John Weeks began his lifelong obsession with movement at the age of 6. As a hyperactive kid watching his older brother practice Shaolin Kung Fu, he of course pestered his parents to let him learn as well. This started him on a path of fitness, meditation, and introspective practice that has persisted through his entire life.

In his early 20s after becoming a young father, John went “mainstream” in his fitness coaching, combining his experience in martial arts, Yoga, and breathwork with more conventional strength and conditioning methodologies. The success of his group and personal training programs led to rapid advancement into management at several regional and national fitness brands.

In 2012, John opened Tough Temple a boutique fitness center in Bethesda, MD. Originally a CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting center, Tough Temple has consistently evolved to become one of the DC regions premier training facilities. Over the years emergent brands such as Animal Flow and Hyrox have seemlessly become a part of Tough Temple’s vision to bring movement, health and fitness to as many people as possible.

John’s personal passion for Animal Flow runs deep. In 2020 during the height of COVID lockdowns challenging the fitness industry, John was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. Over the next year of intensive treatment, John lost almost 30 pounds of bodyweight and had complications that made even walking up and down stairs extremely painful.

This new situation forced him to reevaluate his relationship to his body and what would serve him moving forward. It was a “full circle” moment, where body weight training, breathwork, and introspective movement were needed. Animal Flow became the foundation of John’s physical rehabilitation. Now several years in remission, John is more passionate that ever to share movement and its unique capacity for healing.

“Every time you touch the floor, its an opportunity to go inside. Its a conduit to help you slow down and take stock. Check in, and reintroduce yourself to yourself.”