Today we’d like to introduce you to James Shapiro.
Hi James, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey starts as far back as nearly as 13 years ago when I became a USPTA Professional-Level Tennis Coach. Growing up playing competitive juniors’ tennis, I knew I wasn’t as good as a lot of my peers. As I entered college, I became certified as a USPTA Recreational Coach to work with kids as a part-time job. I successfully completed the certification testing thereafter to become a professional-level coach. This led me to opportunities working in summer camps first as a tennis instructor and later a director position. As much as I loved the game and opportunities to coach, I saw a greater landscape for growth on the physical preparation side and personal training. Living in NYC, I chose the hard route: working in a YMCA where I juggled the hats as a tennis instructor, personal trainer, floor staff, and a team member responsible for a brand-new teen-fitness program. It was at the same time that I recognized that in order to separate myself from my peers, I needed to build on my education. I began studying my first master’s in Exercise Science (Wellness & Fitness) through CALU.
Throughout my career in NYC, which spanned over six years, I worked in corporate chains, concierge-based training services, boutique studios, online startups, worked independently, and even had the chance to open a 700 sq ft independent training studio. I later pursued a second master’s in Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning) through ECU, which allowed me to study full-time and work a busy schedule – giving my clients the best experience possible.
Just as soon as I was going up the ranks, increasing the amount of clients I was working with, and achieve new levels of success with my business, COVID-19 hit NYC. It shut down nearly all of my business funnels and chances to work with clients. Like many, I had to re-assess my position, situation, and career path. As big of a gut punch as it was, I came to terms to understand that in order to make forward progress, I had to take two steps back – in the right direction. I reached out to the industry-known Cressey Sports Performance in Massachusetts for a strength & conditioning internship at 28 while finishing my second masters. The experience allowed me to build my craft, learn from industry experts, and have the opportunity to work during a period where positions were limited. During that timeframe, I understood that it was still the perfect time to take another risk – relocated across the country to California. With only two weeks’ notice from a new employer, I packed two suitcases, put my car on an 18-wheeler to be transported, and flew over to L.A. After a small grace period; I started to realize that amongst the popularity of training football and basketball athletes, sports like hockey, tennis, ju-jitsu, and soccer were overlooked amongst the more popular training facilities.
For the past year and a half, I have been building a reputation working as a personal trainer and sports performance coach with regular folks and athletes in those mentioned sports. I’ve been blessed been aside and work with the development of NFL combine groups, Division-I athletes, ITF & ATP tennis players, Pan American Game champions, and some of southern California’s best young student-athletes. During my career, I’ve also made it a priority during my career to be a professional resource for other trainers and passionate fitness enthusiasts by being featured in publications from GQ, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Insider, Weight Watchers, and Reader’s Digest.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It had definitely not been a smooth road. To maybe the surprise of some, I’ve been fired twice, sold my stake as a partner with the training studio I started, suffered through my business as the result of COVID-19 shutting down NYC (like many other professionals), and encountered difficulties with clients and co-workers alike. I’ve been stressed before being paid less than I was worth, working endless six and sometimes seven-day work schedules. There is also the endless pursuit of being a professional in the fitness, personal training, and strength & conditioning industry as an entrepreneur. While you set your own schedule and work with the clients you love, you also are responsible for your own success. That means developing harder skills that are not thought of: public relations, marketing, media development, website creation, and SEO – all of which I learned on my own.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about James Shapiro Training?
My specialization is improving human performance. Whether you are a “9-5” worker, or a stay-at-home mom, someone coming off a severe injury, or looking to make waves as an athlete, I make the tangible changes to how you move, feel, and think. I’m known to work with tennis, hockey, ju-jitsu, MMA, and soccer athletes, but I’m really more recognized as the person who makes them feel great. My integrated approach, from assessment to programming and execution of training sessions, blends multiple practices and methods to provide an enriching training experience. My clients and athletes rave about not only how much I care, the level of detail I provide but also my passion for helping them run through the finish line and more.
I’m most proud of the outreach I have had spanning the NYC and LA markets. Working with clients and athletes who understand in order to be the best, reach their genetic ceiling, and go further, they need someone who will be right beside them in nothing less but the best in their pursuit. That same growth has put me into articles of many well-known publications, which hopefully impacted some of their readers to have confidence knowing best-known practices.
I would want readers to know that while my direct services for training are more local to the LA/Ventura population, my commitment and expertise can be used through both online and virtual platforms. I work with a handful of clients across the US from San Fransisco, Colorado, Texas, NYC, and Connecticut. The attention given to both virtual and online clients match my in-personal clientele: from the initial assessment to the progression models that are aligned with their goals.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are definitely a handful of mentors and advocates during my career that have played a role in my development and success. First and foremost, my parents: who believed in me during my long academic career, supported me during rough times and kept reminding me about my faith in the road to success. The second person to come to mind is Davaon Spence – my second manager who gave me “the keys” to drive my vehicle to success and instilled in me the power to become a mentor to others, even during my young age. Third, Yani Miranda, a former operations manager turned client turned best friend. She has given me words of wisdom through the best of times and the hardest of times for both personal and professional matters. Last, the handful of clients that I call “family.” While I some work with me in person, and others now virtually due to relocation, I remain ever grateful. They have been there with open arms, allowing me to be part of their personal lives, as well as understanding both the professional, physical, and emotional dedication I have given to them.
Pricing:
- In-Person Private Training (pricing ranging from $90-120/session)
- In-Person Semi-Private Training (pricing ranging from $60-80/person/session)
- In-Person Small Group Training (pricing ranging from $45-60/person/session)
- Virtual Training (pricing ranging from $85-100/session)
- Online Programming (monthly packages starting as low as $200/mo)
Contact Info:
- Website: jameslshapiro.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/james.l.shapiro
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesLShapiro
Image Credits
Joseph Baura
