through his mind. He describes the intake process, the dehumanizing strip search, and the adjustment to prison life.

Inside Atwater, Sonny was placed in a low-security camp adjacent to a maximum-security facility. He recalls the challenges of adapting to the prison environment, including the strict routines, the fluorescent floodlights that never turned off, and the community of inmates divided by race and car assignments.

One of the most memorable aspects of Sonny’s first night was his bunkmate, Eugene, a deeply religious man who would call out goodnight to every inmate each evening. This peculiar ritual, though unsettling at first, became a part of Sonny’s nightly routine.

Throughout the episode, Sonny’s resilience and determination shine through. Despite the overwhelming odds and the harsh conditions, he found ways to maintain his sanity and dignity. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of perseverance.

Join us for this compelling episode as Sonny’s journey unfolds, shedding light on the personal impact of the criminal justice system. Stay tuned for more episodes where we continue to explore the intricate realities of life behind bars.

Next Episode

Things We Wish We Knew Before Prison

In this episode, hosts Tony and Sonny talk about their personal experiences and insights from serving time in federal prison. They discuss the fears and misconceptions they had before entering the system, the importance of doing thorough research, and how to navigate life in prison camps.

Both Tony and Sonny share stories from their time at different security levels and offer practical advice for anyone who might be headed to prison. They highlight the mental preparation needed, the importance of connecting with fellow inmates, and the unwritten rules that govern prison life.

Whether it's about dealing with territorial disputes, understanding prison hierarchies, or just surviving the emotional toll, this episode provides a comprehensive view of what it's like behind bars and aims to demystify the prison experience for future inmates.

00:00 Intro
01:24 Initial Fears and Misconceptions
02:42 Research and Preparation Before Prison
09:33 First Day in Prison Experiences
15:54 Adjusting to Prison Life
21:52 Navigating Social Dynamics in Prison
31:58 Final Thoughts and Advice