John Turk's Biography

ABC Channel 7 News fitness nutrition report with John Turk. Click Here to Watch John explain the calories in popular foods.

At 47 years old, I have been in the fitness industry as a Chicago personal trainer for over 20 years. I enjoy helping people and love living the lifestyle. My involvement began when I was younger and wanted to become a better wrestler and football player. Since then I have competed in several bodybuilding contests with my most notable title being the Collegiate Mr. Illinois.

I have also become a familiar face in the fitness industry as a Chicago personal trainer and have appeared on the cover of such magazines as Muscle & Fitness, Physical and Planet Muscle, as shown below.

PERSONAL TRAINING EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, minor in Nutrition.
• Masters coursework in Exercise Physiology
• NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• Trained in Myofacial Trigger Point Therapy for Muscular Pain and Discomfort
• Nutrition Specialist - American Academy of Sports Dieticians & Nutritionists
• Black Belt in Tae-Kwon-Do with competitive experience and numerous titles
• Past Personal Training certifications in the ACSM and NASM

HONORS / TITLES:

• NPC Bodybuilding 1987 Collegiate Mr. Illinois - heavy weight class
• NPC Bodybuilding 1986 Mr. Illinois, 2nd place - heavy weight class
• NPC Bodybuilding 1990 Mr. Midwest Police and Firemen - overall winner
• May 2001 Cover model for Muscle & Fitness Magazine
• Voted one of Chicago’s Top Personal Trainers- Chicago Sun-Times 2009
• Voted one of Chicago's Top Nutritionists by 103.5 FM- The Best of Drex 2010

I believe it is extremely important to stay on top of the ever-changing fitness industry as a Chicago personal trainer. So I frequently attend continuing education seminars and workshops for fitness and nutrition. I have recently successfully completed certification with the AASDN (American Academy of Sports Dietitians and Nutritionists) in order to become a Nutrition Specialist. There are so many innovations happening in the personal fitness industry so I want to ensure my clients get the most current information on maximizing their training program. Here is a sample of a few of my client success stories.

Muscle Pain is not fun. I am trained in Myofacial Trigger Point Release at the Myo school of Pain, in Chicago IL for muscle pain and discomfort. Myofascial pain syndrome sufferers have muscle pain that persists or worsens beyond normal soreness. I teach all my clients how to properly stretch as well as incorporating techniques for faster muscle recovery after a workout.

The thing that I find exciting about training people is that no two individuals are the same. The challenges each client faces while attaining their fitness goals and how the trainer over comes them, is what separates a good personal trainer from an average one. My philosophy is a simple one, "If you succeed, so do I". Current awards and honors I have been given for my skills in Personal Training and Nutrition

Whether it's helping someone with no experience or teaching an elite athlete the latest Plyometric techniques; I will be there to "Motivate, Educate and Evaluate" throughout the entire training process.