Page 32 - Demo

Exclusive Interview with James Dawson: Crafting Personalized Fitness Programs and Inspiring Family WellnessQ: James, your journey in fitness started in the UK. What originally inspired you to pursue a career as a personal trainer?A. As a teenager in high school, I was extremely thin. After graduating, I decided I wanted to gain muscle and strength. I began to fall in love with working out, fitness, and nutrition. Over the years, I transformed my own physique to reach specific goals, and eventually, I knew I wanted to help others achieve their own goals as well.Q: You%u2019ve worked at some iconic gyms in Los Angeles, including Gold%u2019s Gym in Venice Beach. How did that experience shape your approach to fitness and training?A. Gold%u2019s Gym in Venice was a huge influence on my training career. Many professional fitness instructors and athletes train there, and what sets it apart is that, unlike some Hollywood gyms where people go to socialize, the trainers and athletes at Gold%u2019s Venice share a genuine passion and drive for fitness. Most of them were approachable and willing to share their advice and expertise, which had a lasting impact on me.Q: After helping hundreds of clients, including those preparing for competitions, what would you say is the key to successfully guiding someone to achieve their fitness goals?A. It takes time and experience, but the key lies in understanding that the role is truly about personal training. There%u2019s no single secret method for getting in shape, as every client is unique in their genetics, schedule, nutrition, and personality. To guide a client successfully, you have to connect with them personally. The client should feel comfortable and want to come back for more. You may be the best trainer in the world, but if you can%u2019t connect with people, it%u2019s hard to be successful. With experience, you also learn to break down the science of training in a way clients can quickly understand. If you combine this with a personal connection, making sessions fun and motivating, the client will see incredible results.Q: Now that you%u2019re based in the Pacific Northwest, how has your training approach evolved since transitioning to private training in Seattle?A. The fitness scene in the Pacific Northwest, especially private training, has really been growing over the last few years. Now that I%u2019m in my 40s, I work with clients (both men and women) ranging from their early 30s all the way to 80 years young, which has broadened my approach to training.Q: You specialize in crafting tailored training programs for your clients. What%u2019s your process for creating a program that fits the unique needs of each individual?A. It starts with a detailed, honest conversation. I begin with a consultation to make sure we%u2019re a good fit and to understand their goals. I ensure that their goals are realistic and align with their genetics, current fitness level, and any limitations they may have. Then, we set up a training protocol and nutritional plan, implementing changes gradually over a month or two. This helps the client adapt without feeling overwhelmed or burned out. But they also need to focus on nutrition, as poor nutrition will hinder overall results.Q: At 40, you%u2019re in incredible shape and manage to stay lean year-round. What%u2019s your secret to maintaining such a high level of fitness as you%u2019ve gotten older?A. Taking control of your health as early as possible is key. Developing a routine and discipline early on helps maintain and push yourself as you age. But there%u2019s no better time to start than now%u2014waiting only makes it harder. A major part of staying fit as you get older is checking your ego at the door. Make sure you%u2019re lifting with good form; it%u2019s better to make a lighter weight feel heavy with control than to risk injury lifting too much. Stretching and mobility also become crucial, so spend more time warming up and incorporating mobility work to complement your exercises.MOSTMAGAZINE32 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 63