Coaching

Coaching the Hollow Body Position

James coaching Gymnastic fundamentals of the Hollow Body Position.

I love to coach! Helping others step outside comfort zones and bringing about positive change in their lives is my passion. Years ago, when I was just making my way into the world of fitness, I gained a lot of experience working at the YMCA in Binghamton, NY while pursuing a degree in Exercise Science at SUNY Cortland. Learning about exercise protocols and the anatomy and physiology of the human body was (and still is) absolutely fascinating. Applying the knowledge learned in classes during my shifts at the gym really helped me grow as a student of strength and conditioning. It was during a personal training session with a new client at the Y where I truly realized that being a coach was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

My clients name was Karen – a sixty-one year old woman who was looking to gain a little more stamina. As I briefed the workout plan that we would be carrying out she stopped me with a concern when I mentioned we would be jumping rope. She informed me that in all of her years she had never been able to perform this skill – as a young girl Karen had decided it was something that was just not for her. I quickly changed our plan for the day and let her know that we were going to stay there at the gym until she could jump rope! After a considerable amount of practice, technique instruction, and plenty of motivation Karen completed her first repetition ever. I remember her smile grew larger than I had ever seen it before and she let out a loud cry of joy. We celebrated with a high-five and then set out to practice more. Soon after she went on to complete twenty consecutive repetitions without error.

The look on Karen’s face was priceless. Her whole life she thought she couldn’t and it was my task to show her she could. “This is what it’s all about” I thought to myself as I left the gym that day. I knew then that I 100% wanted to be a coach and train others. I truly have the best job in the world and could not imagine spending my life doing anything else.

1-on-1 Coaching

I am available for private coaching in both the Albany & Binghamton, New York areas. Whether your goals entail Weightlifting, Powerlifting, CrossFit, Sports Specific Performance, or you are trying to work through or around an injury – I would love to help! Sessions are one-hour in length with programming I have designed specifically for you. Contact Me for more details.

Online Programming & Coaching

Live too far away for 1-on-1 coaching? Sign up for Online Programming & Coaching services.

This coaching option includes:

  • An initial phone call and or Skype session so we can get to know one another and discuss your goals, training history etc…
  • Daily video analysis of your movement technique.
  • A private Facebook group for you to post videos and for us to have discussions on your training.
  • Weekly programming designed to meet your individualized needs.

If you have more specific questions please feel free to Contact Me for more details.

Client Testimonial: “I met Coach James almost a year ago while attending the Barbell Club at Southern Tier CrossFit. I enjoyed Barbell Club because he coached us not only on weightlifting technique in general, but on how each detailed and complex part of a lift is essential to the successful execution of the whole lift. He does this so effectively that newcomers to class can leave an hour later feeling successful, having learned a small part of a lift which more often would take weeks or months to understand and execute. I was very passionate about weightlifting while competing in track and field during high school and college as a member of the throwing team. At 44 years old that passion has been fired up! Most definitely inspired by my experience working with Coach James. About 5 months ago, I decided to take it to the next level and start training to compete with him as my coach. Weightlifting is a sport which requires time, commitment, discipline and a lot of heart for the long haul. I am confident that with Coach James leading the way I will have everything I need to be a successful weightlifter for years to come.” – Traci Meier

Workshops

Coaching the Snatch Bottom Position

Working on mobility for the bottom position of the Snatch.

I have learned a lot over the years in college, at various certifications & seminars, and through practical application in the gym with athletes. Continuing my own education is something I take very seriously and actively do, but I also love to share the knowledge I have gained to help make others better as well. I am available for small group workshops to teach the intricacies of movements in:

  • Flexible Eating Nutrition
  • Weightlifting
  • Powerlifting
  • Gymnastics
  • Mobility & Injury Prevention

Workshops are suitable for athletes of any level looking to improve their movement & coaches looking to learn. Contact Me with request to host a movement workshop.

Coach James at the 2015 Elmira Open with a few of his Barbell Club athletes. From left to right: Tim, James, Anthony, Patrick, Martin

Coach James at the 2015 Elmira Open with a few of his Barbell Club athletes. From left to right: Tim, James, Anthony, Patrick, Martin.