
I originally chose JKC to help me rehab following back surgery. JKC was the first gym where a trainer took the time to help me identify my goals and tailor my workouts to achieve them in a safe and doable manner. šš¼Ā Jon & Thomas are both highly professional and knowledgeable.Ā šØš¼āš With their guidance and informative explanationsĀ š£ they have enabled me to reach my ever evolving goals. At JKC Iām guaranteed funĀ š, interestingĀ š and diverseĀ workouts, with Jon & Thomas forever supportive and encouraging. šššš
My original reason for joining JKC was to get some sage advice to help with my running. I had been looking for awhile, came across Jon, met for an assessment, and was quite happy with how that all went. Apart from the running specific strengthening and conditioning approaches, JKC is different from other gyms as I am a fan of the small group sessions where everyone has their own goals and individualized programs. As well, the run coaching is super. All the coaches go the extra mile to make sure you get the best out each training session. They are fantastic motivators! My favourite memory is deadlifting 330lbs. Making a lot of great friends and meeting some really cool people is pretty high up on that list, too.
Iām 36 Years Old and started with JKC in 2013. In the past Iād often have motivated spurts of a gym routine but they would usually only last a month or so. Itās pretty easy to press the snooze button at 530 am when thereās 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 āget out of bedā and bring your best effort each time. From the pressure free trainers to the camaraderie that you create over time with the individuals youāre working out with, JKC is able to offer an experience many other gyms cannot.
I heard really good things about it from my sister, and I could see the positive results she was getting.Ā I needed to do something.Ā I was overweight, depressed, and recovering from a back injury.Ā I had reached a point where simply getting up out of a chair was becoming difficult.Ā I knew that if I didn’t do something about it my senior years would be very burdensome to the people close to me.Ā I’m so glad I did!Ā After just a few weeks my day-to-day pain was drastically reduced, and my mobility increased.Ā I had the confidence to try sea kayaking, and I now play ice hockey twice a week!
The key difference is the expertise.Ā The trainers know the gym equipment and the exercises, but they also have degrees in kinesiology, and can apply what they know to your workout.Ā As someone who was in poor physical condition starting out, I was worried about hurting myself.Ā Previously I tried an outdoor weekly bootcamp and injured my knee by pushing too hard.Ā The trainers at JKC constructed a program that started at the right level for me, evolving it as I grew stronger and more fit.Ā I feel well looked after.
I saw an article in Menās Journal that quoted Jon in about 2018 while traveling and was impressed that someone in St. Johnās made that international magazine.Ā Jon spoke about an exercise called the Farmerās Walk and I started working that into my routine at the YMCA.Ā 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.Ā I hadnāt seen Bruce for a while and I remarked that he looked super healthy and fit.Ā He told me about his, and his son Casā, experience at JKC and then I remembered the Menās Journal article!Ā No coincidences!
The experience is unique on many levels ā great people, camaraderie, passion, purpose, and dedication. Jon and Thomas are attentive, precise and understanding.Ā 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 canāt imagine working out without Jon and Thomas now.