On Monday, April 20th, you’ll have a chance to work out on our virtual learning channel with trainer John Mayers! John grew up in Brooklyn, and enlisted in the Marines from 2001-2005. When he finished his service, he started training professionally! He hopes to bring the joy of movement into your home. Click here to sign up for his fun, creative, and exploratory workout experience. Instead of using traditional weights, you will be encouraged to use your everyday home goods. Get fit with books, chairs, pots, and pans! .
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I was born in Brownsville, Brooklyn and lived in East New York until I was 14. I went to La Guardia high school for performing arts, as an art major, and then spent 2 years in community college!
How did you come to your work as a trainer?
In high school gym class one year, I took weight training instead of the regular run around. I couldn’t jump up to this pull up bar because I was too short! Once that happened, I decided that by the end of the year I would be able to jump up to reach it without the use of a bench. I fell in love with working out and becoming stronger, which meant I found myself in a gym almost 5 days a week as soon as I turned 18. I worked at a moving company before I enlisted, then entered the Marines right after 9/11. Afterwards, training was the only thing I wanted to do. Plus, having military training meant I needed to keep my body moving forward, towards some kind of goal. Now I shape minds, bodies and I hope that means I influence people in a positive direction, towards whatever goal motivates them to be their best.
What’s the most important piece of advice you give your clients?
My number one repeated piece of advice to my people (clients) is STOMACH IN. The trunk is mostly forgotten, if not misunderstood. The second is their favorite..BREATHE! You can switch the order and it still be my answer!
What kind of workouts are your personal favorites?
My most fulfilled workouts are total body, bodyweight exercised, mixed with a good heavy session of weight training at least 5x a month. Before adding additional weight to a workout, I teach my clients how to appreciate your own.
What would you tell someone who’s reading this and interested in beginning a journey of physical fitness but doesn’t know where to start?
Starting almost anything new takes dedication and time, so buckle in. Expectations of unseen results ruin the journey. Figure out why you need to train over why you should, divide that by how serious you are, then come see me.
