Avenal is first incarcerated‑led CrossFit affiliate

June 10, 2025

Avenal State Prison became the only institution in the state to be a CrossFit affiliate led entirely by the incarcerated population.

This collaboration with CrossFit helps participants gain expert knowledge, hands-on coaching skills and a potential path to employment upon release.

On May 29, CDCR in collaboration with CrossFit opened CrossFit 1 Kings Way.

Avenal prison leaders, CrossFit Seminar staff, and a representative from the office of Assemblywoman Rosalinda Alexander attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. They were there to show their support for the new incarcerated CrossFit coaches.

The office of Assemblywoman Alexander presented Avenal Coach Bryan Eskew with a certificate recognizing his hard work and determination. Eskew spearheaded the effort in getting the prison officially recognized as a CrossFit affiliate.

“It was important for us to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to not only celebrate what has been done, but because we want to expand,” said Coach Eskew. “We are using this platform to encourage other institutions to do the same.”

Watch the video (story continues below):

Promoting rehabilitation while maintaining safety, security

The state continues to move toward a positive shift in correctional policy focusing on proper support for staff and survivors. The efforts also foster rehabilitative environments for the incarcerated population, leading to safer communities overall.

“CrossFit in my life means everything,” said incarcerated coach Adan. “This is a tool that I use for rehabilitation, and it’s been phenomenal for me. My growth, my confidence, everything has changed for me.”

In February, CrossFit held a two-day seminar at Avenal prison where 15 incarcerated individuals trained and became certified as level 1 CrossFit trainers. That certification allowed Avenal to apply and become an official CrossFit affiliate.

“Seeing the change happening on the outside, happening here on the inside, building their self-esteem, helping with mental health, it’s a huge deal,” said CrossFit Seminar Coach Nick Thomlison. “Where people might lose purpose in their life while being in prison, I think it is now giving them purpose in their life. They should be proud.”

What does it mean?

This collaboration between CDCR and CrossFit helps equip incarcerated participants with tools to be healthy, drug-free and employable members of society.

As an affiliate, the incarcerated level 1 trainers are providing fellow incarcerated individuals fitness instruction. They are also learning business operations by taking on important roles such as head coach, data manager and head of programming. They track their coaching hours, which will help them gain employment once released.

“CrossFit has fundamentally changed me as a person. It’s my passion. It’s given me direction in life, and it’s given me a grander purpose,” said incarcerated CrossFit coach Adam Baker. “One day when I get out of prison my desire is to be able to bring this to other institutions. (I’d like to) help men or women like me who may feel stuck in their life.”

Story by Ashton Harris, information officer
Video by Chris Medina, director, television communications specialist
Office of Public and Employee Communications