Why you should train with me part IV of IV

Well, here's the last installment to why you should train with me.  If you're already a regular, do me a favor and tell ONE FRIEND about training with me.  Just one...

So, let's see what Kyle had to say.  Kyle graduated from the fire academy and is currently looking for a job in the fire service.

“My goal was to get myself prepared for fire fighting physicals and to improve my overall strength. Jon introduced me to a 5-day cycle, 5-phase workout routine that he made specifically for me. He took his time to explain the proper technique to me so I could get the best results from each exercise that I was doing. I can honestly say Jon has brought me to a higher level than I thought was obtainable. My muscle endurance has skyrocketed since doing this program, and the weight that I used to do each exercise has gone up a considerable amount. I would recommend Jon to anybody who is looking for a personal trainer and especially to any individual looking to get into the fire service. He is an expert at what he does and the results will prove it!”

Kyle W.

Vancouver, BC

JIBC Firefighter Pre-employment Program graduate

Thanks for reading and hopefully I'll hear from you soon,

-Coach Jon

Why you should train with me part III of IV

Welcome to part III of Why you should train with me.

Listen to what Barb has to say:

“I am a 57 year old nurse who has always hated exercise and been intimidated by workout classes and gyms, therefore avoiding both.  Having specialized in geriatric nursing for many years I understand the impact of lifestyle as we age, especially the need for regular exercise which includes strength training.  

I have worked with Jon twice weekly for the past 18months and love it!! No one is more surprised by that than I am.  I am also surprised to find how quickly I became comfortable in the setting with Jon’s direction and supervision. 

Having no skills to call upon,  I was totally reliant on Jon-Eric’s expertise and guidance as he taught me the fundamentals. From there we continue to build weekly, making me stronger and more able to tackle the next challenge he gives me.  Every  workout is building on the previous ones as Jon tracks everything we do meticulously and sets new goals for us to attain. His attention never waivers as he safely spots me on everything we do. I trust him implicitly. 

After all the work Jon and I have done I still don’t love exercise! But I do love the time I spend with Jon and how much  stronger and more well I feel.  I also love how great I feel at the end of each workout.  I know that with his help I am actively working at aging in the best way possible.” 

Barb McLean

North Vancouver, BC

So...if you need that last little bit on convincing...check your email tomorrow to find out what Kyle said about training with me.  

Thanks for reading,

-Coach Jon

Why you should train with me Part II of IV

Yesterday, I sent out a testimonial form Bridgett.  

Still need convincing?  Hear what my colleague Brian had to say...

“If you want to see results, have fun, train hard and smart, then I recommend Jon-Erik Kawamoto. As a University Kinesiology Instructor and Exercise Physiologist, I see many new and veteran trainers in my classes and seminars. Jon stands out in a league of his own.  His professionalism, university education, high level certifications (CSEP-CEP and NSCA-CSCS) attention to detail, skilled instruction, and passion to learn more make him a highly sought after trainer in the Greater Vancouver Area. 

I have been in the fitness field for over 15 years as a trainer and teacher and there are only a handful of fitness professionals I would refer people to. Jon is top on this list. He is simply outstanding. Check out JK Conditioning and take your fitness and performance to the next level.”

Brian Justin, MHK, CEP, CSCS, CPT, CES – Kinesiology University Instructor and Continuing Education Provider for Trainers and Kinesiologists

Check your email tomorrow to see what Barb had to say...

Thanks for reading,

-Coach Jon 

Why you should train with me Part I of IV

Hey JKConditioning readers,

I know there are some of you out there who want to train with me, but need some convincing.  I can sell you my services all I want, but the thing that you'll really listen to is what other people have to say about me.  Today and for the next 3 days, I'm going to send out a new testimonial per day written by current clients and colleagues.  I want to share with you their successes with me over the past few months.

I don't know what you're waiting for, but hopefully Bridgett can change your mind:

“When I first met Jon in January 2009, I had no idea of just what I was in for! I have always been a fairly active person but felt that this was my year to shake up my perception of fitness. I have an extensive history of upper body surgery and have always been advised to limit the amount of weight I lift and be very careful with regards to the type of movements I make. I needed an educated, knowledgeable, professional trainer who would start training me with a specific program suited only to me. 

Enter, Jon!

It was at that very first session that Jon stated that one of the biggest benefits I would experience would be an increase in my physical strength and mobility. Although I believed him at the time, I didn’t really understand the extent to which his words would become part of my reality. Each time I worked out with Jon he would vary the type of exercise to specifically meet where I was at and challenge me to push that little bit further...

Without really realizing it, I was getting stronger with each workout. I am now at the point where not only have I seen for myself that Jon was right, he would get me stronger, but for the first time probably ever, I believe that I can do it! Despite the odds being stacked against me for so long, with the right program, with the right trainer, in just over four months, I have done what I was told I would never do again!

There is no doubt that Jon was the right choice for me. His wide-ranging qualifications stand him in good stead, his continual search for new information keeps him at the top of his game... BUT it his passion for fitness that makes me want to keep going and just keep getting better. I am feeling fitter and stronger than I ever have and although Jon probably doesn’t realize it, I have shifted the goal posts since our first meeting! I have big plans for my fitness future and I know we are going to get me there!

Oh, and before I forget to mention it...Jon’s just a really nice guy!”

Bridgett M.

Port Moody, BC

Check your email tomorrow to find out what Brian had to say.

Thanks for reading, 

-Coach Jon

14 Things About Nutrition You Should Know

1. Keep things in context. Sure, bananas and mangoes are healthy, but eating these high-sugar fruits might not be a great idea for someone who has problems digesting sugar (e.g. pre-diabetic or diabetic).

2. Grains have only been around for about 10,000 years. Compare that to the human history of 2.4 million years. Many grains contain a protein called gluten which many people have difficulty digesting. If you're not one of these people, then eating grains isn't an issue.

Electrolytes

Had a good question this week:  What are electrolytes and why do we need them?

Electrolytes play a major role in water regulation and water distribution in the body.  For example, sodium, found in table salt, affects water regulation and blood pressure.

Potassium, chloride and magnesium are electrolytes that have a major role in muscle contraction and nerve conduction.  If electrolyte levels are off, athletic performance will be affected and other serious complications can arise.  Muscle cramps are a possible complication following an electrolyte imbalance.  Check out this post on Flare magazine's website when I was quoted on the topic of muscle cramps:

http://tinyurl.com/ck779w.

Electrolytes are lost in sweat and urine.  Sodium and chloride are the main electrolytes lost in sweat and to a lesser extent, potassium.  For someone who is more fit, their sweat is more dilute than a person with a lower fitness level.  The body has a way to reduce the amount of electrolyte loss in sweat and urine in fitter individuals.

Drinking palatable water during exercise is important to avoid dehydration.  Aerobic endurance athletes may drink an electrolyte/carbohydrate drink to replenish lost electrolytes and sugar during their sport.  

Usually, for those working out in the gym for 1 hour or less, these drinks are not necessary.  I've seen it before where people who are trying to lose weight and who have started to work out, drink these sugar/electrolyte drinks when not at the gym.  This is not a great idea because these drinks have calories and if weight loss is a goal, the person would benefit more from limiting flavored beverages and just drink water.  A healthy diet will replenish the electrolytes lost when exercising.

Thanks for the question and thanks for reading,

-Coach Jon