Eric Johnson

My name is Eric Johnson. You can call me “E”.

You could say I am enthusiast. When I find something that I enjoy, I typically go ALL OUT to get the most out of whatever that is. I live to feel my heart pounding and for the moments that take my breath away.

For instance, coffee. I LOVE coffee. Like who doesn’t, especially in New York City?! Since my first sip, I am on a everlasting mission to find that perfect cup. My tastes have grown from Starbucks to the joys of single origin beans, chemex’s, and bold espresso. I could go on for days…

Anyway, back to how I got where I am today.

See, I played baseball my entire life until my brother, Ryan started football. I decided to give it a try the next season. This is when my passion to take it to the next level came through and brought me from third string left (out) tackle to El Capitan of my varsity squad. The sport left me with unforgettable experiences and my infamous thunder thighs.

To think, all those years of pushing a sled and still get to do it to this day (just a little different…).

When I started, I was an overweight third grader. In Pop Warner, there were weight limits that I absolutely despised at the time. But having to lose those pounds was one of the best things that could have ever happened to me; the first step to why Sons of Strength exists.

I learned how to overcome my struggles – even though I did it in some unorthodox, stupid ways (hill sprints with garbage bags, sucking on lollipops only to spit out any saliva I had left, and sitting in the attic to sweat out the extra few pounds). Using all the tools in my limited bag, I would make weight before the game and treat myself with some of the worst concession stand food you could eat before a competition.

Thankfully, my arsenal of tools are now much more effective and efficient and my knowledge of nutrition has grown exponentially.

This first exposure to my own training guided me to want to learn more and my enthuisast self came out. From then on, I dug deep into every book on training and nutrition that I could get my hands on. From Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding to my first internship with Brijesh Patel at Quinnipiac University, the journey continues.

I have not stopped since. I hold credentials as:

• B.S. in Exercise Science (not bullshit…)
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA)
• RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge) Instructor
• USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach
• TPI Certified Golf Fitness Instructor
• Precision Nutrition Certification (PnC1)

Every day, I aim to get better. And that’s what I want from you.

My inner fat boy remains deep within my heart to this day. I know what it’s like to LOVE food. I would consider myself a foodie and take pride in bringing out my inner Guy Fieri to find the next best restaurants and meals. I have taken that passion and developed a knack for finding healthy eats as well as some of the best cheat meals!

Training has become a large part of my life. From my own experiences to helping others achieve what they believed was impossible. There is no better feeling than being part of that success, whether its for a championship belt, walking down the aisle, or impressing your tailor by the amount of inches you took off on your suit alterations.

So I understand your struggles and I’m here to help you overcome them while still enjoying your life. I have worked with a clientele ranging from high powered CEOs, A-List celebrities, and Billboard artists to competitive, high level athletes and weekend warriors. And I look forward to working with you next!

APPROACH: Eric’s guide on how to get strong in all aspects of life.

1. Smile. How will you react in the face of adversity? From struggle comes strength. Whether its five more reps, one more pound, or the last round, never go into battle without a smile on your face. Enjoy the process – every second of it.
2. Have a reason for everything you do. Act with a sense of urgency. Set goals. Give yourself daily reminders of why you are putting in that extra effort; why it’s worth the blood, sweat, and tears. Have a purpose.
3. Get better every single day. Seek out knowledge and experiences. Learn something every chance you have. Be curious. Ask a ton of quality questions. There are many tools and methods; not only one way to accomplish something.
4. Challenge yourself. Be nervous. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Feel your heart pounding as often as you can. Make mistakes. Force adaptation in the mind, body, and soul. Grow.
5. Be the example. Don’t be afraid to look in the mirror. Call bullshit out on yourself. Practice what you preach. Have consistency. Stand for something or fall for nothing.