NCJ Number
153688
Journal
Keepers' Voice Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1995) Pages: 23-26
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The 1994 Violence Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act passed Congress without an amendment banning either weightlifting in Federal prisons, or restricting other inmate benefits.
Abstract
It would appear that weightlifting activity may be inimical to the public's demand to crack down on crime. The letters presented here discuss various aspects of weight training in prison. Weightlifting is generally seen by inmates, guards, and prison administrators as a positive means of building self-esteem and a sense of control for inmates, as well as a healthy outlet for physical activity. Famous bodybuilders have contributed their time and expertise to educate and motivate, demonstrate, coach, and judge competitions among bodybuilding prisoners. Proponents of legislation to ban prison bodybuilding believe that the government should not finance convicted offenders' efforts to strengthen themselves, while opponents of such legislation reject arguments that stronger inmates will necessarily commit more violence either in prison or upon release.