Today we’d like to introduce you to James Fryer.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story is rooted in curiosity. It started in high school when I tore my ACL playing football and the rehab process certainly piqued my interest. Helping people return to their optimal health sounded exciting.
I went to Otterbein for my undergrad and started taking classes in Exercise Science and playing baseball. During my time at Otterbein, I started to notice my hips were getting overly tight and didn’t feel right. I looked for some guidance and it was very clear that the staff wasn’t prepared enough to handle helping a non-specific injury to my hip.
I never got to the bottom of my injury while in college and my hips never felt any better. It impaired my ability to lift and play sports the way I knew I could. I stopped playing baseball after my sophomore year due to being stiff and uncomfortable
After college, I started working as a personal trainer in a local gym and seeing anywhere from 60-80 clients per week. It was rapid fire but one thing was clear… (this is the important part) one exercise would make a person feel great, but that same exercise would make someone feel like shit. What gives?
I wanted to help people feel better while getting stronger and getting in better shape. I found a holistic health facility called The Human Form which was a gateway to encouragement. Owners Stephen and Michelle Ladd ushered me into thinking about the bigger picture. Biomechanics, anatomy, nutrition, mindset, and on and on.
I started taking continuing education courses and one of the courses helped me fix my hip pain and it never came back! Years of having tight and stiff hips all removed in one-weekend course about pelvis biomechanics. This must be witchcraft!
I returned to school to get a license to do manual therapy in Columbus for massage therapy and neuromuscular therapy. This combined with the continuing education classes helped me better guide clients into better health.
Now I’ve been a practicing LMT that includes an in-depth biomechanics assessment, hands-on treatment, breathwork to optimize ribcage and pelvic mechanics, and additional strength training as needed to be able to handle the rigors of life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a winding road for sure. Although I wouldn’t call it bumpy. I have had fantastic mentors over the years. Stephen and Michelle were the best. I’ve always looked to have varying levels of mentorship in my life.
I read a quote in a book once that said you should have 3 types of people in your life when it comes to skill/business progression. The 3 people are as follows:
1- someone who is where you want to go in the future, a true mentor-like experience.
2- someone that is your equal, a friend or colleague on the same path as you to challenge you to push your thinking forward.
3- someone below you in this journey, this person is for you to teach and refine your ability to explain complicated topics simply.
I’ve always tried to abide by this simple rule and sometimes I spend more time in one area at a certain time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have many titles and I love blending ideas and experiences to optimize my impact. I like to think of it much more like an art than a science although it is science laden, the art is reading people and learning how to apply it in the proper place.
My experiences are as follows:
Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science
Certified Personal Trainer
Licensed Massage Therapist
Certified Neuromuscular Therapist
Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner
Certified Sleep Coach (in process currently)
Many other weekend courses in cupping, neurology, advanced ribcage mechanics, etc, etc
I would say I’m currently known for being able to synthesize complicated topics into a more simplistic solution that is applicable for clients. Example being, I have a client that comes in with digestive issues, low back pain, snoring and trouble sleeping, and some knee pain when squatting. We look at all the problems and create action steps towards improving all of them in one fell swoop.
I’m proud to be able to help people that sometimes lose hope that they will feel better at some point in their journey. My unique perspective on the human body helps set me apart from many others in the field.
We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking.
That’s a great question. I think the biggest risk has been opening and running my own business. It never felt risky because I’ve always felt great support from the people around me. I’m not much a security-driven person. I thrive off of variety and critical thinking and really don’t enjoy mindless activities except walks in the woods when I need to recharge.
Pricing:
- $199 for initial assessment
- Sliding scale after that depending on needs of clients. $125-165 for follow-ups.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jamesfryernmt.com
- Instagram: @jamesfryernmt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesfryer9721/featured
Image Credits
Grace Jones
