Johnny Gillespie, CPT, PICP, FST

Johnny Gillespie is a Functional Fitness Trainer and Fascial Stretch Therapist who works with motivated individuals to become strong, healthy and pain-free. After nearly a decade of working with hundreds of men and women, ages ranging from 14 to 87, Johnny has experience with increasing strength, building muscle, burning fat, and improving mobility and flexibility.

Johnny graduated from Portland State University (PSU) with a double major in Leadership Management and Human Resources Management and has continued his education with many of the leading companies in the health and fitness industry including; Poliquin Group, Stretch To Win, and Precision Nutrition.

Originally from Oregon, Johnny enjoys taking advantage of the better weather California has to offer. Some of his hobbies include drumming, archery and spending time at the beach with his wife and two Boston Terriers.

Education

  • Portland State University
    • Leadership Management
    • Human Resources Management

Certifications

  • Poliquin Group
    • BioSignature Modulation
      • Level 1 – Inflammation, Cortisol, & Insulin Management
      • Level 2 – Immune Support, Injury Support, Metabolic Detoxification, & Enhancing Brain Function
      • Applied Body Transformations
    • Poliquin International Certification Program
      • Level 1 – Upper Body Structural Analysis
      • Level 2 – Lower Body Structural Analysis
    • Foundations of Periodization & Program Design
    • Fundamentals of Designing Hypertrophy Training Programs
    • Fundamentals of Designing Relative Strength Training Programs
    • Developing Explosive Strength Using Plyometrics
  • Kilo Strength Society
    • Online Program Design Course
  • Stretch To Win
    • Fascial Stretch Therapy – Level 1
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine
    • Behavioral Change Specialist
    • Performance Enhancement Specialist
    • Corrective Exercise Specialist
    • Certified Personal Trainer
  • StrongFit
    • The Principles of Movement
  • Precision Nutrition
    • The Essentials of Sport and Exercise Nutrition

TESTIMONIALS

Kim,  60s

I have struggled with injuries, lack of motivation, and inconsistency in doing and level of effort in my workouts. I had good nutrition, however, what I was eating was inefficient and not providing me with the fuel to gain muscle and lose body fat. Although receiving training from another personal trainer, I was not progressing enough in gaining strength, stamina and endurance, plus injuries plagued me which interfered in my progress.

Johnny’s fascia stretching has helped with my injuries so much, plus I have gained an understanding about the causes of my injuries and how to keep from injuring myself again. Although injured, he provided me with alternate exercises and guidance. I have better and more efficient nutrition, which is helping me gain lean body mass and lose inches. My strength, stamina and endurance has drastically improved so I look forward to pushing myself harder in the gym.

I now have better self-esteem, and am empowered to do my best and beyond in my workouts. Increased stamina and strength. My Mobility and balance has greatly improved which is important in my age bracket. I really enjoy the support from and interactions with others in group training. He is a big part of that because he motivates and encourages us to work together as a team.

Johnny is fabulous! I wish others in my age group understood how important nutrition, strength and conditioning is to overall fitness and how they feel about themselves.

Michael, 40s

I’ve struggled with knee pain and strength building most of my life. The knee pain started young due to excessive running and bad biomechanics. It’s caused a start-and-stop cycle of fitness rather than continuously working toward consistent health.

After 5 years of work with Johnny, my knee pain is essentially nonexistent and does not slow me down. I am the strongest I have ever been and capable of feats I did not know I could do. I am able to run for a half-marathon now, something I never thought I would do.  

Consistent strength training has taught me to make reasonable goals and taught me more about health and nutrition than even an education at UCSD in Biochemistry did. Despite being older than most of my friends, I am healthier than many of them, getting sick less often and less prone to injury.

Johnny’s techniques and approaches to fitness are constantly evolving. It is a joy to talk and learn from him as we work together. As a long term client, I have seen firsthand how much research and training he does to improve for his clients. Even after 5 years, he still surprises me with new workout plans and exercises.

Krista, 30s

I used to struggle with knowledge about certain exercises and figuring out a plan when I walked into a gym to workout. I felt overwhelmed and lost.

Johnny has helped me overcome my belief that I would never be able to a “barbell squat” due to back and knee issues. Plus my form has greatly increased and I feel more confident with my lifts.

I’ve seen the physical changes in my body, I feel stronger and I want to keep pushing myself to reach bigger goals. He has helped me with not only my confidence but my “mind-set” as well. I have a much healthier outlook on fitness and nutrition.

Johnny is amazing at what he does and I feel very fortunate to have him as a trainer. I have worked with other trainers in the past and none compare with the degree of knowledge, professionalism, and patience he has with his clients. Johnny goes above and beyond with answering any questions or concerns, and will even do the research to ensure that I’m getting the right information. Johnny is awesome!!