My Story

I’m Coach John Pangan. I train people who want to get stronger as they get older.

I was born in the Philippines and raised in the United States. As a kid I was small and skinny, usually the last one picked at the playground. That’s why I started lifting. In high school I lifted weights and played all kinds of sports, but I had no idea how to take care of my body.

In 2000, I got sick with empyema and almost died. I had surgery and spent six months with a chest tube in my back so my lungs wouldn’t fill with fluid. That was a wake-up call. I cleaned up how I ate and got more serious about training as I aged.

I spent years in IT before I admitted my real calling was fitness. When I turned 40, instead of buying a sports car, I doubled down on my health. I wasn’t sure I could still build muscle. Then, at 41, I stepped on a natural bodybuilding stage for the first time and won first place and Best in Show.

Coach John Pangan smiling in a most-muscular pose at the 2021 WNBF Battle of the Bay

Coach John Pangan hitting a rear double biceps pose at the 2021 WNBF Battle of the Bay

Later I took up powerlifting and won my weight class (148 lbs) and the Masters Over 40 division. I was stronger in my 40s than I had been in my 20s. It is never too late.

Titles and credentials

At 41, competed in his first natural bodybuilding show and won first place and Best in Show
2012 Ultimate Fitness Events Fury Overall Natural Bodybuilding Champion
2016 World Natural Bodybuilding Federation Lightweight Champion
2018 World Natural Bodybuilding Federation Master Champion and 2nd on all divisions
2021 World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) Battle of the Bay (Oct 16, 2021): 2nd place Lightweight and 2nd place Master division
Awarded best lifter, 1st place in both 148lbs and master division (Masters Over 40). 500lbs @ a body weight of 146lbs
Certified Sports Nutritionist/Certified Personal Trainer

The lightweight lineup on stage at the 2021 WNBF Battle of the Bay, including Coach John Pangan

Coach John Pangan on stage at the 2021 WNBF Battle of the Bay, standing with a trophy

See the full accolades page, including photos and certifications

See client transformations and photos

Training at The Iron Sanctuary

The Iron Sanctuary gym in Concord, California — The Iron Sanctuary

Today I train clients at The Iron Sanctuary in Concord, California. I open the doors at 5 a.m. My passion is helping others get in better shape and stay strong as they age.

1501 Criquet Ct, Concord, CA 94597
the-iron-sanctuary.com

Grit & Gray

I also founded Grit & Gray, gym tees and tanks for lifters over 40 who keep showing up.

Shop Grit & Gray

Work with me

If you want to train in person or online, start with a free fitness evaluation.

Still lifting. Still learning. Still showing up.
— Coach John