A Davenport father is one of 10 finalists in the 2026 Mr. Health and Fitness competition. Arron Jenkins’ faith and fitness journey took him from a federal prison to now being an aspiring entrepreneur. “I’d caught a federal offense. I was indicted, I didn’t get probation or any of that. I went straight to prison,” said Jenkins.
Five and a half years ago, he was arrested. “I’d lost a lot. I was going through a bad relationship breakup. I ended up getting addicted to drugs,” said Jenkins. He was released from prison in October of 2024 and landed at the Iowa Work Release Center on Main Street. in Davenport.
“I caught a break and got a job, and I’m still there,” Jenkins said. Also on Main Street, he found St. Anthony’s, where he attends church with his daughter. “She’s really the magic that makes this work,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins says his family, faith, and fitness are why he looks forward to the future.
“I ended up finding a gym at Planet Fitness, and my journey took off form there,” he said. He is body-building, personal training, and nutrition certified – and plans to complete his fitness education in May 2026. Jenkins is also a top 10 finalist in the 2026 Mr. Health and Fitness competition.
“I didn’t really join the competition to win. I joined it to spread my story,” said Jenkins.
The national competition supports the Andrew McDonough “Be Positive” Foundation. The winner is determined based off public votes. Jenkins says if he does win, he’ll use the $20,000 prize money to fund his new LLC Warrior Redeemed Fitness.
“I’d like to train people who need re-entry and people of church setting, so I can bring faith and fitness together, and show them how it worked for me,” said Jenkins.
Vote for Jenkins here so he can continue to the next round of the competition.
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