Working out can change your life, according to a self-described former drug dealer who now volunteers teaching free fitness classes at Lione Park in Stamford.

"I've definitely destroyed a few families with what I was doing," says Jaquan Adams, who teaches the classes as a way to make up for past wrongdoing.

Adams says be began dealing drugs as a teen, when his family faced financial troubles.

"I wanted to put food on the table," he says.

At 22 years old he wound up in prison for a 3.5-year sentence.

"It was a change in my life," he says. "And I believe adversity builds character, you know?"

Adams, who says he's been an athlete for his entire life, now focuses on personal training and his volunteer work twice a week.

"I just feel like giving back is something I'm obligated to do," he says. Part of that includes acting as a positive role model for children. "I can mentor them through fitness," he explains.