Jon-Erik Kawamoto

Jon-Erik Kawamoto, MSc, CK, CSCS, is a Certified Kinesiologist (Newfoundland and Labrador Kinesiology Association), Strength and Conditioning Specialist (National Strength and Conditioning Association), Managing Director and Founder of JKConditioning, located in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. Since taking his first client in 2005, Jon has inspired many to achieve higher levels of fitness and athletic performance. Jon has worked with numerous clients of all levels ranging from professional and amateur athletes to those with minimal gym experience.

Jon received his Master’s Degree in Human Kinetics with a concentration in Exercise Physiology from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Jon served as a teaching assistant for several undergraduate courses and also taught an introduction to strength and conditioning course as a sessional instructor in his first semester. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, BC).

In addition to coaching and personal training, Jon is an established freelance fitness writer. He has authored over 210 articles in popular fitness magazines and websites such as Men’s Journal, Muscle and Fitness, Oxygen, Runner’s World, Canadian Running, and even Arnold Schwarzenegger’s personal blog. Jon has been quoted as a fitness expert on menshealth.com, womenshealth.com, bodybuilding.com and shape.com.

Jon’s athletic background includes competing in track & field, cross-country and road running. He competed for a total of 9 years and has 15:13 and 32:15 bests in the road 5km and 10km respectively. With his experience as a distance runner, Jon gravitates toward strength training runners of all levels. Lastly, Jon was the first store ambassador for Lululemon St. John’s.

Sean Leet

Personal Strength Training by Jon-Erik Kawamoto

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.

Dawn Armstrong

A few of my wonderful friends and colleagues recommended JKC. I was told by one colleague that “It’ll be the best thing you ever do for yourself” and she was right! To be honest, I didn’t have much experience in any gym setting. And NO prior weight training experience. It was always so overwhelming! But from the first day, nothing was intimidating about JKC. Each workout is set up just for me, and with my specific skills and goals in mind. There are no stupid questions, you learn as you go, and what I really love, I always feel included and important, regardless of my skills/experience.

Jon Howard

I’m 36 Years Old and started with JKC in 2013. In the past I’d often have motivated spurts of a gym routine but they would usually only last a month or so. It’s pretty easy to press the snooze button at 530 am when there’s no one waiting for you. The fact that the guys are always on time/prepared and motivated for your session adds a level of accountability to your shoulders to “get out of bed” and bring your best effort each time. From the pressure free trainers to the camaraderie that you create over time with the individuals you’re working out with, JKC is able to offer an experience many other gyms cannot.

Nizar Ladha

Personal Strength Training by Thomas King

I am the oldest client at JKC at 79 years, soon to be 80. I started training at JKC July 2021. I started at JKC because two of my three sons Justin and Michael and their partners Andrea and Keir and one of my doctors recommended JKC. They all train at JKC Now my wife Linda trains at JKC too. My third son Jonathan lives in Kingston. There is a congenial community atmosphere at JKC. People are introduced to each other. There is effective personal training at JKC.

Amanda Shea

I’m 35 and I started at JKC in November of 2019. I was coming off the win of the Royal St. John’s Regatta in 2019, and our crew was chomping at the bit to be stronger and faster for 2020. The reputation of JKC leached into our group and away we went! Unfortunately the regatta was cancelled due to COVID-19, but I just loved JKC so much I stuck around. JKC is different from other gyms because the level of experience the team has is unparalleled. Jon, Thomas and Craig all mesh well together and mentor me in a way that I know they love what they do and are genuinely excited to guide me towards my goals (and beyond). I really enjoy the atmosphere, the sense of community and all the positive vibes that I experience in every session. There’s never a time I don’t want to go because I’m motivated by the team’s coaching style and I get results.

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