Current and former clients share their thoughts and experience

“If you are near Northampton, MA and want some personalized fitness training from someone who appreciates athletes AND everyday humans, and who cares about their fitness longevity, I highly recommend trying work with Jim Lobley. I rarely meet anyone so skilled at integrating such breadth of training and knowledge into a single ability to be curious about each human he meets and figure out what each person needs.”

Serenity Smith

Serenity is the co-founder of the New England Center for Circus Arts in Brattleboro, VT. She performed as an aerialist with Cirque de Soliel for many years, as well as with other leading circus companies, and now leads one of the premier circus training schools in the country.

“Jim is an extraordinary trainer. He has been able to pinpoint habits and imbalances that I hadn’t really noticed but that were limiting my strength, balance, and mobility. He selects exercises and sequences that address these issues really effectively. The workouts are varied, challenging, and fun, and he has pointed out easy ways to incorporate movement throughout the day. After a few sessions I am noticing improvements—and I am finding new things I would like to work on. Highly recommended!”

Lisa Stoffer

“Jim is by far the best personal trainer I’ve ever worked with. People may have different priorities for what they’re looking for in a trainer but as a general goal I want to fully enjoy the time I spend with that person. I need to feel seen, honored and challenged. Jim brings an unparalleled compassion and insight to his clients and every session with him felt like we were exploring a new realm of possibility for both our bodies and our minds and how we could use that to achieve ever greater wonder, curiosity and joy in the experience of life. For me this is truly what wellness is about.”

Kara Wood

“Jim is an incredibly knowledgeable and friendly trainer, whom I would recommend to anyone who wants to improve their mobility and strength—especially if they are experiencing some pain. I joke that Jim introduced me to my hips. Let me explain.

I started training with Jim to improve my strength and mobility. I do trail and tree work that involves a lot of bending and lifting. I wanted to improve my strength so that I continue to excel and enjoy my work. After an initial assessment, Jim concluded that my upper body was relatively strong as was my lower body; the problem was they weren’t connected. My limited hip mobility and hip strength were reducing my ability to transfer force (strength) from my lower body to my upper body and vice versa. Jim immediately started me on a series of hip mobility and strength exercises and had me move my body in ways I probably hadn’t since I was a child. After just one session with Jim, I felt stronger and more resilient.

Jim knows and can expertly teach an insanely large number of mobility exercises. From session to session, he had me moving my body in different and (to me) unimaginable ways. His sessions are fun and challenging but never feel like a grind. I should add that I once attended a session with a low back strain. I was a little worried that training would exacerbate the pain. I told Jim the situation and he guided me carefully through some exercises he thought would help. By the end of our session, my back pain was completely gone!”

Tom Annese

“Jim is the best fitness instructor I’ve met in years of gym classes. He has a unique outlook that combines intellect, body, and soul, always in a spirit of exploration. There is fun and curiosity and a respect for the beings that we are and can be in his classes - which are never once the same. Instead of pushing through the motions of a routine, Jim’s training allows you to slow down, center and then move. Thinking of the body as a connected whole, he supports you wherever you are in fitness – whatever age, ability or agility.”

Carolyn Shread

“I had heard about Jim and sought him out when experiencing increased pain in my knees and back. I had wrongly assumed that the discomfort was solely due to my arthritis. Jim has helped me to improve my posture and gait, reducing my level of pain with simple exercises and modifications in my movements.  He is particularly good at explaining the “whys“ behind his suggestions. I am now learning to walk with more grace and less discomfort.”

Madelaine Marquez

“Working with Jim has been a boost to both my physical health and mental health. He’s encouraging and tailors workouts to suit individual needs. He has helped me build confidence by showing me balance and strength exercises I didn’t think I would be capable of. Working with Jim has improved my quality of life by helping me get stronger and feel less physical pain.”

Lisa Ellingsen