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 230 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 and has been interviewed on The Signal twice (CBC radio).

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.

cas dyke

I started training at JKC in 2016 because I had built up a number of muscle imbalances from old injuries and activities like rock climbing which had led to some really bad posture and mobility issues. On top of that some friends had convinced me to sign up for a half-ironman. Working with Jon and Thomas was a way to pull my body back into alignment and make sure it wouldn’t fall apart during my race. The staff at JKC pride themselves on continuously advancing their knowledge, which leads to new and inventive way to address problems, old and new. I got my Dad to start training here and recommended JKC to all looking to improve their strength and fitness.

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 joined JKC because I wanted to better care for my physical health, but didn’t really know how, or where, to begin.  Seeking help from a trainer seemed like a wise choice, and I had heard great things about the staff at JKC. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate exercising.  So, I’ve only ever tried sticking with a gym routine twice in my life.  Each experience consisted of me wandering around, not knowing what to do, and settling for an elliptical machine or something else that seemed comfortable and non-threatening.  Each session was the same, and I felt like I was wasting my time.

Each session at JKC, however, is specifically crafted for me.  I don’t have to think about what to do, because I’m told what to do.  I don’t have to worry about how to do things properly, because I’m shown (sometimes multiple times!) how to accomplish each task.  I don’t have to be concerned about slipping into a comfortable routine, because Jon and Thomas won’t let that happen.

I’m 30 — started at JKC Aug 2016. I moved to NL to open lululemon and we chose Jon as one of our store’s ambassadors, did one workout and have raved about it ever since! The JKC team can adapt a workout no matter what the situation — injuries, new goals, you name it! The trust and expertise can’t be matched!

I chose JKC originally to help prevent rowing injuries. I’m a rower and we won the St. John’s Regatta in 2019 but I rowed through a rib stress fracture and missed significant time in the boat during the racing season. Training at JKC consistently since the pandemic helped me stay injury free this year and made me the strongest I’ve ever felt, which helped me help my team win the 2021 St. John’s Regatta! Jon adds variety and mixes the exercises up well so that the workout goes by quickly and strength is gained. The gym is very personable and I like the eclectic mix of people that are there. JKC is much more intimate and personal than other gyms.

As Seen On: