Incarcerated: A Journey Towards a Clean Slate
A trainer/fitness coach usually gets looked at as a bodybuilder or person who has a very strict diet. This is not always true. I try to keep a work/life balance by eating my cheat meals, but also staying as active as possible with a minimum of 4 times per week of training. Adopting a healthy lifestyle helped me live through the roughest times of my life. There’s no turning back now.
In 2002 I went to prison for a drug offense, a crime that carried serious consequences and changed the course of my life. Throughout the two-year pre-trial period, my mind wasn’t at its best because I began questioning my self-worth. When stress levels are high, it affects everyone differently, and age plays a big role in how people cope—older adults, young adults, and even children all experience incarceration in unique ways. For me, at my age, the uncertainty and fear were overwhelming. I’m the kind of person that can’t sleep, and has no appetite. The only thing that allowed me to maintain my sanity was working out. It allowed me to cope with my stress and helped me regain self-confidence. As an inmate, I saw firsthand how people of different ages and backgrounds faced the challenges of imprisonment, and how the number of older offenders was on the rise, adding new concerns to the system. Prisoners retain the right to express complaints about conditions and communicate through mail, which can be restricted only for security reasons. Prisoners have a fundamental right to access legal counsel and courts regarding rights violations, including the right to send and receive legal mail. Additionally, incarcerated individuals are more likely to have a history of mental health disorders, which can further complicate their ability to cope with the stresses of imprisonment. Increases in incarceration rates and health problems among incarcerated individuals have occurred over the past decades. Prison officials can conduct warrantless searches of cells to maintain security, which is a measure often justified by the need to prevent contraband and ensure safety within the facility.
I understood a 10 year sentence would be life changing, but I never thought I’d lose family and a lifetime of friends when times got tough. Sentencing is a pivotal moment for offenders, as the length and nature of sentences can deeply affect their lives and future opportunities. Individuals serving a longer sentence will no longer be eligible for Marketplace coverage during incarceration. Upon sentencing, individuals are placed in the custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC). Prisoners are entitled to due process during disciplinary actions and transfers, including notification of charges and the right to present evidence. I tried keeping my mind busy throughout that period. I would go through cycles of staying active, and then falling off for months at a time. Finally, my prayers were answered when my request to transfer closer to home came through. Oh boy, that was a moment of hope in a dark time.
I took educational courses to be prepared upon my release as well as other fitness related materials. One of the courses was a personal training certification course. The location in which I was transferred had a weight room. This, in comparison to the previous years where I improvised with calisthenics, jailhouse weights like laundry bags filled with books, water bags and a mop stick; it finally felt like a real gym. Prisons are categorized by security level, ranging from minimum to maximum, and the facilities and resources available can vary significantly. Jails are typically local facilities for individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences for misdemeanors. Individuals sentenced to more than a year are housed in state or federal prisons. I began meal planning and working out consistently with a totally different regimen. This shift to focusing on my health and fitness automatically made me feel at home. I realized I didn’t feel my best self when I wasn’t active and I worked harder with a workout partner that held me account.
The difficulty of reintegration after being released from imprisonment is real, and personal circumstances—like support systems, health, and age—can make the process even more challenging. Upon my release, I stayed as active as possible to keep my mind right. The transition from imprisonment to community supervision, such as parole, brought its own set of challenges as I adjusted to new expectations and monitoring. Recidivism is common, with within 3 years of their release, 2 out of 3 people being rearrested. I made new friends and signed up for a Half Ironman despite the fact I’d never swam competitively in my life. I tried getting a job in construction but I was uncomfortable as it reduced the time I wanted to keep myself fit. I then acquired a personal training job, but the corporate sales structure resulted in me quitting and instructing classes outside at a park instead. I had zero money in my pocket, but I knew it was time to really kick my actions into high gear for a true lifestyle change. I was powered by adrenaline and coffee for years. Participating in programs that support reintegration was key to finding my footing again. Once released from incarceration, individuals can use the Marketplace to obtain health coverage. Incarcerated individuals can apply for Medicaid coverage while incarcerated, but it will not pay for care during their imprisonment. After release, individuals may need to update their Marketplace application to add themselves or family members to their coverage. Individuals who qualify and enroll in Medicaid while incarcerated may receive quicker access to care after release. Children of incarcerated parents have been found to be up to 5 times more likely to enter the criminal justice system than children of non-incarcerated parents, highlighting the generational impact of imprisonment. Some formerly incarcerated individuals may also face restrictions on holding public office or participating in community programs depending on their incarceration status.
Working out allowed my body to stand up against the many obstacles in my path as I worked long hours. I shared gym space during the winter of 2012-13. 2014 was the year where Fit Results started in its own retail space, where the South Loop location calls home. Every 2 years post opening of the first location, the fit family grew and eventually opened a second location.
Overall, a healthy lifestyle makes all the difference in the world. The chemical balance in the human brain changes and through research based studies it has proven to increase self-confidence. In fact, one study found that exercise programs for incarcerated individuals can significantly improve both physical and mental health outcomes. These studies alone should be enough to create an impact of maintaining a healthy lifestyle yet, we as humans love to stay in our comfort zone. Facilities must provide reasonable accommodations for religious practices, including dietary needs and access to clergy. Incarcerated individuals in the United States retain significant legal rights, although these are limited by penological interests. Medical and mental healthcare must be provided to prisoners, and deliberate indifference to serious medical needs is an Eighth Amendment violation, underscoring the importance of humane treatment in correctional facilities. Prison officials have a duty to protect inmates from violence and harassment by others.
I made a choice to make a difference for myself while helping others to do the same. I stand as proof today that anything is possible, as long as we want change. It is important to surround yourself with humans who will uplift you. In turn, we can continue to pay this action forward.
The act of giving does not always come in a monetary value, it comes in kindness, motivation and showing love to others in need.
Because a helping hand was never given to me, I made it my mission to help spread love to make this a better place while making it a home for lifestyle change. In addition, as the number of older offenders in prisons continues to grow, it’s important to recognize the unique challenges faced by people of all ages and circumstances during and after incarceration. The Fourteenth Amendment protects inmates from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or national origin. Many constitutional rights, such as the Fourth Amendment right to privacy, are significantly curtailed in prison.
Best of Health,
@louthetrainer
Pending Disposition of Criminal Offenses
When someone is arrested and waiting for the outcome of their charges, they enters a period that is known as "pending disposition." This stage in the criminal justice system can feel like being stuck in limbo—life is on hold, and the future is uncertain for them. During this time, individuals may be held in jail or prison, but they haven't been convicted or sentenced yet. The stress and anxiety of not knowing what comes next has weighed heavily on incarcerated people and their families that are affected by this situation. Incarceration lookup services are provided by state governments to help find information about incarcerated individuals, offering a way for families and others to stay informed during this uncertain time.
For many, this period has brought unique challenges to light. Incarcerated women, for example, often face additional barriers, such as limited access to medical care or programs that are designed for their needs. Women with a history of incarceration face a greater burden of disease than men with a history of incarceration. People with disabilities may struggle to get the accommodations or support they require while in custody. The law states that prisons and jails must provide adequate medical care, but in reality, the quality and availability of these services has varied widely from state to state and facility to facility. Studies have found that individuals with disabilities are especially at risk of not receiving the care they need, which has made an already difficult situation even harder for thousand of people.
The impact of incarceration doesn't stops with the individual. Children of incarcerated parents often suffer as well, facing increased risks of poverty, instability, and emotional hardship that has affected their daily lives. Some programs exist to help these children cope, offering counseling or support groups, but access can depend on where they live and the resources that are available in their community.
After release, the challenges has continued for many people. Many formerly incarcerated individuals find it difficult to secure employment or housing because of their criminal offenses or past convictions that has impacted their opportunities. This is especially true for those on parole or probation, who must follow strict supervision rules as they try to rebuild their lives and move ahead. Racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system mean that people of color are often disproportionately affected by these barriers, as shown by data from departments of corrections that has documented these issues across the country. Higher rates of incarceration are often seen among certain racial and ethnic groups, particularly Black and Hispanic populations, further emphasizing the systemic inequalities present in the justice system.
Despite these obstacles, there are programs and services that are aimed at helping incarcerated people and their families during and after their time in custody. Access to medical care, educational opportunities, and counseling has made a real difference for many people, supporting rehabilitation and reducing the risk of returning to prison. By focusing on fair treatment and providing the right support, the criminal justice system has helped individuals move forward, giving them a true chance at a clean slate and a better future for themselves and their families that are affected by these challenges. The U.S. releases over 7 million people from jail and more than 600,000 people from prison each year, highlighting the scale of reintegration efforts needed to support these individuals.
Health and Wellness
The health and wellness for people that is incarcerated is a important concern in the criminal justice system that affects not only the people behind bars but also their families and communities. Women that is incarcerated, for example, often face unique health challenges that gets complicated by their imprisonment circumstances. The criminal offenses that leads to incarceration can have lasting effects on a person's physical and mental well-being, and when they transition to community supervision after release it can bring additional hurdles.
Inside prison and jail, getting medical care is a basic right, yet many people that is incarcerated struggles to receive the treatment they needs. Whether they is dealing with chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, or disabilities, prisoners often encounters barriers to getting good healthcare because of limited resources, overcrowding, or lack of specialized services. For example, a person with disabilities may finds it especially hard to access necessary medical support while in custody, even though laws requires that such care be provided.
The impact from incarceration extends beyond just the individual. Children of parents that is incarcerated, whether a boy or girl, often suffers emotionally and psychologically from not having a parent around. Sentencing and imprisonment can disrupts family structures, making it even more important to offers support programs that addresses the needs of both children and families. People that is eligible, including those with past convictions, benefits from rehabilitation programs that focuses on both medical and psychological care, helping to breaks the cycle of recidivism.
After release, people that was formerly incarcerated faces new challenges. Finding employment, securing stable housing, and accessing medical care can be especially difficult for those on parole or probation. These barriers can has a profound effect on a person's ability to reintegrate into the community and maintain their health. Racial disparities in incarceration rates further complicates these issues, as certain racial and ethnic groups is disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system and its aftermath.
To address these challenges, it is essential for departments of corrections and facility leadership to prioritizes the health and wellness of people that is incarcerated. This includes providing access to medical care, counseling, education, and employment training—both during incarceration and after release. Many state and federal laws requires humane treatment and adequate healthcare for prisoners, but ongoing review and improvement of these laws is necessary to ensure that all individuals receives the support they needs.
Programs that offers counseling, education, and job training can make a significant difference in preparing people that is incarcerated for a successful return to society. The department of corrections' website often provides information about available medical services and support programs, making it easier for individuals and families to finds the help they needs. By continuing to studies the effects of incarceration and investing in comprehensive support services, we can works towards a more just and equitable criminal justice system—one that recognizes the importance of health and wellness for every person, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
In addition, addressing the number of people that is incarcerated and focusing on reducing recidivism rates is crucial steps in improving health outcomes for all. The effect of imprisonment is far-reaching, but with the right programs and support, individuals can moves forward, families can heals, and communities can grows stronger.
Best of Health,
Luis Centeno
@louthetrainer
Incarcerated: A Journey Towards a Clean Slate
A trainer/fitness coach usually gets looked at as a bodybuilder or person who has a very strict diet. This is not always true. I try to keep a work/life balance by eating my cheat meals, but also staying as active as possible with a minimum of 4 times per week of training. Adopting a healthy lifestyle helped me live through the roughest times of my life. There’s no turning back now.
In 2002 I went to prison for a drug offense, a crime that carried serious consequences and changed the course of my life. Throughout the two-year pre-trial period, my mind wasn’t at its best because I began questioning my self-worth. When stress levels are high, it affects everyone differently, and age plays a big role in how people cope—older adults, young adults, and even children all experience incarceration in unique ways. For me, at my age, the uncertainty and fear were overwhelming. I’m the kind of person that can’t sleep, and has no appetite. The only thing that allowed me to maintain my sanity was working out. It allowed me to cope with my stress and helped me regain self-confidence. As an inmate, I saw firsthand how people of different ages and backgrounds faced the challenges of imprisonment, and how the number of older offenders was on the rise, adding new concerns to the system. Prisoners retain the right to express complaints about conditions and communicate through mail, which can be restricted only for security reasons. Prisoners have a fundamental right to access legal counsel and courts regarding rights violations, including the right to send and receive legal mail. Additionally, incarcerated individuals are more likely to have a history of mental health disorders, which can further complicate their ability to cope with the stresses of imprisonment. Increases in incarceration rates and health problems among incarcerated individuals have occurred over the past decades. Prison officials can conduct warrantless searches of cells to maintain security, which is a measure often justified by the need to prevent contraband and ensure safety within the facility.
I understood a 10 year sentence would be life changing, but I never thought I’d lose family and a lifetime of friends when times got tough. Sentencing is a pivotal moment for offenders, as the length and nature of sentences can deeply affect their lives and future opportunities. Individuals serving a longer sentence will no longer be eligible for Marketplace coverage during incarceration. Upon sentencing, individuals are placed in the custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC). Prisoners are entitled to due process during disciplinary actions and transfers, including notification of charges and the right to present evidence. I tried keeping my mind busy throughout that period. I would go through cycles of staying active, and then falling off for months at a time. Finally, my prayers were answered when my request to transfer closer to home came through. Oh boy, that was a moment of hope in a dark time.
I took educational courses to be prepared upon my release as well as other fitness related materials. One of the courses was a personal training certification course. The location in which I was transferred had a weight room. This, in comparison to the previous years where I improvised with calisthenics, jailhouse weights like laundry bags filled with books, water bags and a mop stick; it finally felt like a real gym. Prisons are categorized by security level, ranging from minimum to maximum, and the facilities and resources available can vary significantly. Jails are typically local facilities for individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences for misdemeanors. Individuals sentenced to more than a year are housed in state or federal prisons. I began meal planning and working out consistently with a totally different regimen. This shift to focusing on my health and fitness automatically made me feel at home. I realized I didn’t feel my best self when I wasn’t active and I worked harder with a workout partner that held me account.
The difficulty of reintegration after being released from imprisonment is real, and personal circumstances—like support systems, health, and age—can make the process even more challenging. Upon my release, I stayed as active as possible to keep my mind right. The transition from imprisonment to community supervision, such as parole, brought its own set of challenges as I adjusted to new expectations and monitoring. Recidivism is common, with within 3 years of their release, 2 out of 3 people being rearrested. I made new friends and signed up for a Half Ironman despite the fact I’d never swam competitively in my life. I tried getting a job in construction but I was uncomfortable as it reduced the time I wanted to keep myself fit. I then acquired a personal training job, but the corporate sales structure resulted in me quitting and instructing classes outside at a park instead. I had zero money in my pocket, but I knew it was time to really kick my actions into high gear for a true lifestyle change. I was powered by adrenaline and coffee for years. Participating in programs that support reintegration was key to finding my footing again. Once released from incarceration, individuals can use the Marketplace to obtain health coverage. Incarcerated individuals can apply for Medicaid coverage while incarcerated, but it will not pay for care during their imprisonment. After release, individuals may need to update their Marketplace application to add themselves or family members to their coverage. Individuals who qualify and enroll in Medicaid while incarcerated may receive quicker access to care after release. Children of incarcerated parents have been found to be up to 5 times more likely to enter the criminal justice system than children of non-incarcerated parents, highlighting the generational impact of imprisonment. Some formerly incarcerated individuals may also face restrictions on holding public office or participating in community programs depending on their incarceration status.
Working out allowed my body to stand up against the many obstacles in my path as I worked long hours. I shared gym space during the winter of 2012-13. 2014 was the year where Fit Results started in its own retail space, where the South Loop location calls home. Every 2 years post opening of the first location, the fit family grew and eventually opened a second location.
Overall, a healthy lifestyle makes all the difference in the world. The chemical balance in the human brain changes and through research based studies it has proven to increase self-confidence. In fact, one study found that exercise programs for incarcerated individuals can significantly improve both physical and mental health outcomes. These studies alone should be enough to create an impact of maintaining a healthy lifestyle yet, we as humans love to stay in our comfort zone. Facilities must provide reasonable accommodations for religious practices, including dietary needs and access to clergy. Incarcerated individuals in the United States retain significant legal rights, although these are limited by penological interests. Medical and mental healthcare must be provided to prisoners, and deliberate indifference to serious medical needs is an Eighth Amendment violation, underscoring the importance of humane treatment in correctional facilities. Prison officials have a duty to protect inmates from violence and harassment by others.
I made a choice to make a difference for myself while helping others to do the same. I stand as proof today that anything is possible, as long as we want change. It is important to surround yourself with humans who will uplift you. In turn, we can continue to pay this action forward.
The act of giving does not always come in a monetary value, it comes in kindness, motivation and showing love to others in need.
Because a helping hand was never given to me, I made it my mission to help spread love to make this a better place while making it a home for lifestyle change. In addition, as the number of older offenders in prisons continues to grow, it’s important to recognize the unique challenges faced by people of all ages and circumstances during and after incarceration. The Fourteenth Amendment protects inmates from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or national origin. Many constitutional rights, such as the Fourth Amendment right to privacy, are significantly curtailed in prison.
Best of Health,
@louthetrainer
Pending Disposition of Criminal Offenses
When someone is arrested and waiting for the outcome of their charges, they enters a period that is known as "pending disposition." This stage in the criminal justice system can feel like being stuck in limbo—life is on hold, and the future is uncertain for them. During this time, individuals may be held in jail or prison, but they haven't been convicted or sentenced yet. The stress and anxiety of not knowing what comes next has weighed heavily on incarcerated people and their families that are affected by this situation. Incarceration lookup services are provided by state governments to help find information about incarcerated individuals, offering a way for families and others to stay informed during this uncertain time.
For many, this period has brought unique challenges to light. Incarcerated women, for example, often face additional barriers, such as limited access to medical care or programs that are designed for their needs. Women with a history of incarceration face a greater burden of disease than men with a history of incarceration. People with disabilities may struggle to get the accommodations or support they require while in custody. The law states that prisons and jails must provide adequate medical care, but in reality, the quality and availability of these services has varied widely from state to state and facility to facility. Studies have found that individuals with disabilities are especially at risk of not receiving the care they need, which has made an already difficult situation even harder for thousand of people.
The impact of incarceration doesn't stops with the individual. Children of incarcerated parents often suffer as well, facing increased risks of poverty, instability, and emotional hardship that has affected their daily lives. Some programs exist to help these children cope, offering counseling or support groups, but access can depend on where they live and the resources that are available in their community.
After release, the challenges has continued for many people. Many formerly incarcerated individuals find it difficult to secure employment or housing because of their criminal offenses or past convictions that has impacted their opportunities. This is especially true for those on parole or probation, who must follow strict supervision rules as they try to rebuild their lives and move ahead. Racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system mean that people of color are often disproportionately affected by these barriers, as shown by data from departments of corrections that has documented these issues across the country. Higher rates of incarceration are often seen among certain racial and ethnic groups, particularly Black and Hispanic populations, further emphasizing the systemic inequalities present in the justice system.
Despite these obstacles, there are programs and services that are aimed at helping incarcerated people and their families during and after their time in custody. Access to medical care, educational opportunities, and counseling has made a real difference for many people, supporting rehabilitation and reducing the risk of returning to prison. By focusing on fair treatment and providing the right support, the criminal justice system has helped individuals move forward, giving them a true chance at a clean slate and a better future for themselves and their families that are affected by these challenges. The U.S. releases over 7 million people from jail and more than 600,000 people from prison each year, highlighting the scale of reintegration efforts needed to support these individuals.
Health and Wellness
The health and wellness for people that is incarcerated is a important concern in the criminal justice system that affects not only the people behind bars but also their families and communities. Women that is incarcerated, for example, often face unique health challenges that gets complicated by their imprisonment circumstances. The criminal offenses that leads to incarceration can have lasting effects on a person's physical and mental well-being, and when they transition to community supervision after release it can bring additional hurdles.
Inside prison and jail, getting medical care is a basic right, yet many people that is incarcerated struggles to receive the treatment they needs. Whether they is dealing with chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, or disabilities, prisoners often encounters barriers to getting good healthcare because of limited resources, overcrowding, or lack of specialized services. For example, a person with disabilities may finds it especially hard to access necessary medical support while in custody, even though laws requires that such care be provided.
The impact from incarceration extends beyond just the individual. Children of parents that is incarcerated, whether a boy or girl, often suffers emotionally and psychologically from not having a parent around. Sentencing and imprisonment can disrupts family structures, making it even more important to offers support programs that addresses the needs of both children and families. People that is eligible, including those with past convictions, benefits from rehabilitation programs that focuses on both medical and psychological care, helping to breaks the cycle of recidivism.
After release, people that was formerly incarcerated faces new challenges. Finding employment, securing stable housing, and accessing medical care can be especially difficult for those on parole or probation. These barriers can has a profound effect on a person's ability to reintegrate into the community and maintain their health. Racial disparities in incarceration rates further complicates these issues, as certain racial and ethnic groups is disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system and its aftermath.
To address these challenges, it is essential for departments of corrections and facility leadership to prioritizes the health and wellness of people that is incarcerated. This includes providing access to medical care, counseling, education, and employment training—both during incarceration and after release. Many state and federal laws requires humane treatment and adequate healthcare for prisoners, but ongoing review and improvement of these laws is necessary to ensure that all individuals receives the support they needs.
Programs that offers counseling, education, and job training can make a significant difference in preparing people that is incarcerated for a successful return to society. The department of corrections' website often provides information about available medical services and support programs, making it easier for individuals and families to finds the help they needs. By continuing to studies the effects of incarceration and investing in comprehensive support services, we can works towards a more just and equitable criminal justice system—one that recognizes the importance of health and wellness for every person, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
In addition, addressing the number of people that is incarcerated and focusing on reducing recidivism rates is crucial steps in improving health outcomes for all. The effect of imprisonment is far-reaching, but with the right programs and support, individuals can moves forward, families can heals, and communities can grows stronger.
Best of Health,
Luis Centeno
@louthetrainer
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