John TURK – Personal Trainer in Del Mar

Personal Trainer in Del Mar –

At the age of 62, with over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry, I am a dedicated personal trainer who thrives on helping individuals lead healthier lives. Prior to becoming a fitness specialist, I received my bachelors of science degree from Illinois State University in Exercise Science with a minor in nutrition. I currently hold Certifications in the NSCA (CSCS) the NASM as a Corrective Exercise Specialist and the Grey Institute with a Certification in Applied Functional Science.

My journey began when I was a young athlete, striving to improve my skills in wrestling and football. Over the years, I’ve not only competed in numerous bodybuilding contests but also earned the prestigious title of Collegiate Mr. Illinois, Third place in the Collegiate Mr. America and Mr. Midwest of police and Fire. In addition to my athletic accomplishments, I’ve made a name for myself in the fitness industry, not only as a personal trainer but also as a renowned fitness model. My physique has graced the covers of leading magazines such as Muscle & Fitness, Physical, and Planet Muscle. To see some of these images, visit my portfolio page on my website in the about section.
https://personaltrainersandiego.com/about/meet-john/portfolio/

Beyond my fitness career, I served as a dedicated police officer for a decade in the Chicago area. During my tenure, I assumed the role of fitness instructor for the police department, training officers to excel in their quarterly fitness exams and the rigorous testing for new recruits. I was also an avid martial artist and obtained a black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do. I was asked to audition for a fighting game in the early 1990’s called Mortal Kombat. I was eventually cast as the characters, Sub Zero, unmasked Sub Zero and Scorpion as well as all the ninja’s.

What often goes unnoticed is my personal battle with an eating disorder, which developed due to the extreme dietary demands of my professional fitness lifestyle. I struggled with binge eating, a powerful adversary that continues to challenge me to this day. However, I’ve developed effective strategies to manage this condition. There were times when I would consume an entire box of a dozen “Dove bars” in a single sitting or find myself overindulging at all-you-can-eat buffet-style restaurants, with Las Vegas being a particularly challenging environment. I would leave these experiences feeling defeated and depressed. To counteract this, I would embark on intense, hours-long workouts in the hotel gym to offset my excessive food consumption. This cycle was not only emotionally draining but also potentially life-threatening.

So, when I say, “I understand,” I truly do. If you’re seeking guidance on fitness, overcoming binge eating, or maintaining a balanced lifestyle, I’m here to help. Together, we can work towards achieving your health and fitness goals, so you can live a happier and healthier life.