ABOUT ME
My fitness journey began in 2002 due to a back injury. I didn't want to have back problems for the rest of my life, so I joined a gym to get stronger. After a few months I began taking Kung Fu and later on, Kickboxing. I did those for a combined 11 years.
I continued to weight train on the side, but slowly my focus began to drift more and more into strength and conditioning. I decided to turn my passion into my career and acquired my personal training certification.
While training clients, I've continued my own growth as an athlete and started practicing the Olympic lifts, dabbling in Crossfit and powerlifting. I enjoy the challenge this provides, both physically and mentally.
I look forward to passing on the knowledge that I've gained, both through formal study and personal experience.
TRAINING
Being strong and fit is never a bad thing. Obviously, this is relative to your needs, wants and abilities. Generally, my clients come to me to lose weight, build muscle, and to look and feel better. Through a balanced strength and conditioning program, I offer just that. Along the way my clients learn proper form and technique and the confidence to workout on their own, safely and productively. For my more experienced clients, we work on refining movements, addressing lack of progress, and more advanced programming. The key with everyone, from complete beginner to advanced trainer, is focusing on moving well in order to be safe, healthy, and to be able to continue to train.
Being fit, strong, and healthy isn’t always easy and I don’t offer quick fix solutions, gimmicks, or false promises. Expectations need to be realistic and lasting results take time. Be prepared to work hard, but within your comfort zone. Be prepared to learn, at your own pace. When and if you are ready to be pushed outside of your comfort zone, we will do that. When you are ready to increase the pace, we will do that.
Though many of my clients’ workouts are similar, they are all tailored to the individual. I do not offer generic 12 week programs. I plan out each week, but allow for necessary alterations. Each workout is assessed and the appropriate progressions are laid out for next week. For more advanced lifters, more specific goals are set and a bigger overall program is outlined. But again, this tailored to the individual and is assessed and changed as necessary.
We are all human, but we all respond differently to exercise, both physically and mentally. This is where the art of personal training and coaching comes into play. I need to get to know you as a trainee and an individual so I can best provide you with the service you deserve.
Certifications and Experience
CERTIFICATIONS
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
A.C.E. Certified Sports Conditioning Specialist
TRX Certified
A.H.A. Heartsaver CPR/AED
EXPERIENCE
Weight Training
Powerlifting
Olympic Lifting
Crossfit
Kickboxing
PRICING
Free Consultation
Assessment $85
Single Session $115
5 Session Package $550($110 per)
10 Session Package $1050($105 per)
20 Session Package $2000($100 per)
Per Session for Couples $140
REVIEWS
I've been working with James for 6 months and he's a fantastic trainer. I've been weightlifting on and off for a long time but James has helped me completely rethink my technique and now I'm making strength gains I never thought I could. Each time I think I'm going to plateau, he provides a new piece of insight for me to think about and I keep moving up. He's also a great guy to just chat with and isn't one of those annoyingly over the top personalities trainers tend to have. Would highly recommend working with him if you can!
Harj T.
About me: When I started I was hardly able to do one proper push up, hadn't ever even touched a barbell and wouldn't have known what bulgarian split squats are.
Now I deadlift roughly 155 lbs (I don't even know what my one rep max is, this weight is for 5 x 7), I do proper push ups and have a love hate relationship with bulgarian split squats.
About him: He's few in words, kind, smart and has this unmistakable ability to know what your body is capable of - even when you yourself think there's no way you'd be able to do that (whatever "that" might be). He pushes you to challenge yourself and suddenly you just notice "Goodness, look how far I've come!".
Unfortunately I couldn't keep having him as my face-to-face PT, as now I live on the other side of this wee planet. Shucks, as I do miss training with him.
Highly recommend!
Jenny T.
James is the only thing preventing my complete moral degradation. Great value as my 2 hours/week trainer. I've definitely been getting stronger. Very gentle and sweet fellow with considerable experience in physical training. I recommend him.
Michael S.
James is a great trainer and exactly what I was looking for.
I had been looking for a personal trainer for some time. I wanted to get back into shape and learn a martial art or regain some of my old boxing skills. I tried crossfit a year ago, but it seemed like they were trying to kill me. I went to a boxing gym 2 years ago, but the trainer acted like I didn't exist.
James has put together a customized routine for me that he adjusts as I improve. I can actually see an increase in stamina and strength every couple weeks or so. This beats every alternative I've tried and can think of. There is no reason not to at least give James a call. He'll give you a free consultation.
Give James a try. You will not regret it.
Ben M.
Well well well...what can we say about Sir James Pitts other than are you ready for Pittsanity? Actually James is not an in your face yell at you trainer by any means. If you are looking for that then he is not your man. But if you are looking for a partner on your journey to a better body, more balanced life, and better life then he is your man. You bring the desire and he brings the skills and experience to help you achieve your goals...oh yeah and he also brings the weights too. How cool is that, wherever you are he comes to you and charges you what he would have to pay if he ubered to you and back. I keep telling him he needs to up his rates as he is so worth it. The other part about his program is his moderate progression. You always leave wanting to do a bit more (well maybe not always) but most times. That means you don't burn out and you don't get injured. Smart! He was also an extra in a movie in LA once. I wont reveal the movie but if you work with him make sure to ask him about his mad actor creds. In the meantime what are you waiting for? Get off your butt and give James a call. Are you read for Pittsanity? :)
Derek S.
CONTACT
info@strength-fit.com
415-786-7481
Location
Now training out of Kinetic Playground!
https://www.kineticplaygroundsf.com/
566 Folsom Street
San Francisco, Ca 94105
