How many people do you take in a group environment?

If there is one coach on the floor, sessions are capped at 4 and if there are 2 coaches on the floor, sessions are capped at 6.

I noticed that the price per session is $50+tax. Is that $50/person or $50 for up to 4 people to split?

Group sessions are $50/person+tax per person regardless of group size.

Do you have any morning groups that already exist to join or do you have to come with a group already?

We actually don’t have fixed groups. Clients book on a first come first serve basis. You can join as an individual or coordinate with friends to book in the same group.

How do you time your sessions? What's your schedule?

We open at 6:15am and book on the hour. Workouts are 1-hour long. In the afternoon, we book every hour starting at 1:30pm. The last workout starts at 7:30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6:30pm on Tuesdays and 4:30pm on Fridays.

How much gym experience do I need to “fit in” with a group session?

None! We have many clients with minimal gym experience. We start teaching you exercises and cues in your Initial Assessment and continue to do so at all your future workouts.

Do I need to bring anything to write down weights, reps, etc. from my workout?

Nope. We have a folder with all your workout information. We track this info to safely and appropriately progress your workouts from week to week.

Do you only offer one style or workout or program?

No, we write workouts and programs for each client. We base our programming on your Initial Assessment, goals, current ability, interests and needs.

Can I just do 1-on-1 coaching or do I need to do a group?

No you can’t. All clients start with a couple 1-on-1 sessions but eventually all clients are moved to group workouts.

So you don't offer bootcamp-style workouts?

Nope. We offer traditional strength and conditioning with free weights, machine weights, bands and bodyweight. Each person in each group will have their own workout therefore it doesn’t matter who else is in your group.

I’m looking to improve my Olympic lifting/CrossFit/strongman, can you guys help with that?

Not really. We don’t specialize in this style of workouts and suggest you look for a different facility in the city for this type of training.

What can I expect at a “typical” training session? Walk me through a quick overview, how long it is, format, etc.

All workouts are 1-hour long. You’ll come in, get changed and jump on a piece of cardio equipment to start your general warm-up. Next, you’ll move to a couple dynamic stretches that will target tight muscles found in your Initial Assessment. After that, you’ll do custom muscle activation/isolation exercises to target weak muscles found in your assessment. Next comes the bulk of your workout which can include squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, pull downs and core exercises. Lastly, you can finish with a cool down and more stretches.

How many sessions per week does your typical client do?

We have clients train 1-3x/week at JKC and we also have clients train less often, like 1-2x/month but they’re working out on their own and come in for check-ins.

My private health insurance covers kinesiology services, can I get some of my training sessions covered under this?

Yes, all of our coaches are Certified Kinesiologists. We can provide you with receipts that you can submit for reimbursement.

My physio/chiro/RMT says I need to work on my mobility, is this something you can learn in a group training session?

Yes, we can prescribe mobility exercises based on findings/recommendations from your therapist.

Who would you say is your typical client?

Our niche market is the general population looking to improve their quality of life through fitness. Our clientele normally find themselves between 30-65 years of age and we’re almost 50/50 males/females.

Do the coaches at JKC hold any strength and conditioning certifications?

Yes, our coaches are Certified Kinesiologists with the Canadian Kinesiology Association and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists with the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

I'm worried that in a group session, I would get lost amongst the other clients. Is this something I should be worried about?

That’s understandable, but no, there is no need to worry. Our groups are small and kept small for a reason. We value quality coaching and smaller group sizes allow our coaches to keep a keen eye on you throughout your entire workout.

Do you guys offer memberships to walk in and use equipment?

Not at this time. Workouts are by appointment only.

I am not interested in weight training, just cardio. Can I just use the treadmill for my session?

No, this is not a service we offer at this time.

I noticed you have multiple trainers/coaches on your website? Does it matter who I see?

Nope. All our coaches are trained to have consistent knowledge and have the ability to coach you similarly through any exercise or any workout. Our coaches look after all our clients, meaning, regardless of who you see, you’ll still be coached through the next progression of your workout.

I want to train for a bodybuilding/bikini show. Is this something you can help me with?

No, this is not a service we offer. We suggest looking for a different facility/coach for this type of service.

Ros Emberley

Personal Strength Training by Thomas King

I am turning 67 next month and I started my journey with JKC in 2018. Seven years ago I experienced significant foot pain which had a negative impact on my day to day activities. I learned that issues in other parts of the body need to be addressed to achieve a positive result. My doctor (Dr. Jessica Wade) suggested, along with some other therapies, that I could  benefit from the conditioning JKC had to offer. I previously had not trained in any gym. I observed how many gyms operated and had a sense that JKC would be more my style: training in a small group setting, having such personal attention, and a program meeting my specific needs is fantastic! I love the atmosphere at the gym. Everyone is accepted and you feel supported and comfortable.

Sean Leet

Personal Strength Training by Jon-Erik Kawamoto

I saw an article in Men’s Journal that quoted Jon in about 2018 while traveling and was impressed that someone in St. John’s made that international magazine.  Jon spoke about an exercise called the Farmer’s Walk and I started working that into my routine at the YMCA. 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. I hadn’t seen Bruce for a while and I remarked that he looked super healthy and fit. He told me about his, and his son Cas’, experience at JKC and then I remembered the Men’s Journal article! No coincidences!

The experience is unique on many levels – great people, camaraderie, passion, purpose, and dedication. Jon and Thomas are attentive, precise and understanding.  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 can’t imagine working out without Jon and Thomas now.

Jane Rendell

Personal Strength Training by Thomas King

JKC was recommended by a previous trainer who followed Jon online. He thought Jon’s approach to training was excellent. JKC employs well educated trainers who are very particular about technique and form. I have never injured myself because the trainers know what they are doing. They can always answer any questions I ask about my training. As well the trainers are friendly contributing to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the gym.

Teri Stuckless

Personal Strength Training by Thomas King

After my children were born, I was completely out of shape. I had been active before my first pregnancy in 2008. I saw a post on social media about a charity event that was hosted at the gym. It prompted me to check out the JKC website. I was immediately impressed by the professional content and decided to give it a try. The professionally crafted and uniquely tailored work outs, as well as the sense of accountability and commitment that they foster. I have not missed a workout since joining – contrary to other experiences I have had when purchasing gym memberships. The flexibility of booking and rescheduling workouts, made easy by an online app, also contributed to my success in meeting my fitness goals.

I enjoy every session, working out with Jon, Thomas and Craig, as well as the “JKC Community”. Anytime someone achieves a personal best, I enjoy the celebration and support everyone gives each other. For me, I fondly remember achieving personal bests on bench press, chin ups and the sled push, in particular.

trap bar deadlift

Dawn Armstrong

Personal Strength Training by Jon-Erik Kawamoto

A few of my wonderful friends and colleagues recommended JKC. I was told by one colleague that “It’ll be the best thing you ever do for yourself” and she was right! To be honest, I didn’t have much experience in any gym setting. And NO prior weight training experience. It was always so overwhelming! But from the first day, nothing was intimidating about JKC. Each workout is set up just for me, and with my specific skills and goals in mind. There are no stupid questions, you learn as you go, and what I really love, I always feel included and important, regardless of my skills/experience.

See All Reviews Write a Review
As Seen On: