Johnny Gillespie, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, E-RYT is a revolutionary teacher of human movement. He is a graduate of the school of physical education at West Virginia University and has been studying human movement since he initiated his studies in 1991.
He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) through Yoga Alliance.
Johnny is a long time presenter for the NSCA under the topic Yoga for Athletes. He is the creator of an online video series through www.runnersworld.com entitled Balanced Runner. He regularly appears on tv and radio as an expert on health, fitness and yoga.
Johnny is the founder of Plexus Fitness and Empowered Yoga located in Delaware. Plexus operates public fitness centers and offers an array of health and fitness services within corporations, country clubs and privately in-home.
Empowered Yoga is a practical approach to the healing art of yoga, incorporating modern day exercise science principles, operating locations throughout Delaware.
Johnny lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania with his wife Sara and their three children; Jimmy, Leia and Liam.
Johnny, How did you get into Yoga?
J: I was a “Banged up Jock”. A decade ago I went to a Hot yoga class looking for relief. What I found was a whole new way of looking at human movement. My first class was humiliating. The next morning I woke up and my back did not hurt as much. The relief was enough for me to go back again to the class. This time I was a little better. The door cracked enough for me to see the light. The rest as they say is history.
You are the founder of Empowered Yoga. What is Empowered Yoga and what makes it different from other types of Yoga?
J: Empowered Yoga is a practical approach to the ancient healing art of yoga, incorporating modern day exercise science principles. There are 6 major branches of yoga. The one most people associate with is Hatha Yoga which is the physical practice of yoga postures and breathing exercises. There are hundreds of approaches to Hatha Yoga. Empowered is a hybrid approach.
What differences have you seen within yourself and within your clients through Empowered Yoga?
J: I could go on and on about this one. I have seen everything from women who can’t get pregnant getting pregnant through the yoga to people who needed back surgery due to pain not needing it anymore. The benefits are infinite. When someone gets with a good teacher it is amazing the numerous benefits one can get.
What is new with Empowered Yoga? Online classes?
J: I recently did an online Brand New Beginner Series through www.yogavibes.com and I am currently working on a Yoga Essentials DVD.
Where do you hold special classes, retreats? Any coming up?
J: I hold special workshops and classes throughout the country and abroad. I am teaching in Costa Rica this January, Charlotte, North Carolina in February and co-teaching a retreat in Mexico with Amy Hayden, a talented teacher from West Chester, NY and my wife Sara in April. I am real excited about teaching with Amy and my wife. I have always wanted to teach with my wife. She is very talented!
What is your exercise regimen? What is barefoot running?
J: Week to week it varies depending on my schedule. I aim to move my a body minimum of one hour a day. My routine is a mix of Empowered Yoga, Weight Training and barefoot running. Well, actually not barefoot yet I run with these special shoes called Vibrams which are just rubber soles and provide no arch support or cushion. Running in vibrams allows my feet to function the way there are designed to work. Not only does it help strengthen my feet yet my entire body.
What is your diet regimen? What Greens+ products do you take?
J: I eat religiously every three hours to maintain my blood sugar, use fat as my primary energy source, slow down aging, etc. Eating every three hours is essential to optimum health. Each meal combines protein, carb, and fat. I use Amazon Chocolate in the morning followed by a Greens Plus bar either whey krisp, Peanut Butter Natural or Green Plus Chocolate Energy bar. Mid day I use the Wild Berry Burst and this stuff really provides an afternoon burst of energy. I use the Greens Plus bars twice a day since I eat 5-6 times a day. The bars are the real deal while the majority of the bars on the market are only a small upgrade from a candy bar.
Any inspirational thoughts you would like to share with readers?
J: There is an old Zen proverb that says “you can never step into the same river twice”. This quote refers to the ever changing nature of reality. Life is not stagnant and neither are you. You have a moment to moment choice to create the life that you want and be the person you want to be. Each moment is a new moment to create what you want here and now. Now is Your Time!
To find out more about Johnny and Empowered Yoga and Plexus Fitness please visit his websites:
