John Sanford

I have had many roles during my 40+ years. It seems each one was another education preparing me for my next direction. I spent my youth on a beef cattle operation in Virginia assisting with all aspects of taking care of a cow/calf operation. I ran track, played little league baseball and raced motocross. It was through those years that I learned the basics of marksmanship. At 13 or 14 I also started this 30+ year adventure in strength training.

At 17 I entered the Army as a member of the 101^st Airborne. I first attended infantry school and then air assault school. While at Fort Campbell, I completed many other schools including sniper school.

After the Army, I became a nationally registered paramedic. During that time, I added many additional certifications including a critical care for paramedics class. I worked for several different hospitals while working on my EMS education and spent nearly 10 years with a volunteer rescue squad.

After almost 10 years in EMS, it was time for a career change. At that point, I started training horses using natural horsemanship. I wrote 2 books on training horses that were sold exclusively through Eclectic Horseman. The ranch operation was on about 200 acres in central Virginia. The ranch duties were everything from fencing to making hay. During the 15 years of training horses, I worked with over 500 horses. Horse training eventually evolved into personal fitness training. With many years of strength training and medical knowledge, it was an easy transition. There’s just something about a gym that feels like home. Prior to leaving Virginia, I spent 3 years doing off-road motorcycle racing – Virginia Hare Scrambles Series, National Enduro, and GNCC. In 2015, I finished 5^th overall in points in the Virginia Hare Scrambles Series. April of 2016, I rode the Malcolm Smith Baja Adventure coving 1600 miles of Mexican desert on a KTM 350.

Over the years, I have had many injuries that I have had to address and learned to train around, from pelvic alignment to tendonitis. I’ve also experienced various treatment methods including PT, acupuncture and HLA/cortisone. In my right shoulder, I currently have arthritis, a bone spur and bicep tendonitis. Through my orthopedic issues, I have learned how to adjust training methods to still get results and stay fit. I figured out the endurance training needed be a successful off-road racer. Finishing second in points for my class for the year my 1^st season racing in the desert. Also finished 1^st for class my 1^st time racing with AZOP at a race in Prescott. I have the ability to train for weight loss, endurance or physique.

In summer of 2017, I moved to Arizona looking for new opportunities. My 1^st season racing motorcycles off-road, I finished 2^nd in points. In Tucson, I found an opportunity to share my fitness and medical knowledge as a Wellness Coach with Encore Wellness/Nifty After Fifty. I work with Spanish speaking clients. I have helped post-stroke patients with fitness along clients who are morbidly obese. Clients with MS and various orthopedic problems. Helped physical therapy patients continue with rehab. I also continue to offer freelance training. Working mostly with other racers.

The jobs that I have over the years have taught me to be a highly adaptable lateral thinker. Through every role, I have tried to maintain accuracy and complete each task to the best of my ability. I look forward to new challenges and adventures.

 I am currently running my own training business in Prescott, AZ teaching group classes and doing one-on-one training.