S1, Ep5 – In conversation with Jon Denoris
8 April 2022
Described as ‘an inspirational force’ and ‘the best educator and motivator to make sure you get the best out of your body’ by his loyal and dedicated celebrity client following, Jon Denoris is a complete game changer in the world of personal training.
With a highly regarded background as a Masters Level Exercise Scientist he is particularly acclaimed for combining a lifestyle approach with scientific innovation and bespoke programmes. Running Club 51, a private health and fitness club located 51 New Cavendish Street he joins Dr Reena for an in-depth conversation to discuss where it all started, how to navigate fitness, diet and wellbeing plus giving you exclusive access to a typical ‘day in the life’.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Dr Reena started by welcoming Jon to Harley Street, noting he was nearby at Club 51 on New Cavendish Street, where he is recognised as a game changer in health and fitness.
When asked how it all began, Jon shared that he had been obsessed with sport and fitness since childhood. Although his family led a healthy lifestyle, he was determined to create his own path rather than follow theirs. Years later, setting up his own club was the natural step, and he successfully built a network of backers. Today, Jon is celebrated for his lifestyle approach to diet, fitness, health, and wellbeing.
Jon emphasised that the first step is to pace yourself — even small changes, like starting with ten minutes of exercise, can build over time and lead to dramatic progress. He initially focused on movement alone but soon realised the importance of a 360-degree approach combining movement, nutrition, and coaching to achieve significant results.
Dr Reena shifted the conversation to behavioural change, highlighting how attention to one aspect of life can create a domino effect. Jon agreed, noting that habit formation and training the mind to adopt new routines are essential for improving not just fitness but overall lifestyle performance.
Jon also explained that a key part of his coaching is to continually find new goals for clients. Many start focused on aesthetics but eventually discover deeper benefits, such as improved mental and physical wellbeing. He contrasted his approach with traditional fitness methods, emphasising that adopting fitness as a lifestyle makes it far more sustainable.
When asked about role models, Jon revealed he is an avid reader, often diving into numerous self-help and business books.
Regarding business management, Jon shared that building a strong team and allowing others to take control is crucial for scaling and thriving. Although he admits to being a “bit of a control freak,” he acknowledges the importance of planning, looking ahead, and understanding every role within his business — qualities Dr Reena noted are often key to success.
Jon further reflected on his motivation, inspired by family members who have overcome adversity through hard work, pushing him to work even harder.
On what a typical day looks like, Jon explained that thanks to the previous pandemic he developed a structured weekly routine, which might not have happened otherwise. He emphasised that business should be fun and that prioritising what makes you happy is vital. Both Jon and Dr Reena agreed that learning to prioritise focus and energy is a crucial skill given the many opportunities life presents.
Jon is also an author, published by Bloomsbury (notably J.K. Rowling’s publisher). His book grew from his experience training entertainers on the go, using simple, equipment-free workouts that anyone can do, showing that training doesn’t need to be complicated.
On diet and morning routines, Jon follows a food-first approach, aiming to eat as close to nature as possible. He advocates for cooking from scratch and balancing nutrition without being overly restrictive. Eliminating processed foods can solve many nutrition-related issues.
Jon also stressed the importance of quality sleep, preferring to think in 90-minute cycles — aiming for either 6 or 7.5 hours, never in between. He plans to research sleep further, as he believes small changes in sleep habits can make a big difference, a point Dr Reena strongly agrees with.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Find out what you are passionate about and aim to build a career from it.
The easiest way to fail is to do too much too soon. Pace yourself and build gradually.
Self-awareness is key, coupled with meaningful intentions.
Habit forming is crucial for lasting change.
Combine multiple goals to embed them into a sustainable lifestyle approach.
Learning from failure is often one of the most valuable lessons.
Focus on your strengths and outsource areas outside your expertise for best results.
On nutrition: aim to eat as close to nature as possible.
Invest in yourself — your time, energy, and money can be your best investments.
Keep evolving and adapting along the way.
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