John Devitt lightening bolt

28 Reviews
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About John

Coach John ~ Hi, I'm the owner and head coach at Kalos Sthenos Fitness. I've been a personal trainer since 1999. When I started my training at 24 Hour Fitness in 1999 in my hometown of Billings Montana, I instantly fell in love with it. Why? It was awesome to help people with their health and fitness goals. In 2000 I moved to Santa Clarita and continued with personal training. Almost ten years ago I found kettlebells and shortly thereafter CrossFit. After doing my first CF workout 'Murph', I instantly fell in love with CF. It was a perfect fit for me having grown up doing gymnastics, distance running, and weight training. For the next few years I had been going back and forth from kettlebells to CF as I was training for the RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge). After completing my first RKC I started doing small group training. I've since also become a Level II RKC. I continued to train my groups on kettlebells up until 2010 when I felt my clients would benefit from more than just kettlebells. That is when I decided to get certified as a CrossFit coach. After nearly a decade as a CF affiliate I decided to drop the CF name and since we've been Kalos Sthenos Fitness. What's Kalos Sthenos? It's Greek for beautiful strength/movement. It's also the origin of the word calisthenics. The foundation to my training with all my clients for the past nine years has been the Kalos Sthenos Turkish Get Up that I learned through the RKC system. It is my goal for my people to first and foremost OWN the Turkish Get Up. Why? I've seen first hand in the past nine years with hundreds of people the benefits of this ancient movement/exercise. Also I want all our movements/exercises to be Kalos Sthenos, BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENT, BEAUTIFUL STRENGTH!


My favorite client story

Nanette, who’s trained with me for 25 years, was told she couldn’t lift more than three pounds overhead. Fast forward to 23 years later, and Nanette is 70 years old, and presses 75 pounds overhead!! Not to mention she’s had many other feats of amazing strength.

My favorite exercise

The Turkish Get Up for its application to enhancing so many other movements and as a diagnostic tool for the body.

My favorite quote

With great power comes great responsibility ~ Uncle Ben in Spider-Man. I find that we all have a responsibility to ourselves and others with our health and fitness.

My training philosophy

Train Smart, Train Hard, Train with Purpose

In my approach to training, I believe that success is built on a foundation of strategic thinking, relentless effort, and a clear sense of direction. Training smart involves understanding your body, recognizing its limits, and seeking knowledge to optimize every workout. It's about leveraging techniques and strategies that will yield the most significant results.

Sacrifice for Freedom

The journey to achieving your goals demands sacrifices today for the freedom of tomorrow. Every choice we make—every moment spent working on our fitness, honing our skills, and pushing through discomfort—brings us one step closer to a life of autonomy and empowerment. By committing to my training, I am laying the groundwork for a healthier, more fulfilling future.

Putting Together the Puzzle of Life

I see training as a pivotal piece of the larger puzzle that is life. Each workout, each discipline learned, and each challenge overcome contributes to the overall picture of who I am striving to become. By approaching my goals with intention and dedication, I assemble the elements necessary to create the life I desire—a life defined by strength, resilience, and purpose.

In this philosophy, every sacrifice is valuable, every effort meaningful, and every training session a step toward the best life possible.

My training experience

As an athlete I started at the age of 5 in gymnastics, then cross country, collegiate cheerleading,snowboarding, CrossFit and Spartan racing. This is over the course of the past 45 years, but has been part of professional career as a personal trainer starting in 1999. In 1996 I was an assistant coach for high school cross country and track. In 1999 I became a personal trainer. After working in numerous gyms I opened my own small gym in 2011 and still run it today. My education has been sports medicine, NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) PES (Performance Enhancement Specialist), RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge), CrossFit and TRX. Nearly 30 years experience in coaching and personal training.

Areas of Expertise

  • Core and Balance
  • Strength Training
  • Flexibility and Mobility
  • Muscle Gain
  • Kettlebells
  • Functional Training

NCCA Accredited Certifications

NASM Certified Personal Trainer

Additional Certifications

NASM PES

Who I Especially Like Working With

Beginners, Men, Middle-aged, Runners, Student-athletes

Medical Conditions Experience

Back Pain/Issues, Knee Pain/Issues, Limited Mobility, Postural Issues

26620 Valley Center Dr

Santa Clarita, CA 91350

No Gym Membership Needed!

In-home or Outdoor Training

Session Surcharge: $10

I love working out here! It is the best gym I have come across in Santa Clarita. We are very much like family. There is so much support and love. John is very friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you!

Gayane A.

I discovered Kalos Sthenos Fitness on class pass about 2 years ago. When I walked in the owner, John asked my name and introduced me to the other members, I felt immediately welcomed. John really knows his stuff. When I have any aches or pains John suggests some things to try. He even sent me a video when I was on vacation to help relieve my backache. There is a sense of community in the gym which was really a nice change from the big box gyms. I would highly recommend this gym to anyone.

Sue H.

Best fitness decision I ever made. Coach John knows his stuff. He teaches you fitness skills you can use forever. I recommend this gym to everyone who wants to really change and improve their overall health and fitness

Pauline B.

John Devitt is an amazing coach and if you have goals to meet he will get you there! You can get all the information you need from nutrition to fitness he is the best! If your looking for results you can find them here with coach John Devitt!

Lisa G.

I have been exercising and training for different goals for over half my life, but wanted to start focusing on developing my olympic lifts and calisthenic skills. I have an MS in Kinesiology and teach personal trainers/group fitness instructors - but even coaches need coaches. This is the first place I would go to work on my own lifting technique. John is an excellent teacher and really helps you work on your form and programming for longevity of lifting - not just competition or PRs. Good vibes from the other box teammates: real people who just want to be strong, healthy and fit. Definitely go here if you want to get nerdy with your fitness, or if you just want to have a reliable program you can trust to improve your conditioning without getting hurt.

Erin C.

Joined 1 year ago so Happy Anniversary to us! It's been a crazy time this year with COVID but this gym thinks of us and our safety. They have had zoom classes, outdoor classes, personal training, and space in between all the members working out there. We definitely have felt safe at home there. We are in our early 50's and have been a regular member at a well known gym for years but needed a change for more personal regimen. John, the owner, has been working with us and making workouts that accommodate us. When he is not there his trainer, Lauren has given us the same workouts, but with a bit of change which has been nice to get different teachings. They both are so personable and know their stuff! My wife and I have been having fun scheduling and even wanting to go to the workouts sometimes 6 days a week, but at least 4 days. They change the work outs and explain everything so it's a new WOD everyday. We both have shed lbs since joining and was a plus besides getting into shape. After 1 year, we are so happy joining and it's like having a personal trainer that is always checking up on us and even contacts us when he doesn't see us for a few days. We have met some good people there also who feel the same way we do. With the personal trading from John and Lauren, the pre scheduled WOD's, the open Dailey gym times, early mornings and early evenings classes, we have had easy access, attained personal goals, and been in the best shape in so many in years! So Blessed we made this decision to join with Kalos Stenos and wished we would have started sooner with them.

Sebastian A.

For nearly 20 years I did bodybuilding in a standard gym and overtime I began to find myself getting board of doing the same exercises week- after-week and eventually loosing gains. I had heard of crossfit, but never tried it because I heard it was bad on your joints plus I didnt want to loose muscle mass because of the intense cardio involved. A buddy of mine who is in the Army, recommend Crossfit Kalos Sthenos to just try once, so reluctantly I did. After meeting Coach John who is hands-down one of the most informed practioners of his sport I have ever met and the community and comraderie that this gym provides is everything I could have ever wanted and more in a gym. Not only have I gotten better gains and higher 1RM then I have ever gotten in a standard gym, my cardiovascular endurance is through the roof. No two workouts are ever the same. My joints dont hurt and I feel like I am in the best shape of my life and I owe it to John and all the people at Kalos Sthenos.

Mike S.

My fiancé and I started going to this gym during a 6 Week Challenge we joined. We were both super nervous about joining a CrossFit box because there is a lot to be said about bad CrossFit boxes and experiences. I can't tell you how incredible this box really is. The coaches are fantastic, John, Cheryl and Lauren are like family. When I don't come in and workout I get a message from someone on the team either asking if I'm ok or sending me a "CrossFit alarm". This box truly cares about YOUR health and fitness. This isn't just a CrossFit gym, it's a family, from the members to the coaches, I love everyone. While there is personal growth and goals I've never felt like anyone was competing with me or throwing their fitness around. We are all working toward our own goals and the coaches support that. I will forever be a part of this box and miss it when I can't get in. Do your research should you want to join a gym, and then join this one lol.

Kristin P.

Great Crossfit gym with wonderful coaches and members. I emailed coach Josh the night before I wanted to drop-in for Murph, and he emailed me back promptly with the information I needed. He was extremely friendly in person as well, and several members introduced themselves to me while I was there. This gym definitely has a family feel! There seemed to be athletes at all levels of fitness, and the overall vibe was very positive. I'll definitely come back next time I'm in town.

Jennifer G.

I have been doing CrossFit off and on for almost 5 years. I have traveled through out CA and been able to work out at various CF locations, but not one location can compare with this box! The coach is very knowledgeable about everything health related. He knows when to push you but also listens to you if you have pre existing conditions or generally feel wrecked from the workouts that week. He will modify any movement so you can still obtain your goals while also getting in a great workout. When I came back to this gym in Aug 2018, I was 4 months post-partum from my second child, had low back issues, and difficulty running (my knee gave out). Within a few months of listening to the coach's suggestions regarding exercises, those problems completely resolved. In addition, i quickly met all of my short term goals which included: having more energy and not needing an afternoon nap to function effectively in life between being a stay at home mom and working 4 per diem jobs. Of course, there is the added bonus of losing 20lbs and dropping clothing sizes. If your looking for the whole package in a gym, i highly recommend this one. You likely will not get the experience this gym has to offer you anywhere else.

Meghan F.

Thank you to Coach John, Coach Cheryl and Coach Lauren for the guidance with my nutrition, motivation and helping me stay on track... You are givers to us all The coaches here are very knowledgeable and work with people of all ages training to be our best regardless of your current situation. People come with no experience and are doing amazing workouts in a short time. I joined the box (gym) about two months ago for a 6 week challenge and it changed my life. Since then I've lost several inches and 6#'s, all body fat. My stamina and overall fitness has improved in a very short time and I'm amazed at how much better I feel. I'm in my 50's and in better health than I was back in my 30's. My recent doctor visit was the real proof. As we reviewed all my stats they couldn't believe how much healthier I am now than I was at my last visit. They said another doctor reading my chart would think I'd been taking cholesterol medications. I no longer have joint pain or inflammation either. I've since joined Kalos Sthenos and have made a commitment to myself to keep going.

Roxanne B.

This place is AMAZING! Everyone is very friendly and supportive about whatever level you are at. The coaches are all so knowledgeable. I learn not only about the work out but get advice on my diet as well. I have been coming for years, it has changed my life for the better! I'm stronger and leaner than I've ever been. Everyday is different so it never gets boring!

Dawn V.

Joining CrossFit Kalos Sthenos changed everything for me. Since I joined in July (about 6 months ago) I've lost over 50 pounds and I find myself doing things like toes-to-bar, handstands, and pull-ups that I wouldn't have attempted in my wildest dreams. The programming is fun and engaging. It can be both motivating and humbling at the same time because one day you may be hitting areas which are your strengths at and the next day you may be working on improving areas of weaknesses. My favorite aspect of CrossFit Kalos Sthenos is the sense of community. Everyone I've met here is at a different spot in their fitness journey, but they are still supportive of each other and its really motivating.

Jeremy P.

Coach John, Cheryl & Lauren makes this place my home away from home. Friendly members and atmosphere, we all have different levels of physical condition but we all inspire and push each other to meet our goals. They keep you on your toes! Exciting, entertaining, motivating, it becomes a healthy addiction of wanting to keep progressing, faster and stronger. First class training, I went from 205 to 165 over a 5 month period with their nutrition programs. So it's absolutely the best bang for your buck in personal training in Santa Clarita!

Jose A.

This is an awesome CrossFit gym, John and Cheryl are great! I am feeling much more energy sleeping better. I would definitely give this gym a solid 5 stars.

Kathleen K.

I was very hesitant to give CrossFit a try and I am super pleased I did! This box (gym) is like a big family. Everyone is welcoming, and the coaches take care of you. If you're thinking about giving it a shot, trust me with a little hard work you'll be happy you did.

Albert W.

Outstanding Box! The equipment, clean space & easy access makes it one of the best. John (owner) is both encouraging & precise. His knowledge of body mechanics & strength training is excellent. I dropped in to do 18.2 & will definitely come back next time I'm in town.

Jim S.

This is my go-to Crossfit gym! Crossfit KS owner, John Devitt, is very knowledgeable and is an amazing coach. Tell him your goals and he is sure to help you achieve them! The WODs are well programmed and are always sure to have something that will challenge you while still keeping it fun! The equipment is well cared for and of great quality! The gym is also very clean (which for me is a giant plus)! Every time I go in to do a WOD, I always have so much fun with friendly competition, and the music always pumps me up! There is no other gym that I would rather go to. Crossfit KS is one big family and it's amazing to be a part of this community that is dedicated to healthy living!! Prices are also very reasonable and affordable!! I would recommend this CF gym to everyone, you won't regret joining!

Kaitlin S.

I've been a CrossFitter for 5 years, never affiliated with a gym. CF Kalos Sthenos was the first box I stepped into, and it showed me what I was missing while training on my own. John's coaching has helped me get over hurdles I've been stuck at for a long time, and I'm sure he will help me clear many more. There's enough gear to complete just about any WOD you could think of. The friendly, but competitive atmosphere of the gym completely refreshed my love for CrossFit. Whether you're new to CrossFit, an unaffiliated veteran like me, or belong to another box and are looking for something new, I promise you'll get something out of your experience at CrossFit Kalos Sthenos.

Josh M.

I'm now currently halfway through my 6 week challenge and I'm absolutely loving it! John, Lauren, & Cheryl have been nothing but amazing! You will get a really intense work out and the atmosphere is so fun! I love it.

Danielle E.

If you're seeking a challenging workout, knowledgeable and encouraging coaches, and a supportive environment, then look no further. Crossfit Kalos sthenos will surpass your expectations and will help you accomplish your fitness goals as long as you're willing to put in the work and effort. You'll be guided and instructed on proper form, receive constant advice along with encouragement, and with the awesome camaraderie you'll be pushed beyond your comfort zone. Stop wasting time and sign up with this phenomenal gym!

Karina P.

First time taking a class here with my Lululemon crew and wow! I was definitely served a good sweaty challenging workout. I currently do crossfit and although my box is amazing, it was nice that John took time to show me stretches and review proper form--I'm horrible at remembering all of the small techniques and proper ways of doing things. I will say I'm now terrified to go back and yet that little crazy girl inside me wants more! Haha those endorphins become addicting. I highly recommend giving this box a try, I promise you will not regret it!

Nama S.

Kalos Sthenos is a truly special fitness environment. John is incredibly knowledgable in a multitude of disciplines for overall fitness. The group dynamic is both encouraging and challenging. But the classes are kept small enough to get constant individual attention. Plus John's expertise and leadership has rubbed off on several others who train there, that there's always an experienced workout partner to help and cheer for you to get your own personal best. It is also a very family friendly environment. Highly recommend this great place for fitness, overall health and fun!

Corey N.

Love this gym and all the people that go here! Thank you John for all the help and support you have given me. Can't wait to continue to improve my movements and getting stronger.

Maria R.

I've been working out here for about 8 months and love it. I've seen big improvements in my strength and conditioning plus I have a lot of fun even though the workouts are tough. The coaches are great and will make sure that you keep proper form to avoid injury. They are also great at encouraging you without pushing you past your limits. The sense of community is great. I was welcomed immediately and everyone has a very positive attitude.

Matt R.

Love this place! The coach is great, really knows his stuff. All around very easy going comfortable place to work out.

Frank P.

Crossfit Kalos Sthenos is awesome! Simply put. Coach John is an amazing instructor, and his years of experience really show in each training session. I love how the gym does all of the programming for you, so there is no more having to think of what to do when you go to the gym. When you get there, the workout is written on the board, and you have a certified Crossfit trainer watching you every step of the way to make sure that your form is correct, and you are doing each movement as effectively and efficiently as possible. This place is guaranteed to help you reach your fitness goals!

Kelley G.

Not happy with this location. I signed up for the 6 week challenge and paid the$250. I had a family emergency and had to leave the country. I reached out 3 times to let someone know what was going on and what my options were to start over as I only ever attended 1 class. Still to this day I have not heard from anyone!

Sarah T.

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