Who: Michael James is a certified personal fitness trainer and a health and wellness coach with more than 30 years of experience. He is owner of Empower Personal Fitness Training and co-owner of Body By Steph Personal Training and Nutrition Services – recently renamed Impact Fitness: Personal Training and Group Fitness Classes.
He came into his career because he enjoyed being active himself.
“I’ve always been interested in sports,” said James, whose accomplishments include being a Division II track and field sprinter and Division I basketball point guard in college, as well as being a fourth-degree black belt.
In addition to providing personal training services – from regular people who just want to get in shape to professional athletes – he also teaches junior and adult martial arts classes.
Motivation: James proudly recalls one client whose doctor said she needed to lose 15 pounds or she would certainly be at risk for a stroke. Working with James, she was able to lose 30 pounds and gain some strength.
His own goals, as well as the encouragement of his clients and fellow instructors, keep him motivated. He said he’s proud of the Impact Fitness staff for the way they connect with clients and pick up specialties.
On staying healthy: It may surprise folks to learn that James’ other passion is food. He came to the area for a job in technology, but is from Louisiana. He will still work occasionally as a personal chef, and loves introducing diners to cuisine he learned to cook in Baton Rouge, La.
There’s no perfect diet for everyone, James said, even though he does encourage people to eat “good food” – healthy fats, numerous fruits and veggies. One way he tracks clients is through MyFitnessPal, a free online calorie counter and diet plan.
Finding the right workout: A client’s end goal helps James advise a fitness path – do they want to lose weight, gain muscle or just stay active?
A contributor to the local Health and Vigor magazine, James has actually written on the challenges of losing weight, maintaining a healthy diet and keeping up a workout schedule. It’s a lot easier to stay active if you actually like your workout, James advised. He pointed to such options as a spin or kickboxing class, or weight training as popular different exercise ideas.
Initially, James came to Impact Fitness, then called Body By Steph, to work out. When the owner moved on, he and friends Hilary and Keith Moore decided they didn’t want to lose the studio. The three are now co-owners of Impact Fitness.
Impact Fitness is different than other fitness businesses because it offers small classes and one-on-one training.
“We’re more of a studio; we’re not a gym,” James explained.
Anyone interested in learning more about Impact Fitness should attend an upcoming open residence from 9 a.m. to noon July 16, James said. He added the business is also planning on hosting a “couch to 5K” group in North East, which is aimed at people who have never run a 5K and want to challenge themselves to get moving again.
Healthy Start runs occasionally in the Monday Accent section and puts a focus on physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Have a suggestion on a healthy role model to feature or questions about a brand-new health trend? Email accent@cecilwhig.com. Please include contact information and details about the person you are nominating.
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