The lives of Elizabeth Holmes and Jen Shah, once defined by boardrooms and Bravo, have taken a decidedly different turn. Both women, now serving time for their respective fraud convictions, are reportedly finding solace and structure in exercise within the confines of federal prison.
Life Inside: A Day in the FPC
Holmes, the former CEO of Theranos, is serving an 11-year sentence (reduced to nine for good behavior) at FPC Bryan in Texas for wire fraud and conspiracy. Shah, known for her role on “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” is also at FPC Bryan, serving a 5.5-year sentence for her involvement in a telemarketing scheme.
Life in a minimum-security prison camp like FPC Bryan is far from glamorous. Inmates are assigned jobs, often mundane tasks like janitorial work or kitchen duty, paying meager wages, sometimes as little as 31 cents per hour. Free time is limited, and the days can be monotonous.
Holmes’ Routine: Re-entry Clerk and Mother
Holmes works as a re-entry clerk in the education building. She also uses her limited phone time to connect with her family, including her husband and children, who visit her on weekends. Holmes has described her incarceration as “hell and torture,” emphasizing the pain of separation from her children. Despite the challenges, she was able to pump breast milk for her youngest child while in custody.
Shah’s Transformation: From Housewife to Fitness Instructor
Shah, before her incarceration, was known for her lavish lifestyle and dramatic persona on reality television. Now, she’s reportedly using her time to mentor fellow inmates, tutoring them in GED and ESL programs, and leading workout classes. Shah herself admits that she “took shortcuts and broke the law.”
Finding Fitness in a Confined Space
While prison facilities lack the advanced equipment of a commercial gym, inmates often find creative ways to stay active using bodyweight exercises. Prison workouts typically focus on calisthenics, which require no equipment and can be performed in a small space.
Common Prison Workout Exercises
- Push-ups: A versatile exercise targeting the chest, triceps, and shoulders. Variations can target different muscle groups.
- Pull-ups: Build upper back and biceps strength.
- Squats: Work the quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Variations like jump squats add intensity.
- Dips: Strengthen the chest and triceps.
- Sit-ups: Target the abdominal muscles.
- Burpees: A full-body exercise combining cardio and strength training.
- Lunges: Improve lower body strength and balance.
- Handstand Press-Ups: This challenging exercise builds upper body strength.
Adapting to Limited Resources
Prison workouts often involve high repetitions and creative variations to maximize effectiveness without weights. Inmates may use walls or other stable objects to assist with exercises or increase the difficulty.
The Psychological Benefits of Exercise
Beyond the physical benefits, exercise can provide significant psychological benefits for inmates. It can help reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of control in a restrictive environment. A consistent workout routine can also offer structure and purpose to the day, combating the boredom and monotony of prison life.
White-Collar Crime and Prison Life
The experience of prison can be particularly jarring for white-collar criminals accustomed to positions of power and privilege. The loss of freedom, the lack of privacy, and the stark contrast to their former lifestyles can be a difficult adjustment.
Common Challenges for White-Collar Inmates
- Loss of Status: In prison, social hierarchies are often based on different factors than in the outside world.
- Lack of Control: Inmates have limited control over their daily routines and activities.
- Exposure to Different Lifestyles: White-collar inmates may be exposed to individuals and lifestyles very different from their own.
- Mental Health: The stress and isolation of prison can take a toll on mental health.
Adapting to the Environment
While prison is undoubtedly a challenging experience, some inmates find ways to adapt and even find meaning in their time. This can involve focusing on self-improvement, pursuing educational opportunities, or helping other inmates.
Life After Prison
Life after prison can be challenging for anyone, but white-collar criminals may face unique hurdles. Rebuilding a career, restoring their reputation, and adjusting to life outside the confines of prison can be a long and difficult process. It’s common to feel isolated.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Holmes and Jen Shah‘s experiences in prison offer a glimpse into a world far removed from the glitz and glamour that once defined their lives. While exercise may not erase their past mistakes, it can provide a path to physical and mental well-being as they navigate their sentences and prepare for an uncertain future. While incarcerated, these women are assigned jobs such as working in the kitchen, janitorial work, and tutoring.
