Testimonials
Maria Oliphant-O'Donnell
My name isÂMariaÂOliphant-O’Donnell – International Figure athlete.
I’ve competed with NABBA, Regionally ,Nationally and Internationally – NABBA World Champions and NABBA Universe from 2013-2019.
During my competition phase I have won Regional and National titles and placed top three Internationally. It was the most amazing journey, accomplishing so many goals and so fulfilling.
At the end of my 2019 season , I decided to have a long off-season, because I started to get joint niggles, mainly due to Menopause symptoms. I had to re-evaluate my circumstances.
Bodybuilding is in my blood , and I did not want to stop training and building muscle, especially as an older athlete.Â
I decided to look for a Personal trainer who could think outside the box, cared about my personal situation, and had professional knowledge about the body, and how to train people with joint niggles.
Just over 3 years ago , I discovered James. James was such a breath of fresh air and his approach was just what I was looking for.
James is by far the Best Personal Trainer I know! He listens, adjusts and trains his clients in a way that is uplifting and empowering. This approach has helped me to accomplish my goals thus far, while still enjoying training at the age of 59.
 Some times I would attend my session with painful knees or tennis elbow, and right there and then , James will change the pre-scheduled training program and exercises to work around the pain, yet still manage to work the muscle group.Â
When I did not have joint pain, I worked really hard, and I really enjoy James changing up the programs, the volume, reps and sets – all to work and build the muscle. I love approaches like drop-sets, partials. It’s normally a killer but I love it !
I am very grateful and proud at my age, to still push a decent amount of weight during my training sessions with James. James does not allow for stagnant sessions. Always making sure that you work to your absolute limit and best, in the safest possible way! No mucking around, but still managing to get some laughs in! Its the best approach, to gauge your progress and gains. James is always very present and alert, by constantly checking and correcting your form if he needs to , making sure you execute every rep perfectly.
I have added great muscle mass to my physique during my training journey with James, while working around joint inflammation, by being consistent, and communicating with James where I am at on the day.Â
On occasions, I had to skip exercises like basic squats, leg extensions or leg press due to joint pain. Now I am getting stronger and stronger in those exercises with muscle growth to show for it. It is such a confidence boost all thanks to James’s expertise. I also find the different meal plans that James have constructed for me very useful. It was such a privilege to see James achieving his goals, while competing locally and internationally, and gaining first hand knowledge regarding the journey to the stage. My intention is to compete again in the near future, and in the meantime , I will make the most every training session with James.
I highly recommend James as a Personal Trainer, because he is very professional and well qualified, he has great morals and values, and he truly cares about his clients. James’s training fees are very reasonable compared to most in the business, and his sessions are extremely affordable. I am very grateful to James for being my Personal Trainer, because I accomplish my goals with every training session!
Facebook Reviews
Small groups mean James can give you one-on-one attention so you know you’re doing things correctly. He’s supportive, encouraging and has a wealth of knowledge about nutrition and body mechanics. Totally recommend.
Thoroughly recommend James as a fitness coach, he is very friendly and relaxed. We are challenged and encouraged to reach our goals but at the same time he watches carefully and guides you to exercise correctly to avoid any stress or injury to joints etc. The small classes and getting to know others is a great part of it too. It is nice to have that push to achieve but not feel under any pressure
My husband and I have been attending the over 60s class. We are both enjoying the classes and like the small size and personal attention we receive from James. I have noticed my joints are a less stiff. James works as to our capability. We would strongly recommend these classes to anyone.