Built for the Long Game: John Gannon on Balance, Fatherhood & the Big8

Johnny Gannon has been a leading name in the fitness industry for over 20 years, training NRL teams, professional surfers, and elite athletes. He’s the real deal... no fluff, just years of walking the talk.

We dived into his upbringing in Maroubra, the story behind the Bra Boys, and his path to becoming a highly respected personal trainer. Johnny’s journey took him around the globe as the trainer for surf legend Taj Burrow, and he's got powerful insights on getting your life back on track, taking charge of your health, the value of strong community, and the philosophy behind his Big8 Challenge.

We caught up with John between sunrise ocean dips and coaching sessions to break down what keeps him grounded—and what still pushes him forward.

What does high performance look like for you right now?
Balance. At 53, I’ve learnt that performance isn’t just about going hard—it’s about going smart. Sleep, nutrition, hydration, movement, breath work, love, community. That’s the foundation. It’s what I focus on in my own life and what I teach through The Big8 Challenges.

What's one thing you try to practice daily?
Being present. I used to always think ahead, next week, next month, next milestone. But life flies by like that. Now, I try to sit in the moment. Those little things—checking on my three kids in the morning, having coffee with the crew after training—mean more than the big goals ever did.

What’s been your most rewarding role?
No question—fatherhood. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But it’s also the most grounding. It teaches you humility fast, and it reminds you to show up every single day.

How do you stay mentally in check?
Jiu jitsu humbles you. Meditation resets me. Teaching reminds me that respect, listening, and making eye contact are still powerful tools. I do 10–20 minutes of guided meditation most days—it helps switch me back into a parasympathetic state when life’s chaotic.

What do you tell people struggling to find balance?
Start with the little things. Trust your gut more. Learn when to push and when to pause. And if you’ve got negative beliefs or old grudges hanging around—pull them like weeds. Replace them with good people and clean energy. That’s where contentment lives.

Cool Humans Doing Cool Sh*t. John’s the kind of person who reminds us that peak performance isn’t a phase—it’s a practice.