Prison: The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me

Malik Abdul-Haqq turned to drugs to fill a void in his life, but he received a wake-up call when he was sentenced to a three-year stint in a California state prison. To get his life back on track, he traded his drug addiction for an addiction to wellness and started doing CrossFit.
A longtime bodybuilding enthusiast, Abdul-Haqq created a plan for surviving prison: He would read the books his father gave him and exercise every day. But weightlifting has been banned in California state prisons since 1998, so Abdul-Haqq had to get creative. When he wasn’t running or performing body-weight movements, he would fill old T-shirts with gravel and use them as weights in the yard.
Upon his release, Abdul-Haqq decided he no longer wanted to focus exclusively on bodybuilding. Instead of being a specialist, he wanted to be “an all-around badass,” and CrossFit’s emphasis on constantly varied functional movement was a better fit for his long-term goals.
After receiving encouragement from the coaches in his CrossFit community in Oakland, California, he completed the CrossFit Level 1 Certificate Course.
Abdul-Haqq plans to open his own gym and offer after-school fitness programs for local kids someday.
The CrossFit Journal -- journal.crossfi...
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[@Sonotbearface]

He's lucky he has a great father

[@InversedLogic]

Nathan Isles his dad is amazing

[@chetelodicofare]

His dad used to train me. Solid dude, no pun intended.

[@StebanHern]

:P

[@SmellTheHell999]

His father looks like CT Fletcher. the dude is blessed with father like this!

[@privatesector0422]

Nathan Isles Fathers are there to our son's differently as to our mothers are to us :) And as for Mom....we do love you just as much but there are some things that you just can't understand, I'm sure you'll understand.... Yep...... it's just a guy thing :) outstanding dad..... Oh and of corse LOVE YA MOM ! AND DAD! :)

[@DaLoOoNeY]

Man the dad's speech at 7.28 is awesome!

[@kalx3991]

I didn't appreciate my fathers wisdom as much as I do now that he's gone. This really helped

[@entyce66]

a lot of ppl think that ppl who go to prison are bad but not true sometimes ppl make mistakes ...he made a mistake learned from it and moved on sometimes we have to go backwards in order to go forward...Good luck malik

[@blade83336]

entyce66 you wouldn't say that if a persons actions affected your family

[@entyce66]

Stanislav Khaylov jail is for everybody trust me they don't discriminate

[@tunjilegba]

Youre right a friend of mine who was a good kid never got into trouble started hangin with the neighborhood "thugs" and after 2months wound up in jail for 2years.

[@donniekane3260]

I don't trust them no further than I can throw them!

[@entyce66]

Danny Kenobi I agree the best addiction

[@joeywang753]

seeing him get that tattoo removed was moving.. saying goodbye to the past. mad respect to this dude

[@drewl5221]

The 3 and a half years I did in prison had a similar effect. Prison is the olace where I dedicated myself to fitness, and at 33, when I came home, I was in the best shape of my life. The time is what you make it. Awesome documentary.

[@peewee9828]

His dad is wise af

[@officerdoofy9582]

Yeh

[@stevenanderson7807]

Much respect to Crossfit for sharing this video. I realize that people are going to say negative things about Crossfit & Malik. But, the only thing that matters is that he's learned his personal lesson for his life. We've all experienced our own personal lessons. So remember this when watching this video. Because, what if reaches some kids and turns their life around due to personal experiences.

[@stevenanderson7807]

My apologies for the the bad grammar. My kids wanting to wrestle with me!!

[@adamfun6358]

90 days in jail changed my life! I was depressed alcoholic gambler .. time in jail helped me and give me the courage to change! I started working out everyday since then,became social and started to enjoy the simple things in life . Jail helped overcome addiction so if you ever get locked up get the best out of it .

[@jayon101]

that was the best and dopiest father convo any man can give his son b4 stepping into prison. mad respect appreciation to his father god bless

[@RealnameKevin]

Salute to you Malik and his father is a Triple OG

[@jacob.peters]

Good luck, Malik. The community is here for you.

[@tylerchapman3999]

Good for him. Found a positive outlet and something to love.

[@felicianothorpe8998]

That Father is the real hero in this story.Salute to the father's!! That no matter how their son mess up they do not give up on their sons.

[@hayleatubbs5343]

Man it's awesome how he turned his life around! I pray that he continues to have a heart for helping others!!

[@prettyfe2462]

Much RESPECT to him and his GREAT DAD...

[@MrDavidPartida]

"I already told you how you gotta walk the walk...." strong words by the father. outstanding video!

[@Colt-Forty5]

Seems like a solid guy - with a damn good father! You can tell they both have good hearts.

[@cedricburden6850]

I rarely watch CrossFit KZbin videos when they email me notifications. I was glad I took the time to look at this one. Best of luck to that young man...I hope he continues to make better life choices!

[@crjaded]

People bash CrossFit(me included) but I take it back. This is one of the best videos I’ve seen. Well done CF.

[@JoeyFromTheBX]

This was dope! This is going to hit home for a lot of inner city kids that need an outlet. Good job HQ

[@JoeyFromTheBX]

You're right, but being an inner city kid myself I know there where no outlets for us. I'm sure this video can uplift anyone, but lets be honest in suburbia there are a lot more avenues available to keep kids out of trouble.

[@JoeyFromTheBX]

LOL

[@barringtonmorris90]

Joey Cambrelen what?

[@daysane3584]

Joey Cambrelen you right men he does look like the the game

[@spenserjoseph8732]

cross fit is for people who cant be alone. theyre emotionally weak and need a group setting to succeed. it's a fucking class... if you havent noticed. the only time you need someone in the gym is to spot you. other than that your just a child who needs attention

[@PUEBLOVISTA]

Great short, amazing fatherly advise. That dad deserves a medal.

[@dawnc5797]

Malik's father speaks a lot of truth. His son chose that path and it was time to pay the price. Some very good advice from a very wise man. I hope Malik continues on this positive path.

[@averagetobest8180]

My boy Malik is the best dude around. He needs our support right now. The police are trying to accuse him of something he didn't do. He turned himself in to face the truth but they are really railroading him. FreeMalik

[@polarbearfitness2735]

Is he. Good

[@SmellTheHell999]

His father looks like CT Fletcher. The dude is blessed with father like this!!!

[@raydonavan8562]

Yup , I just came across this video by accident. I have so many things in common with Malik. Training hard has preserved my sanity, it has enabled me to overcome drug addiction , it has allowed me to get rid of all the toxic relationships I found my self in. Don't ever give up they said. They were absolutely right. Guess what , it's time to go get another work out in. It's Sunday morning and I feel good. Malik if your reading this, I got big respect for you. The devil tried to eliminate all your hopes but your faith in the greater good prevailed. Full Frequency Focus ✅

[@MySon1sAdorable]

This guy reminds me of my loved one who is unfortunately serving a much steeper sentence. He went from being a string bean to a buff machine! He hopes to get out and become a personal trainer... I'm going to tell him about this man! Thank you for sharing his story 💜

[@michaelh9251]

Your a boss dude and your father is a boss to! Thank god for your father and ability to get addicted to working out

[@solidstudd22]

I'm a felon as well, so this is very motivating for me as I'm dieting and training for my first men's physique contest. keep at it malik.

[@Franklin.007]

Beautiful and inspiring story ^^. Thanks a whole bunch Malik!

[@malikabdul-haqq9331]

Franklin To Thanks for checking this out, Follow me on ig for more workout motivation💪! @famous_physiques

[@DanielGarcia-eo1wo]

Such a great story, fitness has been a outlet and savior for so many people, there should be absolutely no dislikes or trash talk on such a turn around story like this. Positive vibes and love to all who make a change for the better like this. Get some Malik!!!!! 💪🏼🏋🏽

[@deadman5304]

Good luck

[@kuntryboynoona1107]

When his dad was tellin him how to walk that walk ....it sent chills down my back he a real square business man 💪🏾

[@slickone777]

this was deep af much respect to Malik and his dad

[@jimjimmyjames59]

What a story! Both these men are hugely inspirational!!!!

[@rahim2530]

Malik's got my endorsement and support. Such an inspiring story.

[@malikabdul3252]

Rahim thank you💪

[@polarbearfitness2735]

@@malikabdul3252 hey bro I’m a huge fan proud of ya bro

[@markthompson1796]

Keep up the good work Malik. You're an inspiration.

[@procknyp238]

Thumps up 👍🏼 glad to see ppl like him make it and make a difference meaning we all can change.

[@RainiGarciaa]

A good story, full of truth. Even after he got out of prison he kept it real.

[@thebeast9869]

he's dad is a beast

[@Splashdown99]

Love this. Most inspirational thing that I've seen in quite a long time. Wish all the best to Malik.

[@malikabdul-haqq9331]

Julius McLinko Thanks for checking this out, Follow me on ig for more workout motivation💪! @famous_physiques

[@xounarinarinari2067]

His dad has crazy big arms still.

[@hernandonaire1510]

His dad is very humble and wise, lucky man.

[@monavejdani5046]

This is so powerful! He is such a humble guy! We need more people like You Malik! ❤

[@ringleader319]

Great story! Even greater father! Malik is a very lucky man to have a father like that!

[@mtnman1]

I can relate to this in a lot of ways, instead of prison I had the foresight to join the Army before I ended up dead or in prison. I didn't discover crossfit until last year but it's changed my life. I'm an instant fan of this man.. 🍻

[@metalfingers6913]

Kyle Thomas you can't! You never went to Prison. That's the difference!

[@deadking2534]

My boy Malik killing it! Love how he turned his life around! Great movie!

[@cfreemful]

I am struggling right now with changing my life, job and family.Malik's story gives me hope.

[@malikabdul3252]

cfreemful stay optimistic and don't stop no matter what

[@paulcasserly8918]

Inspirational story. And I'm sure it's only going to get better. Much respect to Malik for turning his life around.

[@jamaalabubaka3011]

I had a hard childhood and I used to get angry a lot and used to take it out on walls, people, family. I got told to use weight lifting and work outs as an outlet of anger but I just laughed in his face. I had no other option to start working out because all the other techniques didn't work, best decision ever. Working out is the best way to release anger and hate

[@zeroworries3076]

It was pretty cool to see him turn his life around and find his passion. I wish him well.

[@808digital808]

Respect, I am going to show this to all the kids in my life. Similar backgrounds except I hit CYA in 98 did a nickel and still bumped my head. Now I'm 38 and see all the mistakes I made, but good stories and valuable lessons. Stay up Malik.

[@malikabdul3252]

Bobby Digit thank you !

[@alecalvarado7682]

@@malikabdul3252 hey man my dad just passed away from s heart attack I'm getting into excercising to help but I always end up on this video alot lately thanks bro

[@averagebloke4474]

pretty cool video. He seems like a really good guy, we all live with regret I'm living in the past with regret myself. I wish him the best.

[@MM-ob8ti]

This is an inspiration story, I hope he gets to open up his gym one day and save some kids from the wrong path. Maybe there be less criminals.

[@Ronin7726]

awesome stuff, big respect to malik, learned his lesson and came out the other side 10 times better and now he wants to help people....stand up guy, all the best to you

[@Rickky1971]

This was cool. Good story to hear about being on the bottom and digging and fighting your way out. I wish a lot of kids vould see this. This guy's dad kept that shit real, TOUGH LOVE SON, but I still love you. That's a good father.

[@johnsonj1371]

Malik nothing is impossible brother, continue to show your community that. Great story!

[@kreate06]

you can tell hes a gentle giant until you test him!

[@YouGotMelbyRhaMelMcQueen]

This Video Almost made me cry! Man it shows me even if things didn't work out between two parents you still have a obligation to be responsible to your offspring. If this man didn't have a DAD this documentary couldn't be possible. Peace King..

[@kennethbrooks9570]

my question is who are the 50plus idiots that would thumbs down this man's story... .he's done what a lot of people can't manage to do when they go thru the system...

[@dough9218]

Kenneth Brooks maybe their friends or relatives died of drug abuse, and they're so hurt that they can't respect anyone who's using

[@kennethbrooks9570]

Need to get out they feelings

[@tobycox3428]

its crossfit

[@souffrantnyc]

Kenneth Brooks He doesn't look like 50 cent or the game

[@kennethbrooks9570]

Not the point....he's bettered his life...

[@sufronausea]

Great video! First crossfit content that doesn't brag about how crossfit can cure everything, or how crossfit is THE fitness. This video is all about consistency and finding a way out!

[@rocketskyvolta3004]

Health Is Wealth. Dude does have a good father.

[@traceyam20]

Great video. I greatly admire how you have decided to turn your life around Malik. "Live to Give". Nuff Respect.

[@mitchcollins2947]

Good for him. Thanks for sharing this.

[@realkatiewilliams]

Seriously, What a great Dad!! I am so proud of this family and the hurdles they've overcame.

[@ajustice007]

Great story! More like this... why they started Crossfit... How they got to where they are... Where are they now. very inspiring.

[@rafaelaraujo9898]

This man is the truth. I was waiting on the side of the road in the dark, holding jumper cables and every car drove pass except this man. Every Saint has had a past and every devil can change its future. Your past doesn't determine what you future will hold. Never to late to change. Thank you again for your help and your motivation to get me through another day. -the guy on the side of the road

[@markuscwatson]

His dad is awesome

[@allenrhea]

This is why being a caring father is so important in a kids life. I commend his father for never giving up on his son.

[@malikabdul-haqq9331]

Allen Rhea Thanks for checking this out, Follow me on ig for more workout motivation💪! @famous_physiques

[@nick_wavy]

super nice documentary...very motivating

[@brunocbart2421]

Well except the drug part... And i dont think u should aim to go to prison to change your life lol well i dont think anyone thinks like this but just sayin.

[@ziniccreed324]

Im so motivated that I’m going to go to jail maybe kill someone to go there then do what he does :)

[@andrespacheco9639]

Motivating, inspiring I too been wanting to join a gym, soon but this videos motivates me a lot. Blessings on to you brother!

[@YungSavage311]

what an inspiration. keeping doin ya thang mane! I hope you reach all of your goals!

[@michaelstfort]

his "this is the life you chose" speech is the realest thing I have ever heard.

[@ribityy]

"When keeping it real goes wrong"

[@SkelterRed]

Damn his father kicked real life game, shit made me teary eyed. I never had a father to tell me shit like that. It took 10 years in the marines and 4 tours and having a babygirl for me to wise up and i wish i had half of the wisdom this man has. He's the golden standard of what a father should be. 🙏 ✊ respect to pops and anyone else in the comments who went through this shit with me, you're not alone. #brothers

[@rfalaula1687]

Well done Malik, to live a life of crime and then to change your way of thinking or your mentality to better your life and your future is not an easy thing to do, trust me uso iv walked that exact same path. Wish you all the best for the future and your father is a great and very wise man...

[@kettlebell4life]

ROKKI FALAULA Malo uce

[@rfalaula1687]

kettlebell4life Malo uso!!

[@IstvanVass1974]

I really like, how Malik found his way, wish him all the best and keep the fingers crossed, that he stays on this path. By the way his father is a really cool guy in incredible shape, with much wisdom.

[@christophergardener3688]

Thank You CrossFit.... Thank You Malik.... Respect.... Peace Be Unto You....

[@jesuslovesyou4571]

Christopher Gardener niqqa lookin gay as hell

[@WorthlessDeadEnd]

I _love_ that father's wisdom and faith he has in his son. What a motivator.

[@malikabdul-haqq9331]

WorthlessDeadEnd Thanks for checking this out, Follow me on ig for more workout motivation💪! @famous_physiques

[@jaccy3349]

Good for you Malik! I'm even more motivated to keep going :) Thank you for this. #lovethefathersupport!

[@TUFCEF]

This guy has inspired me so much I wish I had a dad like his

[@juliancolarossi]

Dude looks like a mix of labron and the game

[@nobody3888]

Yeah he does Your blind ^

[@14thivy89]

He looks nothing like either 😒

[@yogaflame4128]

m. Guy,sr it takes a _specialist_ to see it.

[@Genghis_Khaan_]

Julian Colarossi yeah I have to agree

[@BrokeMalone]

LAAABROOOONNNN JAMMESSSSSS

[@KenStinnett]

one of the best pieces I've seen.

[@salaahalmutairi9652]

Love it, respect to your father Malik 🙏🏻

[@michaelbell7995]

Malik, thank you for sharing your story. It demonstrated courage, humility, and altruism. You caused unknown pain and suffering to others. One can hope for healing and redemption by giving rather than taking from others. We live in a material world in which all things are passing and temporary except for our Creator. Physical beauty will fade like the tattoo, however it seems like you have an inner beauty that will now continue to shine. Never mind the haters. Forgiveness is given to all who sincerely seek it. You have a beautiful body that you have worked hard to create. Others will naturally look to you as a role model. Help them to focus on developing beautiful souls through your actions and deeds. In the end, this is a story of inspiration not only because you turned your life around, but also because you showed others how character and determination are transforming for all. Thank you. Best wishes for your health and happiness.

[@iceman20211]

Of course they bash bodybuilding within the first few mins

[@taoist32]

iceman20211 I would too. Bodybuilding doesn't do anything but build muscle. No functionality for sports or performance in high risk activities. I did bodybuilding for a while doing all the popular magazine routines. Built muscle but I couldn't move very well. Lost flexibility, coordination, balance, and even power and stamina. I now do hybrid powerbuilding. Easier on the joints and I build real world strength and improve my flexibility, balance, coordination, power, and stamina.

[@iceman20211]

I'd say it also burns fat. Crossfit has this terrible open idea about bashing what other people want to do in the fitness world. If someone wants to be bodybuilder and follow that life style dont rip them and say oh well crossfit is better because x y z. Just let them be. Bodybuilding isnt suppose to be for sports. It is it's own thing. Let it be. Crossfit is the most hyper critical, propaganda filled hobby I have ever seen.

[@stun1zng267]

taoist40 bodybuilding only builds muscle.... so they're weak af, right?... dumb

[@waawaaweewaa2045]

You can argue the same for crossfit, just crossfitting wont make you a good athlete.

[@JeeeeeZ289]

iceman20211 yeah fucking propaganda video

[@jazminpaz4219]

im a correctional officer and this was very touching... very inspiring. good job on this.

[@brenomfs]

that was f... amazing! Congrats for Malik and all the crew!

[@3crusade]

TRULY INSPIRING.. keep it up Malik

[@lowkey_fla]

KUDOS😎😎He was able to turn his life around 😎😎Good job

[@flipburly]

Keep it up! been locked up myself in corcoran love and support from family is a powerful thing!!!

[@vernonwilliamson5674]

May GOD BLESS you and yours Malik

[@johndavid6956]

Good for you man. GOOD FOR YOU!!! I'm so glad you turned a negative into a positive!! That is so refreshing to see. Most people would have pissed and moaned and blamed they're whole lockup experience on the man, and the cops for locking them up. You are a true story of success my friend!! Keep going forward and don't even take a glance back!! Forward is the only direction you need to look. Inspirational to many!

[@demetriusdavis95]

He's just a small percentage of people who are making the best of their opportunities after being in jail/prison which is good but don't let it fool you a large majority of people go right back that's why we need prison reform.

[@Proctor1217]

proud of this guy for not being a statistic. most people who get locked up, go back many times again. very inspirational that he gained something from his incarceration and his father stood by his side through all his choices.

[@michaelmorse4566]

I have never wrote a comment on KZbin or anything like that before but I had to write something because this video was inspiring really move me and got to me great video

[@Screech032]

His pops has an OG mindset reminds me of my uncle who's 63 with a SIX PACK still!

[@DiffuseOne]

Our only enemy is ourself. It's not anyone else's fault, Your the master of your own destiny right now.

[@grindnoexcuses1156]

Much RESPECT my brother 💯 You are my inspiration that's for sure!!!!! You're the man💯💯💯 You are a PRIME example of we ALL fall down in life... Question is who can get back up 💪🏾 You're the man! -Lafayette Dawkins

[@omarchaudry]

My man looks like CJ from San Andreas after he curls and benches lol

[@metstribelindo_mg7818]

Great story great father great redemption!!!!!!💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿