Personal trainers = your absolute best friends, or the people you fantasise about throwing off a mountain when you’re three sets into burpees. If you’re like us, you’re more familiar with the latter – that is until you meet John at The Workout Network. The tucked-away studio a stone’s throw from Monument is John’s little sanctuary: a small but well-equipped gym with everything you need for a workout you’ll enjoy. John and the team at The Workout Network lead clients through one-on-one sessions that are scaled to their tastes and goals, whether that involves pumping iron on the barbells or keeping it slow on the mats. With great chat, laughter and a strong workout, trust us – it’s the kind of exercise you never end up dreading.
John also founded Exercising Demons, a charitable endeavour that hosts events and activities to raise awareness and support charities for bereaved families and children who have lost a parent. We spoke to the Founder and PT at The Workout Network to find out what motivates him and other trainers at The Workout Network – and why certain fashion choices are critical to success in fitness.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you got into the fitness industry.
If I wanted to say the right thing to this question, I’d say: the thing that got me into this industry was an obsession with sports. I love the idea of competition and games. My obsession with sports led me to do a sports science degree.
But the actual answer is: I like going to work in shorts.
What does your day-to-day schedule look like?
The key to a successful day is ensuring my bag is packed, and my clothes are in the right place for the following morning. I would love to say that every morning, I get up, drink two glasses of water, and get 20 minutes of natural light. In truth, I wake up most mornings at 5:10am, and I have 20 minutes to leave the house.
I coach roughly 5-7 hours a day. I train five times weekly, combining strength training/CrossFit style workouts with one bicycle or run.
What advice would you give someone who’s looking to move towards a more healthy and active lifestyle?
Start small. It’s all about trying to make small, manageable changes. Even if your life requires a vast overhaul, it is far more sensible to make small changes that you can continue to implement over time.
Consistency is the key to success over time. And leave your phone outside of the bedroom.
What do you think the most important thing to remember is for someone coming into one of your sessions?
We will meet you wherever you are. Sometimes, we get a sledgehammer out and push you as hard as possible. Sometimes, you have been pushed as hard as possible by work, family life, and balance. And in those instances, we try to listen to you and your life.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
I am almost always a positive part of someone’s day. Very rarely do people hate their workouts and time spent benefitting themselves.
Around your own training regime/work, what do you like to do for fun?
Training: I love working hard. The program that I follow is called Hard Work Pays Off.
Outside of training, my main hobby is photography. I love wandering around London with my camera and headphones when the weather is good. Good. So rarely. I also love being outdoors, so I am trying to get to the Alps in summer and winter to walk and ski.
What are some of your favourite spots in the City?
My favourite lunch spot is OIE Truly Thai, an excellent small Thai place. But THE best place for me is Caffé Espresso, the coolest guy selling great coffee from a van in a church courtyard. What could be more City than a church and a coffee shop?
What advice would you give someone looking to go into fitness as a career?
The key to success in my experience in this industry is authenticity. There are many fantastic personal trainers, and your USP will be you. And if you want to wear shorts.
Find The Workout Network at 36 St Mary at Hill, EC3R 8DU. Book a session at their website here. Follow @theworkoutnet on Instagram. Follow Exercising Demons on Instagram.
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