The Real Reason Most Fitness Plans Fail (and What Actually Works)

A few weeks ago, I was at a wedding, catching up with an old friend I hadn’t seen in years.

We were talking life, work, the usual stuff—when he said:

“Hey, I’ve seen your stuff on Instagram. You’re kind of a fitness influencer now, huh?”

I laughed. But in my head, I thought:
NOOOOOO

I’m not chasing likes or selling supplements. And I’m definitely not interested in becoming an influencer. But I get why he said it. From the outside, it does look like influencer stuff—the posts, the articles, the client wins.


What doesn’t always come through is what I actually do — or how it’s helping real people create lasting change.


What I Actually Do 💡

I help busy adults—professionals, parents, people with real responsibilities—go from:

  • Feeling stuck in their body,

  • Uncomfortable in their clothes

  • And confused about what actually works…

To:

  • Feeling strong, lean, confident,

  • Clear on how to stay that way,

  • And in control of their health—for life.

Not for six weeks. Not for a vacation. For life.

What It’s Not ❌

One of the biggest misconceptions about coaching?


You’re not paying for a workout program. You’re investing in a proven system to get results—faster, with less guesswork, and in a way that actually lasts.

When people hear “online fitness coach,” they usually picture one of three things:

  • Zoom workouts

  • A strict meal plan

  • A generic PDF with a motivational quote

That’s not what I do. What I offer is a coaching system.

One built for real life:

  • When you’re working 50+ hours a week

  • Raising kids

  • Traveling for work

  • Dealing with stress and still showing up

You’ll get a custom plan, of course—but the real value is in the partnership.

What Actually Moves the Needle

It’s not just the workouts. It’s:

  • Expert feedback that adjusts as your life shifts

  • Support when motivation tanks

  • Accountability that keeps you focused

  • Tools that help you follow through when things get hard

Most programs give you a plan. I give you a process. One that adapts. One that lasts. That’s the difference between another false start—and finally building something sustainable.

How It Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Apply in 2 Minutes
Tell me your goals, schedule, and what’s been holding you back. No fluff—just the facts.

2. Talk It Out
We hop on a call to make sure we’re aligned. No pressure—just a real conversation.

3. Get a Plan That Fits Your Life
No more forcing cookie-cutter workouts into a packed schedule. You’ll get a strategy that works with your life, not against it.

4. Build Momentum, Feel Better Fast
With ongoing support and clear next steps, you’ll see progress, feel stronger, and start showing up with more energy—in your workouts and your life.

Does It Work? 🔥

Excuse my French—but heck yes, it works.



Not in a “7-day detox” kind of way. In a “oh my GOD, I feel like myself again” kind of way.



Let’s zoom out:

  • Most people fail at fat loss not because they’re lazy—but because the plan was flawed from the start.

  • Over 80% of people regain lost weight within a year.

  • Most programs are built on short-term willpower, not long-term strategy.

  • Life gets stressful, and without a system that flexes—you fall off.


That’s why I coach the way I do. And why my clients get amazing, lasting results. 


Just ask Caleb, a father of three under ten, who told me:

“Managing my shoulder, elbow, and back pain while making strength gains has been a game-changer. Your focus on balancing fitness with family life made it possible to stay consistent—even in the busiest seasons. I feel confident and motivated heading into 2025 because of the foundation we’ve built together.”

Or Eshan, 27, who lost nearly 30 pounds, recovered from a back injury, and got into the best cardio shape of his life—without ever forcing himself to run:

“Can’t believe I held on to as much size as I did. I feel better, stronger, and more athletic than I have in years.

Veronica, 26, came in skeptical after past coaching letdowns. She ended up in the best shape of her life for her wedding—and cranked out six pull-ups along the way:

All I’ve ever heard from John is strict encouragement and support of my decisions and my progress. He lets me lead my strength journey—but he’s in my corner every step of the way.”

Scott, 58, lost over 40 pounds and hasn’t skipped a workout in about three years.

Other Scott, 49, lost over 40 pounds in the past 2 years and has skipped a workout (or two)

Joe, 61, lost 40+ pounds in just 6 months—while getting stronger.

David, 53, dropped 10 pounds of fat in 12 weeks and took his strength to a new level.

And also Chris, 34, who lost over 20 pounds in 12 weeks while getting stronger.

And then there’s Jenny, 66—who fixed her chronic back pain, got stronger for her grandkids, and dropped her LDL cholesterol over 40 points in a year:

This is the best progress I’ve ever made in a single stretch. My doctor asked for your info. She couldn’t believe the transformation.”

These aren’t outliers. There are a whole bunch more, and there will be a whole bunch more. 

You could be one of them!

Ready to Start?

If you’re serious about getting leaner, stronger, and feeling good in your body again—without turning your life upside down…

👉 Apply for coaching here

No pressure. Just a clear next step toward lasting results.

Best,

John

P.S. I know I said “no pressure”… but there’s a little pressure 😂


I cap my coaching roster at 20 to keep quality high—and I’m currently at 15.

Next week, I’m launching my Healthy for the Holidays coaching cohort.

If you want to walk into Thanksgiving and make your aunt whisper,
“Wait… when did you start Ozempic??”


(but it’s actually just consistency and a smart plan)…this is your next move!

Spots go fast—and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Let me know if you want in.

3 Steps You Can Take

  1. Apply for coaching - If you’re ready to start, you can fill out a coaching application here (it takes 90 seconds or less). Best case, you change your life. Worst case, I’ll help you draw up a road map to get closer to your goals.

  2. Sign up for my newsletter - If you’d like to hear more, sign up for my mailing list here.

  3. Keep learning - You can check out my other articles here. Nobody asked me to, but I’ve spent a ton of time researching everything from artificial sweeteners to saturated fat to testosterone and more, so you don’t have to.

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