From Valleynewslive · · 1m
Former inmate leads women's prison fitness program
A former inmate returns weekly to Perryville Prison to lead fitness classes for women incarcerated there.
In brief
A former inmate returns weekly to Perryville Prison to lead fitness classes for women incarcerated there. A former inmate leads weekly fitness classes at Perryville Prison to help women incarcerated there rebuild community and self-worth. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Fitness program starts
A former inmate returns weekly to Perryville Prison to lead an hourlong fitness class for women incarcerated there.
Participants' backgrounds
Helen Dahlstrom has a gambling addiction that led her to break the law, while Margaret Coss is a recovering drug addict with multiple incarcerations.
Self-worth impact
Dahlstrom said she lost self-worth entering prison, stating, 'Absolutely. I don’t know a person that hasn’t.'
“Absolutely. I don’t know a person that hasn’t.”
Community building
Participants said the program builds better community, allowing women to trust each other through shared workouts.
“It builds a better community amongst us women, we can trust each other because we’re working out together.”
Program creator
Kristin Kline, a formerly incarcerated person, created the Convicted Comeback program after fitness saved her life.
Current program challenges
Kline leads workouts outdoors in extreme heat on hot cement without mats, motivating participants to seek change.
“They’re hungry for change. They’re hungry for what we’re ready to deliver, and we speak their language.”
The short version
A former inmate leads weekly fitness classes at Perryville Prison to help women incarcerated there rebuild community and self-worth.
