John Spencer Ellis
Biography & Credentials
Overview
Leadership, professionalism, transparency and continuous learning are the virtues John Spencer Ellis embodies. His journey from a humble background to a global entrepreneur exhibits grit and determination as he transforms adversity into opportunity.
Degrees
John holds two bachelor’s degrees in business and health science, an MBA, and a doctorate in education. He also completed 14 months of doctoral-level studies in naturopathic health education.
Professional Certifications
John has earned numerous professional certifications including massage therapy, plyometrics, physical education, flexibility, nutrition coaching, water fitness, exercise rehabilitation, golf conditioning, Pilates, personal training, clinical hypnotherapy, sports hypnosis, PACE circuit training and yoga.
His medical training includes a license in radiological technology, a medical assisting certification with phlebotomy and training in McKenzie rehabilitation. He also holds specialized training in ropes course facilitation and corporate team-building
Martial Arts Credentials
John has earned a 2nd degree black belt in Kung-fu, black belt in Ninjutsu, black belt in Tae Kwon Do, blue belt in Krav Maga, blue belt in Kempo Karate, and blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He also trained in Muay Thai for 12 years. He is a certified instructor of self-defense, fitness kickboxing and fitness boxing.
Organizations Founded & Led
John was the founder and CEO of the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA), Spencer Institute , the International Triathlon Coaching Association, and the MMA Conditioning Association for 33 years.
He was also the founder of the Get America Fit Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that educates the public on healthy living.
Fitness Programs & Industry Impact
John created Adventure Boot Camp, the largest fitness boot camp system in the world, along with IMPACT, Kung-fu Fitness, TACTIX, and co-developed Survival Combat Fitness. His programs are used by Cirque du Soleil, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, U.S. Secret Service, Coast Guard, and he has consulted for the UFC. His programs have helped create over 500,000 jobs globally, and each week over one million people engage with a fitness or personal development program he created.
Media & Television
John has been featured on Oprah Radio, ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, FOX Reality, SPIKE, and ESPN. He served as the fitness and lifestyle expert on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County and Daybreak OC, and has appeared on Starting Over (Emmy® Award winner), Life Moments, Camp Reality, and America’s Premier Experts, Health & Wellness Today. He is the creator and executive producer of the documentary The Compass and appears in the film Riches. He has also served as an expert panelist for TEDmed. John was also the host for the Ms. Fitness USA & World Completions for FOX Sports. John also appeared in the marital arts action film Double Tap.
Publishing & Print Media
John is the former Fitness Editor for OC Flair magazine and former publisher of Personal Trainer Magazine. He has been featured in Muscle and Fitness, Businessweek, U.S. News and World Report, IDEA Fitness Journal, Cosmopolitan, the New York Times, Men’s Health, Better Homes and Gardens, Women’s World, Self, and on the cover of Personal Fitness Professional Magazine.
Speaking & Notable Collaborations
John delivered the Commencement Speech for Irvine Valley College and has shared the stage with Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Leigh Steinberg, Daymond John, Barbara De Angelis, Denis Waitley, Lewis Howes, Les Brown, Jim Kwik, Marie Forleo, Joe Vitale, and Brian Tracy, among others. He has collaborated directly with leading health authorities including Dr. Oz and Dr. Andrew Weil.
Books
New Rules of Success – Amazon #1 Best-seller, The Compass – Hudson News Best-seller, The Code, How Badly Do You Want It?, Peak Vitality – Amazon Best-seller, Power of Champions – Amazon Best-seller, The Wellness Code – Amazon #1 Best-seller, The Ultimate Life Coach Business Book, Collaboration Economy – Amazon #8 Best-seller, Rapid Body Makeover – Amazon #1 Best-seller, Health and Wellness Today – Amazon #3 Best-seller.
Athletic Achievements
John has ridden his bicycle enough miles to circle the Earth and competed in cycling, running, and triathlon events for over ten years. He completed the Ironman Triathlon and competed in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Championships and finished 5th at the U.S. National Biathlon Championships. John also won the Montebello Cycling Classic and the Roadrunner Inline skate race.