Testimonials

Injury Rehab

Getting over an injury? We've helped many local Athletes from University to High school, get back on the field, many times in better shape than they left it.

 

Margaret M.

I started going to Lifeforce chiropractic (Tracy's husband) over 16 years due to neck and back pain caused by a car accident. Thru getting to know them both they often tried to get me to come to the Gym. I have been a gym member at various gyms for over 25 years but would go sporadically due to not being able get serious with working out because of my pain or just not feeling comfortable. My family and I started at Lifeforce but I rarely went. Recently I actually started to go to the gym since I was donating anyway and found myself going on a regular basis. I enjoy seeing the friendly faces and the kind atmosphere. I was exercising and getting nowhere fast. My friend Donna who I meet at the gym talked me into getting a personal trainer.

Although Tracy had suggested working with a trainer years ago i didn't act on that until Nov. 2011. I started working with James because I felt he was knowledgeable on working around my neck and back weaknesses. He not only helped me focus on rehab for my bad neck and back he worked on full body shaping. Straightening my upper body helped my adjustments from the chiropractor last longer. I work harder with James knowing that I am being taught on how to prevent an injury to myself. I quickly saw results by the way he helped me with nutrition, maximizing my workouts thru weight training and cardio and just pushing me to achieve my goal. He is not easy by any means but I trust what he tells me to be the truth. This is the first time in my life that I feel that I have a true lifestyle change for the better. I just wish I had started earlier in life. Everyone at Lifeforce is so helpful to guide you to feel better and help you with healthy choices. I am so glad I started going because in a few short months I have seen substantial change not only in how I look but how I feel. I don't dread going to the gym anymore but look at it as what am I going to learn today to help me tomorrow. Thank you to all the members and staff that make Lifeforce gym a healthy family environment.

Donna R.

My name is Donna and I am 51. I started going to LifeForce two and a half years ago, when a friend wanted me to join with her. I never thought I would be able to do much of anything, since I have never exercised before. I also have a bad ankle that has been operated on 2 times, so I always thought I could not exercise.

I cant say enough about James. I started training with him when I joined LifeForce. He makes me feel comfortable being there, which is very important to me. He is very encouraging, getting me to do things that I could never do myself. He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in his exercise and nutritional advice. He is truly an expert in what he does. James also takes my ankle into account during exercise to help improve the state it is in.

I have come a long way in my training with James and have seen great change. I plan on working with James for years to come, to learn all I can about exercise and nutrition.

I would highly recommend James as a personal trainer and LifeForce Fitness Center's great staff to anyone who wants to start a healthy lifestyle

Sport Specific

We tailor your training towards your sport. Many of our trainers are former and current athletes themselves, hold national level records for their lifts, and quite simply know how to train.

 

Zach C.

I am an ice hockey goaltender. I started training with James after suffering shoulder and knee injuries. Instead of just doing rehabbing, we did true strength and conditioning for my sport. I felt even better on the ice after rehabbing than I felt before my injuries.

His no-nonsense program and effective training strategies pushed me to become more explosive and improved my performance.

With his hard work and a gym so well equipped, my game has never been better.

Alyssa F.

As an elite softball pitcher, I began speed and agility training at an early age, but didn't incorporate weight training until I reached high school. At that time, I began working out at Lifeforce gym with my pitching coach for strength and endurance. After suffering a devastating sports-related hip injury at the beginning of my junior year of high school season, my parents were looking for an experienced trainer that could put together a comprehensive rehabilitation program designed to strengthen my hip and surrounding muscles, as well as keep me positive and focused on getting back to the sport I love. That's when we were introduced to James. Working with James has been awesome! Not only is a great trainer, but he really cares about his clients. He continues to keep me completely focused on my goal of mending my injury and getting back on the field with his commitment to me as an athlete.

For all those years of hard work and tears through an uncertain future throughout my rehabilitation, with James' help, I was able to fulfill my dream of playing college softball and accepted a scholarship to pitch at Division I Kent State next year!

If you're looking for a knowledgeable and committed trainer that will always go the extra mile for you and keep you focused on your goal, then James will make a difference for you…he did for me!

Grant N.

I started working out with James at Lifeforce to improve my strength, flexibility, and strengthen my previously injured shoulder. Ever since I started working out and training for golf there, I've felt and looked stronger and perform better. This past off-season, I wanted to get bigger and stronger without having a negative impact on my flexibility and athleticism.

James introduced me to fitness and training for a specific sport. It's helped my golf game a lot and I recently received a scholarship to play golf at California University of PA. Thanks James and the Lifeforce staff for everything.

 

 

 

Ashley W.

I started working with James the summer of 2011. I needed help with the training requirements for my college swim team after receiving a scholarship. James is a great trainer that pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. He made sure I learned everything correctly, reinforcing good foundational habits. James is a very nice, personable guy who could get along with just about anyone; he always talked to me like a friend rather than just a “trainee”. My training with James really improved my swimming and prepared me for my collegiate athletic career.

 

Powerlifting & Strength

Getting over an injury? We've helped many local Athletes from University to High school, get back on the field, many times in better shape than they left it.

 

Tyler B.

I started lifting with James a few years ago. He helped me surpass any goal I had ever set for myself lifting. His knowledge of training, and diet are second to none. I made strength gains I didn't think were possible. My best competition deadlift was 545 at less than 180 pounds. I wouldn't have been able to do it with out James' help. His work outs are intense, but anyone that appreciates great gains will enjoy the challenge. We even jumped in and did a bodybuilding show within the same training cycle—a testament to me gaining "clean" weight.

Fat Loss

 

Melissa A.

Three years ago my self-esteem was at an all time low. I had gained over 50 lbs; and my constant dieting left me feeling frustrated and depressed. I decided I needed to make a change, so I joined Lifeforce and begin working with an amazing trainer, James. Needless to say I have never looked back! James has changed my life by giving me back the confidence I had lost. The friendly environment of Lifeforce makes me look forward to every workout. James has been by my side for every step of my journey. He taught me how to eat, not diet,and my newly reshaped body looks better now than when I was in my 20's! The confidence I have gained has spilled over into all the other aspects of my life, both personal and professional. Thanks to James and the extraordinary people at Lifeforce I look and feel better than I ever have; and I now have the knowledge, confidence, and support to stay this way!

Kathy B.

I have been coming to Lifeforce for over twenty years. I have been participating in the group fitness for as long as I have been coming and teaching some classes also. I have been told by some members who have taken classes elsewhere that Lifeforce has some of the most challenging classes of any other gyms.

Being over fifty, it was becoming harder to keep weight off in that troublesome midsection even though I am not really overweight. I decided to train with James. I have been for a couple of months now, only two days a week and I really feel the difference. I work harder but in a shorter amount of time but I feel stronger and have lost weight in that mid section. He is tough but very personable. I look forward to working out!

Donna J.

I became a member of Lifeforce two years ago. My sons were already members. They recommended I join for physical therapy after a serious shoulder surgery. I've not only received expert advice and training for recovery of my shoulder, but along the way James has taught me about nutrition, and the correct parameters for other exercise to achieve some weight loss. I have lost over 100 pounds! Believe me when I say, there have been many, many times that I have felt like giving up. It's the encouragement from James, Tracey and the Lifeforce staff that has kept me going. With as far as I've come, I have started to feel like they're family to me. That really keeps me coming back! Thank you--to everyone at Lifeforce!

Lacia E.

Lacia Evanitz has transformed her body and confidence in just over 8 months at Lifeforce Fitness Center. Prior to attending the Beginners MMA Conditioning class at Lifeforce Fitness Center, Lacia struggled to progress despite taking a variety of classes and working hard. As Lacia puts it, "No other class makes me feel stronger or healthier. It's not just the workout, it's the people--both Brian and the motivating, supportive group atmosphere, almost as if we're a big team. I have never experienced anything like this in any other class."

TJ

When Tj's father had brain surgery just a year ago--January, 2010--it served as a wake-up call for him to get his health in check. With dedication, consistency, hard work ethic and accountability, Tj has lost 116 pounds as of this update, and continues to push forward.

It all started with Tj's friend, Kurt Gaebel, who brought Tj into Lifeforce Fitness Center for the first time. Kurt introduced his friend to Tracey--the owner of Lifeforce Fitness Center--and Brian Pfeiffer, the instructor for all of the MMA conditioning classes. Brian set up Tj with his first low carb, high protein diet, detailed weight training program, and most importantly--someone to be accountable to on his journey through weight loss.

Tj's transformation does not end there. He continues to train at Lifeforce Fitness Center 6 days a week. Tj currently trains 3 days with a traditional strength training program and finishes up with some cardio on either the treadmill or eliptical. The three other sessions are MMA classes--a combination of high intensity intervals to increase conditioning, plyometric movements to increase explosive strength and speed, and some striking/mat work to further develop technique. Tj's short and long term goals that he is fast approaching are to drop below 200 pounds (which will be a first for Tj since middle school), and to run a 5k this coming summer--all culminating in Tj having a chance to join the swat team. The physical requirements for SWAT vary department to department, but they generally include the following timed events:

 

106 pounds ago, Tj would have never considered competing towards SWAT benchmarks for pull-ups, push ups and sprints.

Tom

When I began training with James, I did not know what to expect. I had reached a plateau with my metabolism and training. Nothing I was doing was working. I was always a thin kid where putting on muscle was a problem. In my adult life, I reached a point where keeping fat off was now the problem. I had no idea what to do. I thought I had a basic understanding of nutrition and workouts. James really stepped in and took me to the right direction.

His first step with clients is to sit down with you for a one on one talk about what you are already doing verses what you should do. After that, the workouts begin. While challenging (and let's face it, challenge is the only way to make change) he has multiple workouts for various people. I've done at least two workouts per week since November of 2011 and he has yet to repeat a workout with me. My body is always guessing so it cannot plateau. Any time I have muscles or joints that are sore , he adapts theworkout so it's just as effective while avoiding the injured area.

James has helped me simultaneously rehabilitate a few older injuries. In my case, even some areas that had been bothering me for years like my shoulder and lower back. While James has many qualifications, he never brags about them. You will know he is an expert in his field just from talking with him about nutrition and how you will feel when working out with him. Muscles know when they are being worked effectively. You will feel his experience and qualifications in the hours and days to come. What you won't feel is like you cannot do this again. You will feel better and will want to come back and workout with him again.

I started at 27% body fat, most of which was in my abdomen. I've dropped about 12% so far and never felt starved, weak or deprived. It is truly amazing during exercise routines or everyday life to feel the new levels of performance I have from my time with James. I feel years younger and my energy levels have definitely gone up. My overall mood is one of being calm, satisfied and happy now. Perhaps the best part about James and Life Force Fitness is that they are genuinely nice. At no point will you ever feel like you are wasting their time or not up to their standards of fitness the way some of the other commercial chain gyms tend to make one feel.

I can definitely look back at the last six months and say if I had not met James and began a program with him, I would still have 27% body fat or more. He has truly changed my life and appearance for the better. My numbers at my recent check up with the doctor were the lowest they have been in years. This man knows his stuff.

Overall Health

 

Susan K.

I have been a member of Lifeforce for 4 years. I have been training with James for over 6. Recently, I've been dress shopping for my daughter's wedding. Much to my surprise, I had a shop owner outright say that she LOVED the way a specific dress fit, especially across my butt. This is something I've been targeting for 6 years--and it feels great to have outside reinforcement and acknowledgement! I looked in the mirror and said, "Thanks, James!" The owner must have thought I was crazy. I explained that he's my personal trainer, and that even though I'm in my 50's, I'm in the best shape of my life. I can't thank James enough for keeping me in the game!

Lisa F.

I am 50 years old and have been training with James several years at Lifeforce. My goal in training was to increase my strength and fitness so that I could continue to enjoy doing the things I love like playing sports, going on adventurous vacations with my family and maintaining good health. To my surprise, I have made tremendous gain's in not only my fitness but have gained confidence and am doing more adventurous activities in my 50's than I did in my 30's. Recently, my family took a vacation in Belize where we participated in the most extreme 3 hour cave tour that included swimming, climbing steep rock faces that was extremely physical, but very rewarding. Thanks to my training at LifeForce, I am able to continue these adventurous and rewarding experiences. Also, thanks to James for continuing to push me and motivate me to stay on track in maintaining my personal fitness goals.

Jess M.

I have been a member of Lifeforce for about a year now. I started training with James because he has helped my dad to develop a healthier lifestyle and lose weight. Not only does he incorporate intense workouts, but he also teaches you the importance of a healthy diet. Although the workouts are exhausting, it is worth the results that you get. James is also a great trainer to have because he not only gives you a workout and diet to follow, but he explains the meanings and importance of them. I think this is a great part of the training because it helps me to understand more about nutrition and lean muscle development. I feel more confident now that James helped me to get into better shape and I love working out.

Part of the reason that I enjoy working out is because of the atmosphere at Lifeforce. It is a great gym to join because everyone there is very friendly and personable. I always feel comfortable working out there because the staff as well as other members of the gym are extremely helpful and encouraging!

Deb B.

I first met Tracey Ruscitto through our kids at school about seven years ago. I always admired her for the way she carried herself. She's such a genuinely nice person, you can't help but be drawn to her. My daughters started babysitting in the gym's daycare, and I'd often stop in to say hello. I got to know several of the employees of the gym and the comfort level grew. After complaining about my fatigue and weight gain, she and James convinced me, at a tender age of 50, to begin training for the first time in my life. I used to be thin, could eat whatever I wanted, and took my physique for granted. Things certainly changed when I hit 45!

It took an awful lot of courage to take that first training session with James. I joked and told him I wanted to look like Tracey! I can't tell you how glad I am that I took that first step. I definitely wouldn't commit to a workout on my own at home because I'd find five other things that would demand my attention instead. James is a pretty tough trainer, but he knows how hard to push. Now, I can do push-ups once again, the groceries don't seem as heavy as they used to be, and I seem to accomplish more things in a day than I could a year ago. To top it off, I've made many good friends at the gym, especially Adrian! This is one unique place to belong. We're like one big happy family. I'm not ready to go up against Tracey yet, but I'm working on it!

Chrissy M.

I've been a member at Lifeforce for several years. There are so many things that I like about this gym and will always be a member. Unlike corporate gyms, the owner Tracey doesn't play the sales haggling game. The rates are the same whether you join on your first visit or your second, whether it's a Tuesday or a Friday, January or July. She takes a lot of pride in her gym. It's spotless and all of the equipment is always working. She truly wants all of her members to be happy. Everyone is very nice and friendly from the staff to the members. I am certainly not a workout fanatic and I feel very comfortable at Lifeforce. People of all ages, shapes, and sizes belong.

Before I was a member, I went to Lifeforce for the cardio classes, which is another unique thing that Tracey offers. It's impossible to find another gym where you can take a class for $5 without being a member. As I was approaching 40, I thought that I should add resistance training. Since I never enjoyed lifting when I tried it on my own, I decided to get a trainer. James has been my trainer for about 4 years and will be for as long as he continues to train. His rates are more than reasonable which affords me the ability to continue to train with him. I originally bought a few sessions to learn some workouts and technique. By the second session I quickly realized the benefits of staying with a trainer. James challenges me more than I would ever challenge myself. Since my workout time is limited with my schedule, I figured that I should make the most of it. The time flies and the various routines he comes up with are endless so I never get bored. James is also a great motivator without being off-putting. He trains men and women, bodybuilders and novices, as well as all ages. The number of long term clients he has says it all and I now actually enjoy weight lifting!

Katie B.

I've been a member of Lifeforce Fitness for four years and I'm extremely happy here. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and never hesitate to help you. What I really love is that it's not your typical "muscle head" gym. You will find people of all ages, sizes, and abilities working out right next to you. One of the best choices I made was to train with James. He's the "go to" guy when it comes to nutrition, exercise and your body. He creates specific eating plans and work out programs for each individual along with keeping track of your weight and body fat. His work outs are tough but get results and he is always very encouraging and pushes you when you can't push yourself. I could never have imagined doing the things I do without his help. Since training with him I've had many women complement how toned my arms are and I've worked out next to men who have told me how strong my back must be. It's all thanks to James, and these are the reasons why I keep coming back. He's not just a trainer, he's a friend and treats all his clients that way. I never hesitate to tell people about James and Lifeforce Fitness.

Tasha D.

I have been a member of Lifeforce Fitness for 2 years, since May of 2010. It is a homey little place where faces are recognizable and the owner and staff know you by name. If you are looking to get lost in the crowd, this may not be the place for you. I chose Lifeforce Fitness because it is very convenient to where I live, however the friendly members, helpful staff and owner keeps me coming back.

My goal joining the gym is to maintain my weight but tone my physique while emphasizing a few areas. I am that chick who wants the thick thighs, to compliment a small waist with a round derriere and defined calves. And with my lack of motivation, the only way I am going to attain this goal is with a personal trainer. With that in mind, I was referred to James.

James will train to your level to get results. He can push you as hard as you want to be pushed, or harder if that’s what you’re after. He is the most relentless, demanding, unforgiving, uncompromising trainer I know. But on the same note I have to say he is the most flexible, encouraging, personable, understanding, knowledgeable, caring, patient, dedicated person that I know. And all that supersedes the moments I want to give up when my arms feel like they are going to fall off. Or when I am shaking uncontrollably because my body wants to give up and abandon the last rep or next exercise I am forced to do. Through all the whining and complaining I do, through the burn of every push and pull, I appreciate him for pushing me through it and never giving up on me when so many times I gave up on myself. You get what you put in and either way it will show. I definitely have to remember that as I am reminded to eat, eat and eat some more; healthy of course, so that I can maintain this weight as I work out aggressively with James.

But at the end it all becomes worth it. I love that he gets me and my vision as my derriere is getting rounder and my thighs are protruding. I get excited at the thought of my body’s potential and I keep on pushing on. I can’t show my appreciation enough. Thank you James!

 

Bill K.

I have been an active member of Lifeforce Fitness Center for the past five (5) years, although I had been a member since 1991, but had not trained for many years.

I hired Holly in 2008 as my personal trainer because it was impossible for me to motivate myself to go the gym. I don't know if this is an age thing, but if I don't have a trainer, I will not go to the gym.

Holly was my first personal trainer that I have ever employed, and she was very good at helping me out. I was not in the greatest shape, but I knew if I wanted to live a healthy and enjoyable life, I needed help. Since I have some health issues, Holly started me out doing light weight and wanted me to concentrate on strengthening and cardio work. After a couple of months, I started to feel better and had more confidence in the way that I looked.

Since I had been a member Lifeforce Fitness Center for a long time, I knew many of the members who trained there. I am glad that the atmosphere is laid back because I deal with a lot of crazy and stressful individuals at my job. All of the employees at Lifeforce are helpful, polite, and knowledgeable.

After close to two years of training with Holly, Holly decided to pursue her career in computer science full time. Holly recommended James to be my new personal trainer due to the fact that James was dedicated and liked to push his clients to a higher level.

After having James as my personal trainer for the past two years, I am finally comfortable with taking my shirt off in public. He has really improved my conditioning. I recently had a stress test and the cardiologist stated that my results are terrific for my age and that I have no heart problems. I credit James for my successful stress test and my overall physical conditioning. Also, my wife is very happy with the results that James has done with me.

Ryan G.

I had joined Lifeforce in September for training by the one I like to call, Masta/Swole Priest (James). He has put me through some of the best workouts in my life and designed each workout to meet my specific needs, and he is always there to answer my questions and concerns. Along the way I managed to befriend James himself and Tracey the owner. I was astonished at the difference in atmosphere, and the variety of people that workout and attend Lifeforce Fitness. With such a motivating atmosphere, you walk in--and you instantly want to workout. The friendliness of the staff was phenomenal. I have had a couple of bad days that turned around upon walking in the gym, at times just by being greeted by Tracey, " Hi Ry! How are you? ". If that didn't work, guidance from James on variety of subjects that are highly detail oriented--like training around injuries, nutritional quagmires, etc--certainly did. If a change in your body is what you desire, I highly reccomend Lifeforce, not only for the expertise of James and Tracey on supplements, diets etc, but for the fact that it is a gym for everyone--no matter what your personal goals are. You will love the way you change--and make a few friends along the way!

Frank D.

My name is Frank Dedo Senior. I am 61 years old. I have been training with James for just over a year now. I was at another gym with another trainer before coming here. I couldn't lose any body fat or weight--or gain any more muscle, I was stuck. The owner of the other gym kept on giving me supplement after supplement, and said that each would be the magic key to change for me. Finally, I got fed up with the whole mess. I was tired and depressed, hungry, and not making any progress. My trainer told me to go talk to James at Lifeforce Fitness. So I did, and it was one of the best things I've ever done. In one year James has got my body fat down 8%. He suggested I stop wasting my money on all of the supplements and focus on whole foods. James' concern, passion and knowledge was overwhelming to me at first. I got my strength and energy back--and now they're at an all time high. On December of 2011 I got ill and ewnt into the hospital. The doctor said that if I wasn't in such great shape to start with, I may have died from that bout with pneumonia. People my age die with this. This year my goal is to get bigger, stronger, and healthier than ever before--at the age of 62! With James' guidance and training, I will accomplish all of this. Try him out, he's the best! Thanks James!

Muscle Gain & Bodybuilding

Bob B.

When I was training for my first bodybuilding show, I quickly realized I had no idea what I was doing. I was directed to Lifeforce by a co-worker and introduced to James. A few weeks later I was the overall winner of my first ever show!

James, the owners, and the rest of the staff at Lifeforce, are extremely knowledgeable and always willing to help. As well, all of the members are helpful and courteous. There are members with many different types of goals, and ability levels, which make it a great place to workout!

Shelly S.

I have been in the fitness industry for many years working out at various gyms and hiring personal trainers here and there. I have competed, successfully, on the national level, but I knew I could give more with the right tools. One day, I decided to challenge myself to look and be the best that I can be. I knew I didn't want "just another trainer giving me just another cookie cutter routine". I decided to give James a call and drive out to his gym to talk to him about my goals: I wanted to trim my thighs, butt and hip area; I wanted to tighten the bumpy skin around my hamstrings; I wanted sexier, more toned arms; I wanted my shoulders to pop; I wanted a deeper 6 pack and most of all, I wanted to keep my femininity! Normally, this would scare a personal trainer--both working with a client with higher expectations and one that has had some success already competing. James accepted the challenge head on. "We have work to do, let's get started!" Did you notice his response "we"? James always took my goals to be his goals; my workouts to be his workouts. He always impressed me with the variety of exercises he introduced to me to ensure we didn't plateau on any particular exercise, bodypart or workout.

He was also very creative in an artistic way. He would assess me when I came into the gym, providing me with further insight to what bodybuilding and figure judges are looking for. It was uncanny how he would know what was working in my diet and workout program--and which body part needed more attention. As a result, he was constantly tweaking my exercise regimen until the next time I saw him. As weeks went by, it was so exciting to see my body transform: tighter, more toned and functional! I was the one competing in the figure competition--and you would have thought it was him stepping on stage!

Speaking of competitions, At age 45, I competed at the Natural Steel City Championships and placed 1st in my Division! I never looked or felt so good as I did when I was under the care of James' program. I will be competing again--and when that time comes, I would only seek out James Deighan for the expert advice, training, creativity, professionalism and

 

Kevin P.

I've been a Natural Bodybuilder since April 2000. I have competed in the ANBC, NABF, NGA, INBF, and the OCB. I have competed in bantam weight, lightweight, middle weight, and light heavyweight. I took first in my class in the lightweight division in the OCB "Battle for the Sword" in 2006. I took some time off from competing from 2009 until May 2010. That's when I was introduced to James Deighan. James took me from a 220lb. overweight and out of shape bodybuilder to a lean 173 lb. competitor again. I trained with James and followed his strict diet for 21 weeks. James got me back on stage and I never felt better. I competed at 39 years old and looked bigger, leaner, and stronger than I did when I was 29. I can't thank James enough for getting me back on stage again! He is absolutely awesome at what he does, both with nutrition and training. Everyone at Lifeforce Fitness was very welcoming and courteous. I recommend BOTH, James Deighan and Lifeforce Fitness, for anyone who wants a great workout environment and an awesome trainer!

Mike M.

I've competed in Natural Bodybuilding for over ten years. I hold a national title as the 2004 Yorton Cup Overall Champion, giving me IFPA pro status. For my first pro competition I thought it best to have a third party perspective regarding my contest preparation diet. I knew that competing with the Pro's I would need to have more muscle and better conditioning. That's where James comes in...with his guidance I came in bigger and harder than my previous show. I have yet to meet someone who has more knowledge on nutrition and weight training than James. If you want to achieve your fitness goals I highly recommend James and Lifeforce Fitness.

 

Jake B.

It was simply through sheer luck that James entered my fitness life! I discovered him through the University of Pittsburgh's Bodybuilding and Fitness club and my training has never been the same since. In just a few short months, James was able to help me put on pounds of lean muscle and decrease my body fat. Not only that, but he opened up my eyes to a vast world of intense training and maximum efficiency. Each workout with James was grueling, but the rewards I reaped as a result were worth every second of it.

Throughout my training, I suffered a somewhat debilitating shoulder injury that spawned from my days of playing football. James has been vital in not only helping me rehab my shoulder as I work back to a pain free lifestyle, but he also formulated a specific training regimen that including rehab and the ability to still keep putting on size while staying lean. My nutrition and fitness lifestyle have been completely overhauled, for the better, by James. Between the fantastic, motivating environment and the wonderful staff, I can't imagine a better place to transform one's body.

 

Matt Z.

I have been a member of Lifeforce for about a year now. I started training with James because he has helped my dad to develop a healthier lifestyle and lose weight. Not only does he incorporate intense workouts, but he also teaches you the importance of a healthy diet. Although the workouts are exhausting, it is worth the results that you get. James is also a great trainer to have because he not only gives you a workout and diet to follow, but he explains the meanings and importance of them. I think this is a great part of the training because it helps me to understand more about nutrition and lean muscle development. I feel more confident now that James helped me to get into better shape and I love working out.

Part of the reason that I enjoy working out is because of the atmosphere at Lifeforce. It is a great gym to join because everyone there is very friendly and personable. I always feel comfortable working out there because the staff as well as other members of the gym are extremely helpful and encouraging!

Steve L.

I'd been training for four years prior to meeting James. Over the years I had acquired knowledge in both the fitness and nutrition realms which had allowed me to make huge strides in my physique. My gains had eventually become stagnant; my motivation to continue bodybuilding was deteriorating. I no longer had the drive, the desire, nor the determination to pursue it. I knew I needed to change my mindset soon to fix it. James came to a seminar for our organization and blew me away; I was convinced. Shortly after that I jumped on board with James as my trainer. In approximately a year's time I took my physique from roughly 210lbs to 218lbs and I had dropped 3% bodyfat. That's about 14lbs of net muscle. Naturally. The average person needing a personal trainer simply needs a trainer that can motivate them; the elite athletes, however, need someone with higher-level knowledge and experience. James has all of this and an extreme passion for continued learning.

Lifeforce Fitness has an unmatched atmosphere. I've never trained at a facility that was able to manage such a diverse clientele while keeping them motivated and engaged. You really have everything there at Lifeforce: from the newcomers to the group exercises fiends to the veteran gym rats, all the way down to the hardcore bodybuilders. If you're serious about fitness and your health, and don't want the "beauty pageant/nightclub" atmosphere to distract you, this is hands down the best gym to attend. The staff and members are as cheerful and wonderful as they are diverse.

Ryan G.

I had joined Lifeforce in September for training by the one I like to call, Masta/Swole Priest (James). He has put me through some of the best workouts in my life and designed each workout to meet my specific needs, and he is always there to answer my questions and concerns. Along the way I managed to befriend James himself and Tracey the owner. I was astonished at the difference in atmosphere, and the variety of people that workout and attend Lifeforce Fitness. With sucha motivating atmosphere, you walk in--and you instantly want to workout. The friendliness of the staff was phenomenal. I have had a couple of bad days that turned around upon walking in the gym, at times just by being greeted by Tracey, " Hi Ry! How are you? ". If that didn't work guidance from James on variety of subjects that are highly detail oriented--like training around injuries, nutritional quagmires, etc--certainly did. If a change in your body is what you desire, I highly reccomend Lifeforce, not only for the expertise of James and Tracey on supplements, diets etc, but for the fact that it is a gym for everyone--no matter what your personal goals are. You will love the way you change--and make a few friends along the way!

 

Matt M.

 

James worked very closely with me in preparation of my first bodybuilding competition. James provided very close guidance in preparing my training routine and diet, and would always make the proper adjustments as the weeks progressed. James is very knowledgable and passionate about his craft and it was great to work with him

Brian B.

I've competed at several shows at this point as an amateur bodybuilder, with several trainers. The last few have been with James, by referral via another bodybuilder at a contest I placed in. Since training with James, I went from scratching to get to the top 5 to winning my classes and competing in the overalls at the 2008 OCB Natural Steel City Championship, the 2009 NGA Natural Pittsburgh, 2009 NPC Mr. Pittsburgh and the 2010 NANBF Empire Natural. I would recommend James to anybody. From contest preparation to posing, this is the best I have ever looked!

Shane C.

After preparing for one of my last cage fights, I thought I'd take my conditioning a few steps further and jump into a bodybuilding show for fun, something I've always wanted to do! I've known James for a long time and have consulted with him for different nutritional programs for every phase of my competitive career. James did my diet, peak week and posing for the show, and I was by far one of the most conditioned competitors come game day. If I had put more emphasis in the off season on adding some muscular size I think I would have had a clear shot at winning my class and holding my own in the overall.

Erika M.

After trying it on my own for a few months, I enlisted James' services via a friend online. James prepared me for the 2008 NPC Northwest Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure Championships, allowing me to place 3rd in the Figure Medium Class--a class that had more than 10 competitors! I lost a pretty significant amount of weight in preparation for this contest. An NPC contest coverage e-zine gave me a very positive review stating "Good physiques, particularly Erika's lower body...very promising!". I would recommend James in a heartbeat!

Mark F.

I was referred to James by a friend who had consulted with him for his successful contest preparation the year prior. During our prep, James was able to bring me in hard for my first show, help me add some size to my legs and back, work with me on my posing and presentation, guiding me every step of the way in under 5 months. The show I chose was the Muscle Mania Kumite Classic. In the novice class, there was no height or weight this year due to a low turn out. I was in a class with people who outweighed me by 60 pounds and had a foot on my height! Despite this, I placed a respectable third out of 9 as one of the tightest competitors at the contest. I would recommend James to anyone competing—first time or veteran, he was very knowledgeable, helpful, and easy to work with.

Jeff L.

After the prep for my first show, I wanted to try a different approach and bring a more competitive package. I consulted with James for some nutrition guidance and peak week strategy before the 2009 Mr. Steel City. I won my weight class, novice class, and got to compete in the overall thanks to the hard conditioning I was able to bring to the stage.

 

Tom C.

James has consulted with me during my last deployment to keep me focused on my goals, trained me for countless PT test records and helped me with contest preparation. The same workouts you do with James somehow end up ten times harder than when you do them on your own. I don't know how to explain it, but I won't complain about the results!

Dale S.

Halfway through my prep I knew I was going down the wrong road. I was rapidly losing muscle and at a plateau with bodyfat loss. A trainer at my gym suggested I look up James and head over to his gym for a revamp before it was too late. In less than 8 weeks, James turned it around and helped me regain some lost lean mass, come in tight, and polsih my posing so I didn't look like the novice that I was. I wish I had a current photo up instead of this contest shot, the difference is night and day.

Testimonial Gallery!!

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