We had the good fortune of connecting with John Foster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have long been a student of philosophy and history, and I have had a romantic fascination with what the gymnasium used to be in ancient Greece. The gymnasium, or gymnasion, used to be a place where heroes trained for the Olympics and for warfare, as well as a structure for great thinkers like Plato and Aristotle to house their philosophical schools. Therefore, it was a place to optimize your mind and your body, all in one location. I absolutely love this, and I wanted to re-introduce this concept to the modern person.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a life coach, but I really identify as a lifestyle and mindset coach. That is because I help people reach their goals in either health, career, or relationships, beginning with their mindset and how they approach, struggle and setbacks, as well as how they view themselves. People have to realize that all change begins at the level of their identity, and the desire to change must be accompanied by a shift in their perception. There are no more powerful sources, for these transformations in perception, than ancient Stoicism combined with the powerful findings of modern psychology and science. It has taken me 15 years to fully integrate a lot of these concepts into my coaching, primarily because I had to truly realize them in my own life first. I have ultimately overcome challenges in my life and career, by seeing them as gifts and sources of my greatest lessons and strengths.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to Waterton Canyon followed by a trip to Lonetree Brewing Company. The next evening we’d probably hangout up in the RiNo district and enjoy good jazz at Nocturne. Then, we would probably take a trip to Estes Park or Breckenridge to enjoy some great hiking, mountain biking and other fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am eternally grateful to my wife, Liz Foster, owner of Love in Motion doula services for supporting me and teaching me the way of guiding others through intense circumstances. I am also in debt to Rob McNamara, co-founder of Delta Developmental, for teaching me how to integrate mind and body together to facilitate greater wholeness and effectiveness in facilitating change in the world, beginning with ourselves. Lastly, I am very indebted to Brian and Libby, founder of Base6 Fitness, a wonderful fitness studio in Denver, Colorado, who have supported me on this path to becoming a full-time mindset and lifestyle coach. 

Website: www.gymnasiontribe.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/gymnasiontribe

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gymnasiontribe

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.