Working out: While many of us dread it, we have to do it. Do we always work out to our full potential? More importantly, what makes for an adequate workout? One thing is for sure, having someone scream “stop crying”  at you while you work up a sweat, will surely snap you out of your fitness funk.

When Jon P. came to Kuwait from the United States’ east coast four years ago, he had no idea he would eventually find himself managing a private training space, equipped with all the necessary tools to make magic happen. Jon made it his mission to motivate people looking to get into shape to get to the “right level of fitness” to suit their personal needs. “I will never tell anyone what their body should look like, or how fit they should be, but I want to help them get to the goal that’s right for them. Fitness is key here.”

Toting an impressive resume in the fitness field, Jon has an educational background in Physical Therapy and Health and Exercise from the College of New Jersey, and experience working at gyms as both a personal trainer and a physiotherapist’s assistant. In Kuwait, he works with people who have different fitness levels and capabilities. In total, Jon has nine years of experience in the fitness industry, “on top of being an all-around athlete!” he informs, “I was always into sports, even as a young child.”

When it comes to working out with Jon, connection is key. This exclusive trainer likes to get to know his clients and works on a referral basis with the belief that if they can establish a connection, the quality of the work will be better. If you’re lucky enough to have someone refer you to Jon, you can expect him to ask you a lot of questions regarding your past and current exercise habits. “I ask questions that I feel not enough PTs ask their potential clients to try to get to the root of why their workout experiences weren’t enough or why they’d stopped exercising, then I see what I can do for them.”

You’d expect someone whose catchphrase and fitness studio named “Stop Crying” to be mean and scary, but the down-to-earth trainer has a heart of gold. “Until people start goofing off in my studio” he interjects seriously. “When there’s too much chilling and chit chat going on, then I’m not such a nice guy anymore.” And after sending two bazaarites to try out one of Jon’s boot camp classes, we managed to catch our breaths long enough to get the tough-as-nails trainer to break his “no chilling” rule (just this once!) and learned the hard, yet rewarding way, what Jon is all about.

TRUTH OR DARE

How would your mother describe you in one word?

Resilient.

How would you describe your mother in one word?

Everything.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?

“Will you ever stop playing video games?” (Nope!)

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

I was offered a job in Kuwait on Friday, and boarded a plane to Kuwait two days later.

What is your theme song?

“Ruff Ryders Anthem” by DMX.

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?

‘Bling Bling’.

Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?

Haiti.

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind? 

“By any means necessary,”- Malcolm X

What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?

Lioness.

What do you miss about your childhood?

I didn’t have to pay bills.

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

Big Papa (RIP Biggie).

How would you describe your handshake in one word?

Welcoming.

What is the toughest part of your character?

I give people one chance. If my trust is broken, I remove that person from my life.

Who is your favorite historical figure?

Malcolm X.

What in the world do you least desire?

Expensive clothing.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place?

Patience.

Why do you think most girls/guys like you?

I don’t speak much, I listen to them.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”

…gratitude for everything and everyone you have in your life.

Follow Jon P. on Instagram @jonpfitness for more information.