Coss Marte’s story is not one of overnight success, but of transformation, resilience, and a commitment to giving back. Marte, a former drug kingpin, has turned his life around to become the founder and CEO of CONBODY, a unique fitness program that not only helps people get in shape but also provides opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. His journey from the streets of New York’s Lower East Side to the forefront of the fitness industry is nothing short of remarkable.
A Life on the Streets
Born and raised in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Marte’s early life was marked by poverty, drugs, and crime. His family, who had recently immigrated from the Dominican Republic, struggled to make ends meet. Surrounded by a culture where drug dealing was seen as a viable path to success, Marte began selling marijuana at the age of 13. He quickly escalated to selling cocaine and other drugs, eventually running a lucrative drug delivery service that brought in over $2 million a year by the time he was 19. However, this lifestyle was unsustainable, and at the age of 23, Marte was arrested and sentenced to seven years in prison for drug-related offenses.
Finding Fitness Behind Bars
Prison proved to be a turning point for Marte. Facing a grim prognosis from doctors who warned that his poor health could lead to his death, he decided to take control of his well-being. With no access to traditional gym equipment, Marte developed a bodyweight workout routine within his 9×6 foot cell. He used the walls and floor as his gym. This regimen, focusing on intense cardio and strength training, helped him lose 70 pounds in six months. Other inmates took notice, and Marte began training them, helping them lose a combined weight of over 1000 pounds. This experience laid the groundwork for what would later become CONBODY.
The Birth of CONBODY
Upon his release from prison in 2013, Marte faced the challenges of reentry into society, including difficulty finding employment due to his criminal record. He realized that many other formerly incarcerated individuals faced similar struggles, and he wanted to create a solution. Fueled by his passion for fitness and his desire to give back to his community, he launched CONBODY in January 2014. The fitness program is a prison-style bootcamp that uses only bodyweight exercises, mirroring the workouts he created while incarcerated.
A Unique Approach to Fitness
CONBODY is more than just a workout; it’s a movement with a social mission. The classes are based on the rigorous, non-stop routines Marte developed in prison. They combine cardio, HIIT, strength training, and metabolic conditioning, all without the need for any equipment. The program focuses on high-intensity, back-to-back exercises, pushing participants to their limits. The workouts are designed to be efficient, with many lasting just 23 minutes. This intense but effective method has garnered a loyal following.
Empowering the Formerly Incarcerated
A key aspect of CONBODY‘s mission is to provide employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. Marte hires them as interns and, after certification, as instructors. He aims to break the cycle of recidivism and give these individuals a second chance. By hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, CONBODY is also challenging the stigma associated with a criminal record. The company creates a supportive environment where people who have shared similar experiences can thrive. It is more than a job for these trainers; it is an opportunity for them to be part of a community, mentor, and inspire others.
Expanding the CONBODY Empire
CONBODY has grown from a small studio in the Lower East Side to a recognized fitness brand. It has gained attention from major media outlets, including The New York Times, Men’s Health, and Salon.com, and has attracted over 20,000 customers. The company has expanded its offerings beyond in-person classes to include live stream and on-demand workout videos, making the CONBODY experience accessible to a wider audience.
A Social Enterprise Model
CONBODY operates as a social enterprise, combining its fitness business with a mission to advocate for criminal justice reform. It has partnered with non-profit organizations that provide support for formerly incarcerated individuals. CONBODY has also worked with over 100 formerly incarcerated professionals, and boasts a 0% recidivism rate among those it has employed. The company is committed to creating a more equitable world for returning citizens, particularly Black and Brown individuals. Through the CONBODY Foundation, they offer fitness and corporate social responsibility programs.
Training and Certification
CONBODY offers a unique internship program for formerly incarcerated individuals who are interested in becoming fitness instructors. The program provides paid internships to help trainees prepare for their certifications. Once certified, they can become group fitness instructors for CONBODY. The company not only provides employment, but also offers a pathway for formerly incarcerated individuals to become leaders and mentors within their community.
Overcoming Obstacles
Despite its success, CONBODY has faced challenges. One significant obstacle has been discrimination against Marte due to his criminal background. This has hindered some investment opportunities, and even prevented him from appearing on the popular TV show Shark Tank. Despite this, CONBODY has garnered investments and continues to expand its reach and impact.
The Prison Bus
Coss Marte is further expanding the reach of CONBODY by using a school bus that he calls the ‘Prison Bus’, with plans to tour major cities to bring awareness to the high incarceration rates throughout the United States. The bus symbolizes the journey of those leaving the prison system, and the mission to aid in their transition back into society.
A Vision for the Future
Coss Marte’s journey from drug dealer to fitness entrepreneur is a testament to the power of redemption and the potential for change. Through CONBODY, he has not only created a successful business but has also transformed the lives of many. His commitment to social justice, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, makes him a force for positive change. CONBODY is poised to continue its growth, expanding its reach, and creating more opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals, one push-up at a time.
