Testimonials
Change Your Life
All below testimonials can be found at Google, Citysearch, Facebook or Yelp! There are many more...just search for Progressive Personal Training, Chelsea at any of those websites.
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"I started with James six weeks after the birth of my second child. I had tried working out with personal trainers in NYC on and off in the past, but I hate to exercise and never found someone who motivated me to stay with it for more than a few weeks. I have been training with James continuously since January 2005. He is extremely professional and reliable and he keeps the workout moving quickly with a wide variety of exercises – so it is never boring. He pushes hard, but he is also very knowledgeable and educated, he is particularly excellent for anyone who, like me, has significant injuries and has been through rehabilitation therapy. I have had certified trainers exacerbate my back problems. Since I have been seeing James, I haven’t had any back problems. Most of all – the results don’t lie. I just turned 40 and my body looks better than it did when I was 30 – and I have had two kids in the interim. I can’t recommend James highly enough – he is very likeable (which actually is important to me when I am spending time and money with someone), and he is very, very good at what he does. I won’t say that I have come to adore working out now that I am with James, but I don’t dread my sessions the way I used to with other personal trainers. And I never saw results that could even remotely compare to what James has done for me. The best compliment I can give is that a close friend of mine who witnessed the changes in my body and my energy level signed up with James and has now been with him for almost a year."
LISA
"The trainer I've been looking for! – I’ve worked out with a number of personal trainers over the years. I am so happy I finally found James! When we first met, about a year ago, James asked detailed questions about my health and fitness goals, and then designed an individual program to address them. This impressed me; other personal trainers I’ve encountered seem to have a one-size-fits-all approach, regardless of the individual. He continually adjusts my program, adding new exercises that always keep my workouts interesting and challenging. With his constant encouragement – sometimes gentle, and sometimes (when necessary) considerably more forceful! – he makes sure his clients get the most out of every workout. James doesn’t just say “do this, do that.” He takes time to explain why an exercise is important, and then makes sure the movement is executed with proper form. James has a private exercise studio that is fully equipped. It has everything all the other gyms have – except crowds of annoying people! It is a pleasure to be in an exclusive, private environment; it allows me (and James) to focus exclusively on the workout. As an added bonus, James has hired a terrific new trainer, Luis Nunez, to work with him. While adhering to the same basic philosophy as James, Luis brings his own experience and insights to his workouts. He’s smart and engaging, and it’s enjoyable to occasionally spend a session with him as well. I wish I had found Progressive Personal Training years ago!"
JOSH
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"James is the best personal trainer in nyc — i’m sure of it. i’ve been a fit, tone, healthy and happy client for 9 years and I still look forward to my sessions. Workouts vary so we hit every muscle group for both strengthening and toning. Over the years I’ve had a couple of minor injuries and he was very precise in the way he got me back up to par. James is professional, educated, knowledgeable and keeps detailed records of each session and my progression. His private gym is well equipped and always clean. Aside from all that, he’s a great guy. I highly recommend him!! I have also trained with Luis several times and I find him equally competent. Oh, and they play the best music!"
LORI
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"I have been training with James for over a year and can say without a doubt that he has changed not only my physical appearance but my attitude to health and fitness. I have even joined a gym and actually go 4 times a week on top of our sessions, this is from someone who hated gyms? Seriously hated them. James keeps the sessions interesting and best of all fun, you will absolutely see a difference quickly and the fact that you enjoy it really helps for those days that you are feeling a little lazy. I guess that the proof was when I last went home, I hadn’t seen my friends for 6 months and they could not believe the difference in me. I cannot say enough great things about this trainer; he is busy for a good reason but will always help out if you need to change your schedule. If you want to get into shape quickly and have fun doing it then James is your guy!"
NATASHA
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"I started personal training with James a couple of years ago when I realized that my wife (who had been training with him for 2 years) was looking and feeling better than she had in years and I figured I had best get in shape! James keeps incredible records of my progress — he is fully aware of what we did the week before, the month before and the year before. He keeps the workouts interesting and varied. He is emphatic about doing each exercise correctly and with the proper form. I have a pre-existing problem with my shoulder and because of his in-depth knowledge of injuries, he is helping me overcome it. If you want to see results and learn how to train properly and effectively, I highly recommend James."
NEIL
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"I can’t say enough good things about working out with James Camastra. Of all the personal trainers I have tried he is the most professional and well-educated. Once I started working with him I was totally spoiled. He is very serious and enthusiastic about health and fitness and his creative and thoughtful approach to the workout made a big difference. He varied the routine day to day and kept it fun and interesting. I could tell the difference right away. Soon after beginning our work together I felt stronger and fitter and my clothes fit differently."
KIT
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"I started working out with James when I was three months pregnant and we continued training throughout my pregnancy. James was very knowledgeable on prenatal fitness, and designed a very safe and effective program for me. I attribute my easy child birth and fast recovery and weight loss to our consistent workouts. James and I continue to work out and I feel fabulous and four months later have lost nearly all of my baby weight. James is an excellent personal trainer and extremely professional. I highly recommend him!"
MOLLY
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"By far the best trainer I have had – I went to see James with 30 lbs of extra weight on me at the age of 32 and in pretty bad shape. He was my first - and by far the best - trainer I have ever had. Having moved around the past couple of years I have been unable to find someone like him. Unlike other experiences, I did not wake up the next morning with the obligatory painful muscles yet without realizing it, I leaned out and became very toned over the next 3-4 weeks. As a female, he understood how I wanted to look; he didn't talk incessantly (my pet hate); and I left each session feeling like I achieved a very satisfactory workout. Not one did I regret waking up early for. It sounds cliche but he really did transform my body and helped me see exercise as a way of life."
MINA
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"I had my first training session with James in August, 2005 at the request of my therapist who also trained with James. Trust me when I say that I had never considered going to a personal trainer for a few reasons including body image issues. I finally agreed to go for just one session simply to satisfy my therapist’s request and I’ve been with James ever since. If you’re considering a trainer look no further. James is a special guy who will put you at ease and focus his total attention on your needs and goals. To put it simply, he cares. He’s a true professional in this business (sterling credentials) and as I’ve come to learn, you can’t say that about all trainers. I’ve made great progress over the years and while I do work hard, most of the credit goes to James. I train after work and many nights after a tough work day I drag myself to the gym convinced that I won’t be able to do squat tonight. Without fail I leave the session feeling invigorated and so glad I went. I’ve also had a couple of health issues recently and James is always careful to consider these problems and adjust my routines accordingly. Before too long I’m back on track and moving forward. James recently opened his own facility on West 20th Street. He is as focused on creating a first class gym environment as he is on his clients’ individual programs. Take it from this satisfied client and stop in and meet James. You’ll be glad you did!"
TOM
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"I have been training with James since May 2006 and in that small amount of time my body has changed tremendously. I dropped two sizes without dieting!!! I would highly recommend him to anyone and think that he does an incredible job adapting the workout to target YOUR body. I also have back problems and we work together to make sure I only improve it and do not hurt it. My back does not hurt anymore, I am lean, more toned than in my entire adult life and feel great!"
LAUREN