Johnny Ploke

I was the heavy kid. I went to fat camp. For years I lost weight and gained it back, and I've been both obese and lean.

That's why I went all in on the science. I studied exercise physiology and kinesiology, then earned a master's focused on strength and conditioning. That program took me to New Zealand and a professional rugby internship.

I taught kinesiology and adapted physical education at Gavilan College and served as department co-chair. Today I'm a doctoral candidate in exercise science at Concordia University, St. Paul.

My research looks at adults over 50 with musculoskeletal pain and obesity, and what helps them stick with exercise. Most of my coaching clients are in that same age group.

Praxform comes from praxis, the point where knowledge becomes practice. That's the job: take what the research shows and make it work in a real life, with meetings, travel, and kids.