Tyree Huntley has used discipline and exercise to transform his body, his mind, and the way he approaches life.

To most objective observers, Huntley is built like a tank. His physique is a product of years of pushups, pull-ups, and rigorous exercise routines. Growing up in Richmond, California, Huntley said he was accustomed to being physically active.

“I grew up playing football. I played quarterback and linebacker. I was always in shape because I stayed in the gym,” Huntley said.

Huntley previously viewed exercise primarily as a physical effort, but after developing methods to help him cope with years of incarceration, he has since learned to use it as a tool for maintaining his mental health.

Huntley has been incarcerated for nine years. He said a lot of these years have been plagued with bouts of depression, anxiety, and anger at himself for being involved in the criminal lifestyle that brought him to prison.

“I take full responsibility for being in prison, and that is where a lot of my anger comes from. I’m angry at myself because I knew better,” he said. 

Huntley’s depression emerged early in his incarceration as the reality of being away from his children and family set in. The conditions he’s experienced in prison have not been favorable either.

“It was hard having to deal with a situation where I have no control over my life, and where cops who rarely see inmates as human get to tell me when to sleep, eat and shower,” he said.

The stress caused Huntley to eat away his feelings until he gained 40 unwanted pounds. He said, “Gaining weight and getting out of shape is what caused me to start back working out.”

Huntley noticed two things as he began to catch stride and build consistency with his exercise regimen: One, he shed the extra pounds like old skin; and two, his mood gradually improved. He said the more he worked out, the more confidence he developed and the better he felt about his ability to transform his life.

“I realize that exercise keeps me sane because I can release my stress and zone out and just focus on building myself,” he said, admitting that he would be unbalanced and unable to function properly if he couldn’t exercise.

Huntley has applied the discipline it takes to workout consistently to other areas of his life. Since arriving at San Quentin, he has earned his GED, started pursuing his associate’s degree, and joined the plumbing program. 

“Being in prison gave me time to myself so I could collect myself and focus on my education and being a better person,” Huntley said.

Huntley has shown that exercise can be about so much more than building the largest chest and biceps. He believes mind and body work as a team, and that exercise, proper diet, and discipline can help to shape both.

Upon his release in 2027, Huntley plans to reconnect with his wife and kids while working to become a fitness trainer. His goal is to train busy dads whose hectic schedules leave little time to focus on themselves.

When asked to give some advice to men struggling with exercise and motivation, Huntley said, “Don’t give up on yourself. Get focused on bettering your life and remember to love yourself enough to get in a better position.”