Skip to main content
Success Stories
What some recent clients say about their experience with Personal Training by James Rizzo

Personal training sessions offered in person and online in the Manhattan and Westchester County areas

Meeting James Rizzo changed my life. I had been working out at my gym desperately trying to lose weight and change my body.I was doing my usual 45 minutes on the elliptical when I noticed a trainer with a client nearby. They were doing these really unique exercises and this trainer was unbelievably motivating to his client. I had never heard anything like this before. I knew that I had to be part of that right away. I approached James and asked him to train me, Thank g-d he said yes. Forty-five pounds and 40 inches later, I can tell you that James gave me exactly what I needed. A new way to look at exercise, a new way to think positively about achieving my personal goals and a trainer who was not only encouraging and motivating inside the gym but a friend who provided never ending support and inspiration outside the gym as well. I have seen James almost every day for two years. Anyone who has worked out with James knows — he makes you work hard, but you get REAL results. He knows what it takes and he will show you that he believes that you have what it takes to get there. James is your solution to fitness. There is no other way.

Dr. Cindy Bressler

I have been working out with James for four years. He’s a very experienced trainer, a great guy, and he makes the sessions varied, challenging, and fun. I’m trimmer and more fit than I’ve ever been and look and feel great. Thank you James!

Eleanor

I have been training with James for over five years and have seen significant results. James is a full service trainer. He whips you into shape while entertaining you. Even though he’s demanding and continuously ups the level of difficulty, he’s actually a nice guy. Amongst other things, he has gone with me to make sure I buy the right sneakers and he bought me a device to help with my plantar fasciitis. If you are looking for results, and sometimes a little TLC, James is the right trainer for you.

Wendy

I randomly walked into Equinox eight years ago as part of a New Year’s resolution and was lucky enough to get James as my trainer. I knew absolutely nothing about training and now I can’t live without it. I jokingly call James the fitness scientist, but that’s what he is. Inventive, knowledgeable, personable, reliable, motivating – just a few words to describe James. Even after eight years, I am never bored and always learning something new – James continually pushes me to do my best.
I highly recommend you get a Body by James.

Suzie

James combines top professional expertise with superb personal attention. There’s no one-size fits all workout -every session is developed for my abilities and needs with a full understanding of my injuries and limitations. James is a great motivator so I stick with the program and get results. Could not be happier with my training experience.

Carolyn Carter

Well into my 40’s I was a very active woman and in addition to being a cheerleader in high school, I ran, played tennis, basketball, volleyball and skied. And I injured many parts of my body multiple times and arthritis has set in many spots which made it hard for me to work out. James develops various options for me daily so that when the ankles, knees, wrists, or shoulders hurt, he finds other things for me to do to keep up my fitness while the pain stops or moves to another part of my body. I never get bored with the various ways he helps me to strengthen my body. James comes to every work out with a plan and with the enthusiasm that helps me get enthused. I even wear a tee shirt with the slogan “trust your trainer” in honor of him. No cookie cutter trainer is James Rizzo.

Charlotte St. Martin

I have been working with James several times per week since 2014. My only regret is that I didn’t meet him sooner. I have achieved great results because he has really pushed me. I came to James with some injuries. Unlike my previous trainers, James was able to work around my injuries and still give me challenging workouts. He keeps the workouts interesting. I have never done the same workout with him twice. He’s not one of those trainers who has a clipboard or has every exercise written down. He knows what he has planned in his head and adjusts on the fly. This is because training comes naturally to James and he is truly talented and gifted at what he does.

James has been great with my pre-natal and post-natal workouts. I feel like I was able to stay in shape during pregnancy while also staying safe.

Stacy B.
Manhattan

My journey with James started 6 years ago, when I wanted to increase my conditioning for upcoming knee replacement surgery. Having never having worked with a personal trainer, I was not sure what to expect. Even though I was relatively fit for a 69 year old, I knew I needed a structured, disciplined approach to meet my goals. James delivered that, as he combined his anatomical and physiological knowledge of the body with a customized approach just for me. He also brings a patient, understanding and tolerant attitude to his sessions, especially when you really don’t want to work out that day. And, he makes training fun! My experience with him has been first class, and a tremendous benefit to my mind and body. There are other trainers, but there is only one James Rizzo. I can recommend him to anyone, no matter their physical condition and objectives.

Dr. Jeffrey Starr

James has been a game-changer for my health and fitness goals. I have made better and more sustained gains training with him than any other trainer in the past. I came to James with regular pain in my shoulders, lower back and knees. He has worked through each of these issues systematically, and I am now pain free in all three places. He created an individualized program for me, combining strength and endurance to ensure a challenging but safe workout session every single time! He is attentive and makes sure proper technique is followed to avoid injuries. If you are committed to making a change or even building off of prior successes, James is the trainer for you - he is in a class by himself!

Dr. Mark Milstein

I have trained with James for years (pre and post kids) and each time I begin a new workout regimen with him, I feel like I have a new lease on life. Our workouts are the highlight of my week. James has an understanding of what my body is capable of and works to push those limits in each session so I see results quickly and most importantly, safely. He is focused on progression and each session develops a varied exercise plan to increase my strength, stamina and muscle tone. James is a perfect blend of friendly and tough and he works hard to build my confidence and determination. I know I’m not his only client who has stayed with him for many years…a true testament to his talent and dedication to each of our unique goals. Thank you, James!!

Jill Gregory

Ready to get started?

I would love to hear from you!