The local general practitioner said he has always been passionate about advocating good health, which is achievable through diet, exercise and getting back to nature. 

The fitness sessions at Rainbow Beach started with just six women. 

“When they first started they couldn't run a kilometre but since then some of them have gone on to run 10 kilometres and even half marathons,” John said. 

The boxing, endurance and sprint sessions are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

John said the classes are also on public holidays and he’s there rain, hail or shine. 

“Sometimes when it’s a bit wet and cold it can be hard to motivate myself to get out of bed, but I always do because I know I’ll feel better after,” he said. 

John is an avid surfer and if the swell conditions are good he will also go out to catch some waves after the session. 

When it comes to his diet, John eats mostly a plant based diet which includes fresh fruit, vegetables and some fish. 

He eats very little red meat, as he said at his age the protein isn’t necessary. 

“The amount of protein someone needs is very much dependent on their age,” he said. 

“A menstruating woman, for example needs more and the best form comes from red meat.” 

John said throughout his role as a doctor he tends to prefer not to prescribe medications, and would rather treat patients through diet and exercise if he can. 

However he said medications are highly important for some people and he treats on a case by case basis. 

John is also an advocate of the sugar tax, which he said could help address the obesity epidemic in Australia. 

“I’ve seen the impact the sugar tax can have on a country like Mexico where it had a positive impact on the lower and middle sections of the society,” he said. 

“It does work and I’m very much in favour of it.”