Here’s part III of my 30 Years 30 Health and Fitness Tips.

Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist or dietician. I do not provide meal plans or claim to be a nutrition expert. I only make recommendations on what foods to eat or avoid based on past experience and my education.

toast

21. Gluten-free alternatives are just as bad as the gluten rich products in terms of nutritional content. If you’re dying for a grilled cheese or burger, eat these products in moderation.

22. On that note, most health problems are caused with the combination of wheat, sugar and alcohol in the body. Again, refer to the Perfect Health Diet.

23. The only thing you should drink is water, period…or juice from a juicer…or some teas…okay, or organic coffee (but seriously take out all the high-sugar beverages – this includes diet pop).

24. Invest in your health now – be preventative – or just wait until you’re sick and spend all your hard earned money then.

25. Juicing is great to get many nutrients in your body you wouldn’t normally. This does not replace eating the real thing. Eat salads and throw some spinach, kale and/or broccoli into your shakes – trust me, it’s not that gross.

26. Be the change you want to see in yourself. Move more throughout the day and exercise!!

27. Reducing the amount of toxins you consume is the goal of the Perfect Health Diet. (getting the hint on my new favorite book on nutrition??)

28. Get a support system in place before changing your lifestyle. Surround yourself with health-conscious, like-minded people. Remove all the negative people in your life and people with health habits you don’t want. You’re more likely to be successful.

29. Laugh, smile and cherish your life on this planet. You never know when you’ll be hit with illness.

30. Chill out! Try reducing stress to improve overall health and your well-being. Take time for yourself daily. Learn how to meditate. Find a job you love and it wont be a job. Sleep 8 uninterrupted hours nightly.

And remember, exercise is more effective than any pill on the market at improving your health and level of wellbeing. Side effects include more strength, larger muscles, better health, mobility, flexibility, a better sex life and looking great naked.

Well, that’s a wrap – all 3 parts have been posted.

I hope you enjoyed this series. Please leave your comments below.

Thanks for reading.

Please LIKE and share on Facebook and Twitter. Also don’t forget to add me on Facebook if you haven’t already. You can also subscribe to my feed.

-JK

I was looking for something to augment my 20+ year yoga practice with a focus on strength conditioning. I am friend’s with Jon’s sister in-law and over the years always heard great things about JKC, especially with respect to the top quality trainers they have and programs they run. After talking to Jon about my goals, and hearing his thoughts on a training plan, I knew that this was going to be an awesome experience … and it sure has been. JKC stands out from other gyms because of the attention to detail, the high quality of the staff and the facilities. Also, the amazing people that train there. And no one posing and taking selfies. I’m 41 years old and I started in Dec 2021.

I had virtually no real experience using weights and felt intimidated going gyms. I avoided gym-goers using free weights, especially when hearing that loud crash, as they would drop weights to the floor. I thought this was to show everyone around them that they owned that area and that I shouldn’t go anywhere near! So I guess I just wanted to learn how to lift weights safely in a gym environment.

I spent over 18 years in the British Military, so I got to use some nice gyms. 99% of my time and experiences in those gyms was spent doing cardiovascular workouts, because I could just jump on a treadmill, plug in my head phones and do my own thing! JKC is different, because they have given me the confidence to use free weights and equipment that I had feared for years. Their demonstrations and knowledge is impeccable and I thank them for their continuous belief and support they show me at every session.

I’m 43 and started at JKC just over a year ago. I started at JKC because of multiple recommendations from existing clients. There are 2 main elements that distinguish JKC for me. Firstly the sense of community. I’ve been to multiple gyms in multiple cities/countries, you just  can not manufacture the sense of community and support you get from other gym goers and the team. It’s very motivating and happy to say I’ve made some friends at JKC.

The other major distinguishing factor for JKC is the expertise and passion of the team. Jon, Thomas and Craig craft highly personalized programs based on my fitness goals and know how to push me best without being pushy. They pay close attention to ensuring my form is solid before encouraging me to take on more weight for the exercise. Plain and simple they love what they do and it shows.

I started strength training at JKC in the Spring of 2021. I am in my 60’s but happy to say I feel much younger since joining this gym. I joined JKC upon the advice of a doctor. I went through some difficult medical issues last year, that’s when one of my doctors recommended strength training at JKC. I have been physically active most of my adult life but mainly running and completed many road races as I am a distance runner. Strength training has definitely benefited me by increasing my stamina and energy. It sure has enhanced my recovery over the past year. I have the added benefit of becoming a stronger runner as well.

I saw an article in Men’s Journal that quoted Jon in about 2018 while traveling and was impressed that someone in St. John’s made that international magazine.  Jon spoke about an exercise called the Farmer’s Walk and I started working that into my routine at the YMCA. I tore that article out of the magazine and kept it, meaning to make contact, but got busy. Then I had lunch with an old friend Bruce Dyke. I hadn’t seen Bruce for a while and I remarked that he looked super healthy and fit. He told me about his, and his son Cas’, experience at JKC and then I remembered the Men’s Journal article! No coincidences!

The experience is unique on many levels – great people, camaraderie, passion, purpose, and dedication. Jon and Thomas are attentive, precise and understanding.  Their teaching has unlocked a new perspective for me with what our bodies are capable of. I still appreciate the YMCA, wonderful place, but I can’t imagine working out without Jon and Thomas now.

As Seen On: