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Meet Owner Les James, Certified Personal Trainer

Les James is an accomplished personal fitness trainer who is passionate about healthy living. He has created a unique approach to overall health based on his background in martial arts and athletics training. He has been providing personalized fitness and weight loss programs for individuals throughout the New York City metro area for almost 15 years now. Over the years, he has authored several articles, including Cosmo Girls' "Absolute Abs" piece in the September 2006 issue, and lectured for several audiences.

Over the years, Les James has developed an unmatched ability to assess an individual's unique needs in a personal fitness or weight loss program.

These days, it seems as though everyone is trying to get fit. But how many good intentions, gym memberships, and crash diets can the average person go through before realizing that sometimes you just need someone skilled in your corner? Les James, a New York City-based personal trainer was a fitness fanatic who felt unfulfilled in his corporate 9-5 job. A born athlete who loves helping people, Les realized quickly that the best way for him to change his life was to take what he knew well and turn it into an exciting job. In an exclusive interview with Examiner.com, Les shares some insight into his rewarding career, clients’ successes, and best tips for a thinner, healthier you.

What lifestyle choices do you make at home to stay fit and healthy? Does your family adhere to a similar plan?

I work out every day and count my calories, sticking to five to six small, healthy meals a day. My wife sticks her own workout plan, taking 2-3 dance classes a week, but we like to balance each other and have fun doing cardio together like taking a run. Getting active with your partner is a great way to ensure you succeed at your fitness goals, because your biggest cheerleader is there by your side doing the work too.

Aside from the actual work that you do with your clients, what does being a personal trainer entail?

You really need to see the person, listen to their goals, help them to envision their new self, and then give them what they want. I need to be mindful of injuries, pregnancies, and other physical limitations. I need to pay attention and help heal them when they are recovering from an injury or surgery. In many ways I am like a stereotypical coach — I push my clients really hard to reach their goals. I like to suggest they come three times a week, and often their lifestyle gets in the way. Vacation or even a cold can get people off track, so it’s my job to pull them back on. I have to be that mirror they are always looking into, reminding them of what areas need work and how to make it happen.

What are your clients’ most common goals?

Everyone wants to get fit and look good. I also have a lot of women who are either currently pregnant or recently gave birth. They tend to be very determined, and always get good results. The main goal common among all my clients is to lose weight, but sometimes people have unrealistic goals. A lot of people come in with a specific celebrity in mind that they want to look like, and I have to be honest with them up front. I can’t necessarily make you look like your favorite celebrity, but I can make you look good. And I am always clear about what can be expected.

What are some suggestions for time parameters for female clients when seeking a trainer? Brides, pregnancies, etc.

I think for a bride, you should start working out with a trainer at least six months if not a year before your wedding. I like to work in a gradual and thorough way to make sure that women don’t just look good for their wedding day, but that they stay in shape afterward. Once you’re engaged, start out slow, and you will be amazed at how good you look in your wedding photos.

For pregnant women, I think there are a lot of stigmas out there that are unnecessary. It is okay to work out when you are pregnant, as long as you are careful about eating enough good foods to keep your baby and yourself healthy. Always work out with a trainer who is experienced with pregnant women, so you make sure that you do not hurt yourself or your baby with unsafe workouts. I find that women who keep active during pregnancy lose the baby weight faster and more completely. My clients are always amazed at their post-baby bodies, and I’m very proud of that.

Why is it important to seek the help of a personal trainer when diet and exercising at home aren’t enough?

A trainer is such an important tool. Firstly, I know how the human body works and how to customize a plan that will work for each individual client. I motivate and support you, but I don’t let you off the hook. Having a trainer is like literally having a companion who is there to see you through the process and make sure you keep it up. I can’t do the work for my clients, but I can make sure they will get it done, and in a much more efficient and lasting way than they can typically do alone.

What are some things you recommend everyone do at home to get fit?

Diet and exercise are the keys. There is no easy way out. You need to achieve good nutrition and always make sure you burn in a day the amount of calories that you ate in your largest meal. Stick to a routine that makes sense — eliminating protein or carbs completely can do more harm than good. Cardio is a great way to burn calories and tone up at home. I suggest running because all it requires is a pair of sneakers! Also, jumping rope is a great workout. You should do cardio at home five times a week. Basically, get that butt off the couch!

You’re the picture of perfect fitness, but do you ever cheat?

Absolutely. Everyone deserves a cheat day, and I’m no exception. Knowing you have a food treat or a lax day to look forward to helps us stay on track. Personally, I only take three cheats though: Memorial Day weekend, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day.

Any words to live by?

Do not accept mediocrity. Don’t even entertain it. I truly believe that average people do average things. If you want to be extraordinary, you have to do extraordinary. Especially when it comes to yourself and your body, don’t you want to be extraordinary?

Want to learn more? Check out Les James online at www.xtremeimagellc.com, or send him an email at info@xtremeimagellc.com.