Bio
Cleon "CJ" Joseph
CJ's functional Fitness LLC
Cleon Joseph, "aka" CJ, is the founder of CJ's Functional Fitness and the Fitness Syndicate. He built his fitness program from his 20 yrs of fitness and Martial Arts training. CJ developed a deeper desire for fitness after competing in an all natural body building show in the early 90*s. In the late 90*s he discovered no holds barred training and had to make major physical adjustment to adapt to that style of training. The transition from bodybuilding to Mixed Martial Art birthed the concept of Functional Fitness.
“As an amateur and recreational body builder I looked great, but I could not move, and my cardio was poor. To me there was no difference between me and an out of shape person, I just looked the part, and that scared me. Every weight training supplement that I tried eventually led to a bad report from my doctors. The reality of my physical state hit when I took a no holds barred fighting class for the first time. I sparred against a guy who looked like he lived on donuts and Twinkies. Within 30 seconds of sparring I was exhausted and defeated. At that moment I realized that after all those big muscles that I had gave out. I was completely helpless. All the muscle gains I made, for the sake of vanity, were useless. I was no different than the out of shape person. Through the methods and workouts of grappling, kick-boxing, boxing, and functional training I discovered a new me. I lost 30 pounds of unneeded muscle mass, I was more flexible, I could move quicker when needed, my walk was smoother, and I could run for miles at a time. Overall, I felt amazing and extremely sexy, and confident in the real me. Weight training is now a minor auxiliary function to compliment my functional training. It was important to know that if I had to protect myself or my family, I could. No more posturing; I am the real deal. I know I’m training in a way to one day see my grandchildren get married, and have their children. It’s about life fitness. It’s all about staying well. Functional training is more than just exercising for a moment in a day. It’s about simply getting in and out of your seat without breathing hard, or simply being able to engage in all that life has to offer. It does not matter what physical state of fitness you are currently in, you can change it and I want to help! The world needs this!”
CJ is, currently, a certified personal trainer with certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Aerobic Fitness Association of America (AFAA), and Police Officers Standards in Training (POST). CJ has shared his knowledge with thousands of law enforcement officers in California and abroad. CJ has also been a Physical Training instructor for law enforcement. CJ has taught numerous health awareness seminars all over Southern California. CJ’s Functional Fitness encompasses all of the exercises, health education, and training methods learned throughout his Fitness and Martial Arts experience. CJ has trained people from all walks of life. CJ is currently helping people get in shape at his new facility in Lawndale, California affectionately known as the CJ’s Functional Fitness Studio.
CJ’s most proud of his community fitness 12 week free fitness program called the Fitness Syndicate vs. Obesity. CJ gathered 12 of the best trainers in Southern California and selected 14 deserving community participants who desperately needed to change their lives in regards to their obesity. Within the 12 week program participants lost an average on 20 pounds safely. The winner lost 30 pounds.
CJ is also a frequent fitness guest on 102.3 KJLH Radio, L.A.’s number one R&B radio station. He also has his own web-radio show on New Day Talk Radio called the CJ’s Functional Fitness Show, which airs every Tuesday at 12 noon (PST).
CJ also works with the Center For Lupus Care to ensure that people are aware of this serious disease.
For more information about CJ, CJ’s Functional Fitness, and fitness programs go to www.cjff.org or call (424) 456-7306.
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