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 3x (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.

sumo deadlift

I had always wanted to start lifting weights and get stronger, but didn’t know where to start. I was looking not just for a gym, but for training on proper technique to prevent injury and a program designed for my specific goals. I also wanted a fun and supportive atmosphere to keep me coming back. JKC delivered on all of this and more.

Jon and Thomas have a wealth of knowledge that help their clients get the most out of their time in the gym. Programs are continuously modified to keep the workouts challenging. Even through everyone’s program is unique, you always have the coaches and other clients cheering you on and pushing you to achieve new bests.

I’ve been weight training on and off for years but never really had a specific goal or target in mind so routinely stalled out, plateaued or stopped training all together. Before I joined JKC I was definitely in a fitness slump and needed something to motivate me and get me back on track. I did a bit of digging online, looking at various personal training options and gyms around town but JKC seemed like the best option by far. I’ve tried big box gyms and other personal trainers in the past but none of them have had the perfect combination of goal specific fitness programming, welcoming and supportive environment, and the knowledge and passion to back it all up that you’ll find at JKC. Jon and Thomas are great to work with, they know how to motivate you if you’re having an off day and are well versed in all the different ways to make your muscles burn! I also have noticed some major improvements in my deadlifts since I started with JKC and was really happy with the result.

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’m 40 years old & started training at JKC in 2015. The gym I was working out at closed and my husband recommended JKC. JKC meets you where you are in your fitness journey and tailors the work to help achieve your goals. I’ve trained with Jon & Thomas pre pregnancy, while pregnant and now post baby and they have helped me enormously to stay fit through all life phases.

I joke with the guys often that I’ve seen no change in my fitness level since joining the gym, but the reality is I’m in far better shape at 40 than I ever was at 30 thanks to them.

JKC is different from other gyms/fitness regimes I have tried in the past because of my level of comfort with the facility and other JKC clients and the amount of knowledge both Jon and Thomas demonstrate through personal attention to form, core development and overall strength is outstanding. JKC is by far the best training hands on attention that I’ve experienced period and I have experienced many over a lifetime of activity and playing various sports. The facility has everything you require plus, as you will learn there are many ways to use every piece of equipment and Jon and Thomas are very creative! There are many age groups and professions who attend this gym from elite athlete’s to the rest of us and the casual but focused atmosphere in the gym makes each visit interesting, friendly and challenging at all levels.

As Seen On: