Hi everyone, I'm John. I am originally from the coast of North Carolina but have spent most of my adult life between Greensboro and Charlotte.

Precor has more than 50 Master Coaches in 20 countries around the world. These Master Coaches deliver workshops on Precor equipment, develop curriculum for new onsite training courses, contribute to our blogs, and provide premier coaching at tradeshows and events. Our “Meet the Precor Master Coaches” blog series highlights different members of our global team, giving you the chance to get to know them. Enjoy!

What got you into fitness?

I started doing martial arts when I was 12 and competed nationally for many years. At 16, I started shadowing to become an instructor, which I achieved after two years. I opened my first martial arts school when I was 19.

How many years have you been involved in the fitness industry?

I've been involved in the fitness industry off and on for more than 20 years.

What fitness certifications do you hold?

I'm certified in Kettlebell, USAW Sports Performance, NSCA, CSCS, CrossFit, and as a 3rd degree black belt and martial arts instructor.

Why did you want to be a Precor Master Coach?

I like functional fitness and helping people. Being a Precor Master coach helps me work with people all over the world to become better coaches and to help more people reach their fitness goals.

What is your favorite piece of Precor equipment and why?

Queenax, because it’s bada**. It's the right amount of sleekness and functionality. You can do so much on it.

What is your favorite move to do on Queenax equipment?

I have to say the elevated monkey bars. At nearly 12 feet high, it’s a good combination of scary and challenging.

What’s your favorite personal fitness story or memory?

This is a tough one. In 2012, I coached a team to win the Mid Atlantic Region of the CrossFit Games. I also did some coaching with Misty May Treanor (Olympic Beach Volleyball gold medalist) at a clinic and I am a beach volleyball enthusiast. I used to play but now my coaching responsibilities don't allow for much of that.

Tell us about a time you were able to help a client reach and/or exceed his or her fitness goals.

I had a gentleman approach me about training to get his vertical up for his basketball game. He was over 50, 5’11” and had dunked a basketball one time in his life. He owned a newspaper and wanted to write articles about his training as we went along. He wanted to be able to touch the rim one more time in his life. In eight weeks, we put 7” on his vertical and did a video of him touching the basketball rim. It was a lot of fun.

What’s your favorite fitness mantra?

I have two:

1. What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.

2. P = (F x D)/t Or power equals force times distance divided by time. Power output is the great equalizer in sports. It’s always debated who is the better athlete - the athlete that moves the larger weight slower or the smaller athlete who moves the lighter weight faster. Physics gives us the ability to compare those athletes through power output calculations. I think we should utilize physics when we are looking at any type of movement or training.

What’s your favorite movie (fitness-related or not)?

Braveheart - I have a little Scottish blood in me if you have ever seen my wedding photos.

Give us a random fun fact about yourself!

I have been blessed with my coaching career and have had the chance to coach at resorts in Turks and Caicos, Cancun, Mexico, and the Bahamas.