• Dumbbells on the rackgym image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  By law, correctional institutions must provide inmates with recreational and leisure activities to encourage positive time use. This includes providing an available fitness center or gymnasium to improve overall health and fitness. The Federal Bureau of Prisons sets the requirements and limitations of these activities and facilities.
  
  

Administrative Requirements

• Facility staff must follow strict guidelines concerning inmates' leisure time. They must create a monthly schedule of activities and keep a detailed report of any schedule change and the results of offered activities. These schedules must be displayed in the recreation and housing areas, and must be kept for three years. A qualified staff member must observe all leisure activities at all times, and staff must meet the needs of at-risk inmates.
  
  

Building Requirements

• Written rules of conduct must be displayed in all recreation areas, including the gymnasium. Each gymnasium must have a health-awareness resource area available to inmates with literature promoting physical fitness and health.
  
  

Equipment

• Multipurpose courts are allowed and equipment, such as basketballs and volley balls, is provided. No body-building equipment and no free weightlifting equipment is allowed. Benches, mats and gym equipment must be maintained for inmate safety and inspected daily by a qualified staff member.
  
  

Structured Exercise

• The Bureau of Prisons encourages facilities to include structured exercise, including sports and aerobics. Staff must keep a detailed log stating the type of activity and the amount of time spent doing it.
  
  

Health Education

• Health education classes must be led by recreation staff, contractors or volunteers. Inmates may teach, but only with the oversight of qualified personnel. Each class must be recorded, along with the required attendance, written curriculum and completion criteria, before the Bureau of Prisons will approve it. Classes may include aerobic exercise, human anatomy, weight management, stress management, exercise physiology, introduction to fitness, proper nutrition, smoking cessation and back pain prevention.