For years I blamed my chronic unfitness on having had three C-sections in three years. My excuse ran a bit thin (unlike myself who neither ran or was thin) when all three children were wearing school uniforms. James was referred to me by a mutual friend and, with a high degree of trepidation, I agreed to see him. When I say I was unfit I’m not exaggerating. I had done no exercise for 7 years and had only a marginal report card before that. Building strength was more important to me than losing weight but I figured a combination of the two would be nice. So we started from scratch. Two things immediately impressed me about James. First was the degree to which he calmly and thoroughly talked to me about goals and challenges and options for addressing both. As I tend to look after my children far more assiduously than I look after myself, I found the lifestyle discussion and plan quite insightful. Second was the humour and personable approach that James brings to entire get-fit process. I live near some steep steps that many personal trainers use and they are often barking at people like a thwarted army major. They make me want to throw rocks at them. James is determined and motivating but all in a very low key and collegial manner. I also like the fact that each session involves something different and a range of activities: boxing; circuits; inside stuff; outside stuff; weights and aerobic activities. There are exercises with equipment and exercises using things found in most houses (steps, tables etc.). I travel a lot for work and James has showed me how to do many things using “just me” that I can use on the road. I never do them but it’s nice to think I could. He also sends reminder e-mails about exercise goals for weekends and holidays. I have greatly enjoyed ignoring these to the letter. I don’t love exercise. In fact I don’t much like it at all. But the fact that I’ve actually showed up for sessions, slowly lost kilos of weight and can now do multiple press-ups cheers me. My strength has increased exponentially and I simply feel better. I am not a self-starter with exercise. I need someone to help me make the effort. So if you want someone to guide you, challenge you, create interesting things to do and keep you engaged, make I would recommend James unequivocally. Even if he cannot count – it was 30 press-ups not 29