Ari lost 24 lbs while cutting his body fat in half, going from 30% to 15%!
“Before I began training, I wasn’t sure about the commitment I was willing to give to achieve my goals. Your style is a balance that I appreciate, between motivating and letting me work at my own pace. You have a good attitude, very friendly, hilarious, and you seem to legit care about me achieving my fitness goals and making sure that I am not exercising in ways that are bad for my joints, lower back, etc. Before starting up with our workouts, I was experiencing routine shoulder pain and frequently waking up feeling like I had a sore neck from poor sleep. Those problems have disappeared, and my body feels younger and more agile than it did one year ago. I also have notably more energy. I appreciate you man! ”
Ari
“I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to really commit to training and eating healthy. Once I saw results, it was much easier to stay motivated. James’ positive reinforcement helped me stay focused on the long term effects and this lifestyle change. My original goal when I started was to lose 30 lbs. So far, I’ve lost over 45lbs and feel much stronger. James has slowly helped save my life!”
Josh
“Before I began training, I was worried about my ability to keep up with upper body workouts. My upper back and arms were super weak. I couldn’t even do one pull up. Now I can do 3 pull ups and have baby muscles in my upper back!”
Jill
“Before I began training with James, I was afraid of trying something and feeling embarrassed if I couldn't do it and just quitting. James made me feel comfortable from Day 1. The sheer amount of encouragement from James kept me motivated through each workout and beyond. I am no longer afraid of using some of the equipment in the weight room and am generally excited when I go in there because it makes me feel tough, and I've never felt tough before. I can also do 10 push ups now!”
Elizabeth
“I wasn't sure if personal training would be too intense for me or if I could even make progress. I am stronger and fitter now than I have ever been in my life and you've kept me motivated to keep going! James! You rule! I truly feel much better about my body than I have in my life and it's inspiring me to make healthy habits a part of my daily routine. I’ve reduced my body fat, increased my muscle tone, and increased my endurance and ability to perform exercises that I could not perform before training. Thanks so much!!”
Alex
"James really helped me focus on the reason why I wanted to stay healthy and fit. It was not about aesthetics only, there had to be a reason behind it all and I had to be the one to choose that. His approach was always one of support with accountability and that was helpful in the process.
After training with James, I now have a better relationship with food. I have a sustainable reason and goal for my health and fitness. I hated stretching and I am now in the process of becoming a certified yoga instructor. I workout daily now even if it is 20 minutes a day and I have lost weight.
If you want a guilt free, supportive environment to achieve your goals, James is your person. His approach is not about making you feel bad or guilty when you don't make good choices, but he keeps you accountable and shares ways to make better decisions in the future. You will not regret working with James!”
Diana
“While there’s no doubting James’ expertise on fitness and nutrition, what really sets him apart is his gift for making the whole thing fun. He keeps you motivated and sets you on the path for real results that you can actually see in the mirror. There’s no one out there I’d rather work with.”
Jeremiah
"I loved training with James. I had never worked with a coach before but I was looking for a way to help get myself to the gym more consistently so I signed up on a whim. I wound up learning workouts that I can keep using on my own for years to come, and I felt that I was in my best shape in quite a while with noticeable strength gain and more muscle definition than before I started. James was so positive at every session and it’s apparent he loves what he does. Training with him wound up preparing me for a long hiking trip (680 miles!) that my body was able to handle!"
Sarah
Kriss lost over 20 lbs!
"Before training with James, I was worried I wouldn't be able to keep up. With the help of James, I was able to break things down into actionable steps. This helped make it easier to make progress and remain accountable."
Kriss
"James has always been responsive to my needs. I don't know what works for me, but I know that I am not a one size fits all person. James is knowledgeable about his craft which makes my ever changing goals successful because he's able to move with me. James holds me accountable even when I'm being headstrong and we've seen results because of it. That's the beauty of his program. It feels like it was tailored just for me.
I have lost a total of 50 lbs, improved my eating habits, and now can do much more in my day to day life. "
Monique
"Training with James gave me the jumpstart to create consistency in my workouts and more importantly, taught me proper form. James instilled a sense of autonomy in movements I’d been to afraid to execute before in the gym. More than that, every morning in the gym I witnessed James cheer on each and every client of his while passing that same autonomy on. James and I also worked on our goals of competing in the bodybuilding world and encouraged each-other.
Needless to say, I’ve missed being able to say “See ya James, have a good one” at 7am.
Thanks for everything James!!!"
Natasha
"The training I did with James in preparation for my wedding far exceeded my expectations. Not only did James help me achieve the physical results I was looking for, he also provided a wholistic approach to my health and lifestyle. His workouts were challenging in the right way and always contained an element of fun. James is knowledgeable, personable, and went above and beyond for me as his client. He came into every training session with an inspiring and positive attitude which made showing up and giving my all easy. By the end of our time together I felt stronger, lighter, and altogether happier! James truly believes in the process and in his clients!"
MC
"I enjoyed working with James! It was much more fun than I expected. I actually look forward to going to the gym now. Since working with James, I have more mental clarity, I'm stronger, I make more health conscious decisions, and I now have more energy to be productive outside of the gym.
It's clear that James puts a lot of effort into his work. It says a great deal that he remembers small personal details with each client. James is personable and cares about the people he coaches. He
genuinely wants his clients to improve themselves in and outside of the gym."
Aviana
"Before working with James, I felt like my nutrition and behaviors were not up to par to help me reach my image goals. James gave me direction, lessons, sample meals, constructive criticism, and encouragement to help me correct my behaviors and get me on track to my goals. In 42 days, my measurements dropped by an inch and a half in each area. and I lost 5 lbs. My weights in the gym actually went up while losing weight. Highly recommend James to anyone that struggles with lack of information and poor behaviors. I was scared to reach out but couldn’t be happier that I got out of my comfort zone. These changes aren’t just during the time I was lucky to work with James, but these changes and information can be used for a lifetime."
Dylan
You 2.0 Challenge Review!!
"Initially, I believed the challenge would just focus on moving more andeating right. But the info I received on other aspects was a tremendous surprise. Getting enough sleep, not using my phone or TV before bed, etc.
I was able to lose weight, improve my eating habits, improve my sleep patterns, and gained so much valuable knowledge.
Keep doing your thing! This challenge is helping a lot of people achieve their goals and I'm one of them."
Rob
“Before working with James, I was hesitant that I would feel truly comfortable with a young, male, trainer. I felt intimidated going into the weight room. Being unsure of exactly what to do in terms of strength training made me stick to cardio which wasn’t helping me achieve my goals.
James did a great job of explaining why I was doing specific exercises. What muscles I was targeting, and all of the other questions that I asked. He really put me at ease when I was nervous about a new lift or moving up in weight. I never felt intimidated when I trained with him and he is also helped me build the confidence to lift on my own."
Siri
James trained me not just physically but taught me to how to have a better attitude towards my body and be kinder to myself. Once I saw the change I was capable of - there was no stopping me!! While working with James, I was able to tone my body, develop greater endurance, and change my attitude towards food. Working out is now a way of life and something I enjoy. James' encouragement really helped a lot. His words like “5 more seconds!” have started to ring in my head when I work out by myself. Thanks coach!
Keerthi
You 2.0 Challenge Review!!
Kelly lost 6 lbs and 10 total inches in 6 weeks!
“Participating in the 6 week challenge was a lot of fun. Every week a new goal is set, there are challenges every weekend, and there’s a new lesson every day.
This challenge has helped me reach my goals faster than ever before and has allowed me to break bad habits. I feel great!”
Kelly
"I have been training with James for 3 years now. When I signed up for training I didn't realize that I would also get an amazing accountability coach. I am almost 40 years old and thanks to James and feel the healthiest and strongest both physically and mentally I've ever been. If you want to your health and fitness to the next level I would highly recommend training with James."
Favorite Quote: "No matter how hard it rains, withstand the pain." -DMX
Cory
"Before I started working James I didn't know how to work out at all. I didn't understand gym etiquette or even how to do it in a way in which I wouldn't hurt myself. All I knew was that I wanted to take control of my physical health and I certainly wasn't getting any younger.
James was really friendly and broke down the importance of form and the benefits of working out regularly. He really made going to the gym and working out attainable to my lifestyle--and I never really considered myself athletic until working out with James. I now have greater confidence, more muscle definition, and I'm down 15lbs!
James one on one approach to his training goes way beyond working out. His positivity has not only inspired me to have a more healthy view, but a more optimistic outlook in all areas of my life."
SB
"I was afraid I wouldn't be able to commit to training. James helped me get over my reservations by helping me see that all it takes is a little effort at first to get started and then it becomes a habit. The weekly motivational quotes also helped me keep a positive mindset and push me towards my goal. Through training, I was able to lose weight, increase my endurance, increase my strength, and the pain points on my body disappeared. Not only did I get to succeed in achieving my goals, but I ended up with a friend in the process!"
Jose
"Before I began training with James, I was I was worried that I wouldn’t enjoy the workouts or see progress, I’m not an athletic person or really experienced in the gym. I had never worked with a personal trainer before and truly had no idea if I could stick with it.
James always makes the sessions engaging and fun, I went from forcing myself to exercise to looking forward to my sessions. He is an excellent motivator and the check-ins help keep me accountable.
Another great part of my experience with James I’d like to mention is his adaptability. After an injury outside of the gym, my exercise capabilities changed considerably overnight and we had to change a ton about my workouts. He was very patient throughout the process of learning my new limits pre and post knee surgery, which is very appreciated. And I still feel like I’m able to get a great workout even though I need a lot of modifications.
I now have a positive relationship with exercise, gained strength, exercise more consistently, and have greater self respect and discipline."
Jennifer
“I wasn't sure that having a personal trainer was worth it, based on my previous experiences. I felt like I could muster the motivation to stick to a routine on my own, and that I knew enough about exercise to get by. I started with James as a sort of trial for myself, but I'm glad I stuck with him. He was able to really gauge my progress effectively, and introduced me to exercises I didn't know. He also has an extremely positive outlook, and has never been judgmental or negative, which was a big deal for me.”
Hunter
“Before training with James, I believed this process would be just too much work. James encouraged me every week and celebrated with me. When we weren't getting the results we wanted he helped me pivot and make different decisions that have really worked.
My clothes fit better. I’ve lost weight and I FEEL BETTER! I’m now more motivated to eat healthy and live a healthy lifestyle.”
Sari
"Most nutrition coaches have the approach of making you need them forever. For example, they will extend a program extra months or when a month is about to end, they will say “sign up for next month and I’ll teach you this!” Just to make a profit. James isn’t that type of coach. He genuinely cares about his clients.
While working with James, I’ve accomplished the following:
- Dropped body fat %
- Dropped weight
- Lost my love handles
- Became more lean
- Developed healthier habits nutritionally“
Ryan
“I was worried you were going to be too intense because of your bodybuilding experience. But you are really down to earth and personable. You listened to what I was hoping to achieve and made me feel heard and let me know you had a plan for what I wanted to achieve. I was able to reach my goal of performing unassisted pull ups and stayed active during the Stay at Home Order because of our virtual training. Your creativity in making the workouts more challenging and varied can make me curse in frustration, but it is valued."
Drew
“I used to believe that it was all or nothing. However, that is not the case. With James, I can continue to live the life I want to live and be healthier about it. The changes are minute compared to the end results. I needed someone who can push just enough without me feeling like I am being deprived of something. Instead, I am gaining everything. I've been able to get rid of extra weight that I had been gaining over the last 20 years (Down over 22 lbs)! I feel better and most importantly, I’ll be here for a long time to come.”
Leo
“Before beginning training, I was EXTREMELY intimidated by personal trainers and certainly did not want anyone “watching” me work out. I was worried about being judged. I really like and respect James' approach to teaching and motivating those he trains. I certainly don’t feel intimidated… In fact I feel encouraged and empowered to try new exercises and challenge myself more than I thought I was capable of. James' approach is very relatable and sharing his own personal experiences with motivating himself helped me find avenues that best work for me.”
–Jennifer
"I was apprehensive about getting back into strength training having been away from it for several years and letting my physique change into something I wasn't proud of. James eased my apprehension and gave me great guidance. James did the right thing by starting me with the basics for mobility, balance, and diet. He didn't rush the process and I really appreciate that. I've lost body fat, lowered my blood pressure, increased my grip strength, improved my behavior patterns, and now have greater diet knowledge.
Erik
"A few years ago, I reached a point where my wellness was all too often falling to the bottom of my list of priorities. I was the cliche, "I'll start on Monday" person. I wanted to jumpstart my focus on health and thought I would temporarily find a personal trainer to help me overcome my emotional barriers. From the start, James was approachable and even when I missed my goals, he used a judgement-free approach to get me back on track. James helped me take my big dreams and ground them in realistic goals and daily actions.
James has become a fixture in my life, even my coworkers know his name. He helped me reset my confidence and importantly, became a friend and confidant. Because James has been such a gift in my life, I have introduced him to my friends and gifted a few sessions to my mom and sister, who now have become two of his regular clients. Thank you, James
Christine
TK lost 10lbs and dropped 10 lbs while building sustainable habits.
"I was unsure if I really wanted to seek help after already losing weight. James helped me realize how important diet is to weight loss. I also learned how forming good habits is important to success in health but also life in general. I was able to overcome my plateau and lose 10 pounds while dropping 4% in body fat. I had to order new pants and shirts because I went down size(s.)
James has been a pleasure to work with. He truly cares about you and your success. He wants to be there every step of the way to reach your goals and will give you advice whenever you ask. It is nice to have someone you can confidently go to with questions about your goals and how to best obtain them. “
TK
"I want to start out by saying I don't normally write reviews or take surveys but when I have been changed so much in my life. This is well worth it and is the least I can do. My wife and I have been working out with James for 6 month or so and it has just been an amazing experience and transformation for the 2 of us. I have the energy to be there for my son, that is 6 and full of energy. I personally have lost about 10lbs but that was the least of what I wanted. I wanted to slim up, tone and most of all get that energy again to be there for my family and be healthier for them. I have achieved that and will continue my growth with James as long as we can. The workout are virtual but we still get a great work out, he hold us accountable and keeps us on track for our goals. Pretty much anything we ask James to help us with or hold us accountable for. He'll help us through it. Workout tips, food options and nutrition, restrictions etc... He is flexible with times and days. We thank him all the time for what he has done for the 2 of us and our family. 5 stars, 10s across the board. Thank you James."
–Mike
"I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody more positive than James! His great energy and incredible follow through has helped me to stay on a workout plan the longest I ever have. I would definitely recommend James to anybody who has struggled with staying committed to getting into shape. His workouts are always fresh and keep you from getting bored. I can honestly say I’ve never 'been more sore from a workout than I have after some of our sessions."
-Danna
"Working with James these past few months have been great. He’s helped me build healthy habits to improve my lifestyle. He pays great attention to all the little details that has helped my progress. Absolute beast of a coach!"
–Eric
"I have never enjoyed working out, I would do anything to avoid exercise not only because I didn’t like working out but because I have knee pain. I have never been able to run, walk, jump on a trampoline etc without being down for days if not weeks with a swollen knee.
I love working out now!!! James makes working out enjoyable if that’s even a thing lol. I’ve been working out for about 4 months now without one single issue with my knee.
I now have more energy. My body is more toned. I'm losing inches and I have zero knee pain. I'm looking forward to the future and what that brings."
Rachel
“I had the pleasure of getting to know James from working as personal trainers together at the local Anytime Fitness. We were also classmates in the Kinesiology program at Northern Illinois University. Since then, James And I have stayed in close contact and I’ve been able to witness him grow and mature into an elite fitness professional. The care and compassion he shows his clients, his colleagues, and his community are a daily dose of inspiration for those around him. Choosing James to help guide you through your fitness & nutrition journey is the right choice and one you’ll wish you made way sooner!
–Danny
Owner of Benchmark Fitness
"James is genuinely one of the best trainers you could get. Always extremely supportive and understanding and he works WITH you rather than having you face your journey alone. Never puts you down or makes you feel you have failed like some other coaches give the energy of and he guides you in how to overcome your challenges. I was coached by him for a month and I saw results even not being 100% aligned and anyone else I know who has worked with James has seen results and had a very positive experience. Would recommend to absolutely anyone who wants to see results but feel they are being cared about and listened to during the process."
Shannon
"James has been great in balancing the smart work that needs to be done to offset years of sitting at a desk and working too much. Instead of pushing straight for strength or cardio, his mobility evaluations helped identify issues that could cause injury and set up a plan to address them. He's very responsive to any comment about joint pain or anything else that could indicate something is off and could become a problem. Now, with better flexibility and balanced between different muscle groups, we're ready to push in the performance zone--and that's after already dropping inches off my waist. Been great working with him! Can't recommend him highly enough!!"
–Biren
"James is consistently encouraging in his drive to help me achieve my goals. He is reliable and pushes me to keep on track with the things I have identified (with his support) that matter to me in my journey to be the healthiest me I can be. He is supportive, never judgmental and is the only person that I know that makes me worry when he is one minute late (which has happened once in over a year) because he is so punctual! I am very thankful for all he has done for me and would recommend him anytime to anyone."
-Claire
"James has helped me so far in my journey by pushing me and helping me find success with reaching my goals. He’s a trainer that won’t let you fail! I would recommend him to anyone."
-Alicia
Online training was new to me, but it has been an amazing experience. The 15 min phone calls and app allow feedback to be communicated easily and suggestions and program edits. So far, my core feels like a core now! My whole body seems to be working together, which is a feeling I haven’t had since gymnastics in high school.
-Kevin
”James is a passionate, committed, and dedicated personal trainer. His worth ethic is inspiring and second to none. My mom and I worked with James to build healthy habits and transform our pandemic sedentary lifestyle. Now, after working with James for many months, I feel the strongest I have ever been. James’ holistic approach focuses on the whole picture of health, not just the image of a fit body. James coached me through strength training, cardio, and nutrition. James is an active listener who would assist and tailor my goals. I learned about ways to stay loyal to myself and my goals through our weekly coach chats on the phone with James. It was never about being perfect but about building a healthy daily lifestyle routine. James’ gratitude practice has made me slow down and reflect more on what I am grateful for in life. I am grateful for James, and all that he taught me. James as a coach was consistent, flexible, and always encouraging. Additionally, James is engaging and funny. He made the sessions fun and enjoyable. 10/10 would recommend James King III!”
-Nina
"Look no further! Coach James is the best!! I was very fearful and self conscious about working out but coach James took the time to figure out the right workouts for me. He corrected my posture and made sure I was doing each workout perfectly to not injure myself. He was very personal and I felt like I was working out with a friend versus a stranger! He kept me accountable on the coaching app and provided me with various guides and meal plans. Thank you Coach for making me feel more confident in many ways!!”
Tramy
"James has been an amazing motivator for healthy lifestyle living while working out with him. You may not feel ready to exercise that day & boom he gets you going & you are so glad you did! He asks what you need, what you want- that’s so important!! He delivers!"
-Mel
"I began working with James a year ago today! It has been a life changer ..He connected with me and my needs immediately. I have had trainers in the past and it didn’t last for the reasons one would think ..time, drive, redundancy, “I can take it from here” Well not with James ..his dedication to me became my dedication!"
- Padrick
"James, keep motivating your clients and being there for them! You are an awesome ear and so knowledgeable!
I’ve never worked with an “online coach.” I’ve never used an app like this before. I thought I would fail because I wasn’t physically going to you once or twice weekly.
James showed up consistently, and he stuck around! He made himself available! With this, I was able to stay focused even though we were in different states
Things I learned:
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I have learned to listen to my body
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I have learned to get past the mind issue with the scale and not to eat enough because I didn’t want to overeat
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I know now that as long as you eat in your calories and macros, that’s what’s important—but also making them healthy choices.
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Meal prepping is the success for the week
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Planning gym time helps make it a priority
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I’m still learning, but I’m getting better at making myself the priority and putting my needs before anyone else
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-Jenn
" I was unsure of working with people in the gym because I was overweight for most of my life. I have always been afraid of judgment at the gym, but with James, I always felt welcomed.
In the first meeting, when we were doing body analysis, I couldn’t squat without tension in my back, and James knew exactly what to do (walk over and grab some weights to put under my heels), and the back pressure was suddenly gone.
When I began training, I just wanted to feel better. I hadn’t been committed to the gym for the summertime, and I needed to get back to it.
I also wanted to learn how to lift correctly and have good routines for my body.
• I feel much more comfortable in the gym, specifically around weights.
• My back feels GREAT.
• GAINZ (my arms are bigger and back/chest more defined)
• I feel confident going to the weights and using the correct form/using the weights safely.
James, you’re awesome. Your presence at the gym is as if you live there (which I know you’ve told me that you have an apartment you go to, but I’m not sure it’s real). You have many clients (which you should, it shows how great a job you’re doing), but I always feel like I’m trained and cared for individually. You remember things about my life, what I’m up to, where I’m struggling, and always push me to have a great individual workout. Thanks, James!"
- Kevin
Before starting to work with James, I was nervous about the time commitment needed to obtain my goals. In addition, I had been a college athlete and distinctly remembered how tired and sore I was when training; getting back into a training routine was worrisome to me since I was working and going to graduate school. These two ideas, the time commitment and being tired and sore, were problematic because I was unsure how they would affect my ability to meet my responsibilities.
James was able to help me with my reservations by educating me on how to work out. He set up workouts for me that were 30-45 minutes long that both challenged me and were short in length. As for the feeling tired and sore, James was able to guide me towards the appropriate supplements I should take and how to eat correctly; I realized that pain and energy levels were manageable. I'm now stronger and have less body fat.
-Kurt
"
"Before training with James, I wasn’t sure if I would have the knowledge to make the most of my workouts. I was afraid I would get overwhelmed and stop working out entirely.
James taught me how to work out and that this is a lifestyle change. I now understand the importance of diet and exercise and am no longer intimidated to work out.
• I have noticed a considerable increase in my flexibility.
• I have lost around 10 pounds and still going!
• I know what foods to eat and what foods not to eat.
• I have definitely gotten stronger.
-Elliot
"James is the real deal and has exceeded my expectations! He comes to my home with all needed equipment, provides a tailored and challenging work out, is encouraging, and fun. James goes way beyond just a work out though: it’s about lifestyle. He provides tools to set short and long term goals, and supports those with consistent check-ins, food scales, daily “win” journals, motivating videos, etc. I’ve been working with James for four weeks and have lost weight and am feeling stronger inside and out. He’s the best!"
-Lisa
“Before I began training with James, I was worried that I would be worked or stretched in ways my body couldn't take. I was also worried that I might get burned out. I knew after our first session that we were getting a very good trainer. James caters the exercises to each one of us and our different strengths and weaknesses. James has a way of keeping us motivated and getting back on track easily. Since beginning with James two months ago, I have greater stamina, lost 10 lbs, and I just feel better overall. We as a family are very pleased that we chose you for this journey and I would refer James in a heartbeat to anyone looking for a trainer.” -
-Tim
"I have been working with James for three months and I have already seen positive results! James is more than a trainer. He is a motivator, mentor and coach. He is committed to his client's success, makes working out fun and helps his clients to hold themselves accountable. James has been a very positive influence for me and I highly recommend him."
- Tracy