The FitFam concept of playing out as a family, rather than working out as individuals strapped to machines in a windowless hall of mirrors, owes a great deal to my teacher and trainer, Jon Hinds. Jon is the founder of the Monkey Bar Gym, a revolutionary training facility in Madison, Wisconsin, where I've studied to become a CNT (Certified Natural Trainer).

Jon was the strength coach for the LA Clippers basketball team, a head instructor for the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and personal trainer to Hollywood stars like Woody Harrelson and Demi Moore. He played college basketball and worked as a street break dancer. He studied High Energy Yoga with reclusive guru Roger Eischens, and trains everyone from grannies to top athletes at the Monkey Bar Gym.

Monkey Bar Gym members rave about the results they get, but even more they talk about how much fun and camaraderie they experience at every workout. No judgment, no machines, no TVs, no mirrors, and no obsessing about appearance.

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Jon about his experiences, his training philosophy, and his take on the modern fitness industry.

Ordinarily I would make an interview of this quality available only to FitFam Members in the FitFam Radio section of the Members Study Center, but this stuff is so important I can't bring myself to be selfish.  If you like the interview and want to hear many more like it, consider joining FitFam.

Without further ado, here's Jonny…

Howie interview with Jon Hinds