James Hanton - Personal Trainer of the Month
September 2009
Photos by: BBPics.com
Interviewed by: Tammy Renee
Q. Hey James! Welcome back! Didn't I see you as a feature last month?
Yes, you did! I'm honored to be back.
Q. Well, this time, your clients actually voted you in as our "Personal Trainer of the Month" for the month of August. They said some great things about you. I think we will be adding those comments on the bottom of your interview on the website.
Thank you. I am proud my clients think of me in such a way to get me nominated.
Q. You should be! We had tons of nominations but yours was the best. It's also nice that they would take the time to nominate you.
Yes! You're right! Thank you everyone!
Q. Okay, let's begin this interview by you telling reader a bit about yourself.
It's my pleasure, Tammy. I'm a 27 year old Personal Trainer in Kansas City who is changing lives everyday. I live here with my wife, Amber, and my daughter, Alex. I was born and raised in Chicago Illinois, and moved to Kansas to pursue a dream to play professional football. I took a gamble for something that most thought was a shot in the dark. In return, I made a professional Arena Football team and met my wife. I have grown as a person and have found the path that I want to walk. When I'm not training for photo shoots or training clients, I'm enjoying quality time with my family. I will also do interior and exterior painting and home improvement jobs to make extra money. I'm always staying busy, even when training business gets slow.
Q. How long have you been in the fitness industry?
I have been in the fitness industry for 3 years.
Q. What made you decide to get into the fitness industry?
Working out and staying healthy has always been a passion of mind. I wanted to share everything I learned and experienced and help others succeed to their goals, as well. I decided at a young age of 14 years old when I was very competitive, that I wanted to prove people wrong and get recognition for something I have worked so hard at, as well as changing my life. I saw, and felt, the reward of changing someone else's life. It is a very addictive feeling and I feed off everyone's competitiveness and motivation.
Q. What is your educational background? What are your certifications?
I have a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration. As for certifications, I have my NASM CPT, NASM CES, and ISSA CFT.
Q. How long have you been a personal trainer?
3 years.
Q. What do you feel sets you apart from all other personal trainers out there?
I'm a personal trainer that actually cares about ones goals and not just collecting a pay check. I think what separates me from others is the fact that I give great amounts of energy to keep clients involved, while making workouts challenging and staying humble throughout all my successes. I know us all need breaks from work, but I try and stay on call for everyone's needs whether through text messages, personal contact and phone conversations. Timing is everything, and I always want to be involved when it comes to changing people's lives for the better.
Q. Where do you train your clients? Do you train them in a gym, at home, or where?
I train all my clients in a gym atmosphere. In the past, I would train clients on a field, track or while they joined me in my workout. Everyone has set schedules with work and school so, it is ideal to get everyone in their time slots consistently.
Q. How much time per day do you typically spend with a client?
I typically spend 50 minutes with a client a day going over nutrition, supplements, cardio, and resistance training. There are times where questions arise in text or phone conversations that will require answers throughout the day. I believe in going above and beyond with people. Not only would I want people to go that extra mile for me, but you gain a lot more respect from people and that is how I want to be remembered.
Q. How many days do you suggest your clients to work out in a week?
I suggest my clients anywhere from 3-6 days a week. I would love my clients to workout at least 5 days a week when it's all said and done. Not everyone's schedule allows for 2 to 6 days a week, so it will vary for each individual. The workout time will consist of cardio, abs, weight training and rest.
Q. What helps you get up each morning?
My drive and passion to be the best person I can be is what gets me up each morning. I strive hard to make God, my family, friends, and co-workers proud.
Q: What motivates you?
People that work extremely hard to achieve a goal that people don't think is attainable. I'm a big fan of the underdog. People that have to work from the ground up and start from scratch and take a chance to make something happen are who motivates me. People that stay disciplined that make sacrifices for success to come in future.
Q. What forms of exercise do you find to be the most effective for the following? To gain mass:
I will lift 1 to 2 muscle groups 5 to 6 days out of the week with up to 3 to 5 sets of about 3 to 4 different exercises. I like to stay in the hypertrophy stage with heavier sets 8-12 reps, and 60 second rest between sets. I will either use machine, barbell, or dumbbells only with as little as 5 to 10 minutes of cardiovascular work.
Q. To lose weight:
I will work 2 opposite muscle groups in a day or total body workouts. They will include supersets to keep the body's heart rate up as well as burning calories and toning up the target areas. This will include about 3 to 4sets, of about 3 to 4 different exercises, mainly consisting of machines, dumbbells, cables, and plyometrics with repetitions in the range of 15-20. Cardiovascular training will be at least 3 to 6 days pending on skill level.
Q. To cut:
My workouts will vary when I cut down. When cutting down you have very little strength due to lower carbs and energy levels. Machines might be the favorite when cutting down or resistance cables at a seated position. I like to work total body workouts or a 3 different muscle split over 2 days and repeat the same process listening to your body. With this I will finish 1 exercise of that muscle group for about 3sets of 15-20 reps and 60 second rest before I move on to the next muscle group.
Q. Before competition:
Before any model competition or photo shoot I have done consisted of dumbbells, resistance cables, and body weighted exercises. The key before the shoot or competition is to get a pump before to look fuller. Rushing the blood to the muscle will allow you to look fuller and more vascular. I will do as many sets as I need to so I will feel just as pumped before I step out on stage. Mainly consist of pushups, lunges, dumbbell curls, dumbbell rows, dumbbell lateral raises, and presses, etc for about 20 reps.
Q. Do you also model? If so, tell me about it.
I started modeling in March when I got chosen for a MAC makeup promotion in downtown Kansas City. I was there only model dressed in a Hello Kitty costume putting fake tattoos on people. I then did a model competition in Miami, Florida in June, modeling club wear, sportswear, and swimwear. Since then I have done numerous photo shoots with different photographers to add variety to my portfolio. I'm with an agency based out of Nashville called, RStein Model Management. I am represented by Rick Steiner and currently have some jobs in the works, and look forward to getting things going. I also like to thank to say a special thank you to John Mitchell of BBpics.com for introducing me to World Physique.
Q. Who have you worked with?
Photographers that I have worked with are John Mitchell, Will Patterson, Andrew Holden, and JC Norton.
Q. JC Norton? I just talked to him today. I have to see your pictures he did of you. I know John's are outstanding. What are you goals?
My main goals are to meet all types of people and learn how to network properly. My goals are always to change people's lives and of course motivate and coach them in that same process. The Ultimate goal is to bulk up to about 210 to 215 lbs. and come in at a lean 190-195 lbs. between 6-10% body fat.
Q. How does your trainer differ when you are modeling and when you are not?
When I am modeling, I will do 15'20 reps per exercise, two to three different muscle groups a day or more total body exercises with days off in between. When I am not modeling, my training will depend on my next goal. I usually concentrate on 1 to 2 different muscles on 1 day. Bulking up is a common one with two different muscles a day with 8-12 reps per exercise. Most importantly, I listen to my body. If I am too sore I will do more cardio and rest the sore muscles.
Q. What future projects do you have planned?
I have plans to start up my own website in the next 6 months. Until then, I want to work with as many photographers as I can to get great pictures. I have plans to compete in the in model portion of Fitness America in Las Vegas in November 2009. I have competed in my first show in Miami in June 2009 and I'm hungry for more.
Q. You just mentioned competing. What competitions have you entered and what place did you take?
I entered my first Model Universe competition in Miami, Florida in late June, 2009. I placed 29th out of 70 guys. It was a great experience and I'm planning for another one.
Q. How does your routine and life changes when you go from pre-contest to off season?
Pre-contest: You have to be critical in everything you do. The smallest of mistakes can throw you off. It makes it much tougher because of your lower carbohydrates intake levels which cause you to get frustrated much easier. The brain needs those carbs to function properly. You definitely have to have a strong mind - it's "mind over matter".
Off season: Off season is in a different category. Your routine and life is not as stressful. You can get away with having few more "cheat" meals, etc. The bottom line you have more energy when you are not in pre-contest preparation. This is the time the fitness individual takes to "grow" and get "bigger" which is the fun part. You still have to eat clean and NOT get 'sloppy' and have strong workouts. You hear the term 'dirty/clean bulks' in this business. My photographer BBpics makes fun of us doing 'those bulking phases'. He always keeps saying to me 'better NOT bigger plus tanned'. Ha-ha!
Q. What do you like and dislike about competing?
I dislike the dieting, like the reward of self gratification that you earned every bit of success with your work ethic.
Q. Don't we all hate dieting? Ha! What would you change about the judges in the competitions?
We don't really have control over it, but I think it would become fairer if models didn't have their agents or agency on the panel. There is a lot of politics the play a role in victories and in everyday life, so if you work hard at something, never forget what you did personally and never let up.
Q. From your past contests, what have you learned you need to correct or work on for the physique you are aiming for?
I need to continue to hit all the muscles and make my symmetry greater, but change my diet to the best of my ability.
Q. What are your strengths and weaknesses in your line of work?
My number one strength is my work ethic. You control on how hard and smart you work. I think the biggest weakness that I have is that I am a perfectionist. I will never be satisfied, which can be a good thing, but can stress you and your family out to no end. Another strength that I have encountered is the fact that I’m so competitive. I will work my tail off for something that I really want to win.
Q. What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your workouts?
I believe it gets really tough when you try and do too much and you overwhelm and tire yourself out. I think if you stay calm, tell yourself that no one works harder than you, and bring the intensity every time, then nothing can stop you. Whether it's buying new shoes or downloading new music, keep bringing the high intensity. Discipline comes from your work ethic and how you might have been raised. It depends on how bad you want something. The mind is a very powerful thing and you have the power to control it. So, make smart choices.
Q. Well said! What problems did you have to overcome in order to stay on track with your fitness program?
Managing my time with the household, family, work and friends was one problem I had to overcome. I have limited time to do things and if I don't plan accordingly, then they will not get done in a timely manner. Training and dieting is a job itself and can be mentally exhausting on top of everything else. I would have to put off things concerning relaxation because working out and cardiovascular exercise is very time consuming. Having a support system is what has kept me in line and I have my wife to thank for that one.
Q. What keeps fitness interesting to you?
What keeps fitness interesting to me is seeing my body change, whether through appearance, mind, and endurance and learning new stuff all the time. I don’t know everything, and I’m always trying to better myself in every way possible. Doing the same workouts all the time gets boring and needs excitement and variety. You have to keep your body always guessing.
Q. Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It's just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.
I don't keep secrets, ask and you will receive.
Q. Oh! I like that answer! Ha-ha! I could get dirty here but, I'm keeping it clean. Kids come on the website! How have you changed over the years?
Ha-ha! I used to always think about money, but is all about being happy in what I do and spending time with my family. I used to work extremely hard at everything that I do, but now I do the same, but smarter. I used to get very frustrated with life in general and have learned that things happen for a reason, and to move on to the next thing in line. I used to be very uptight and anxious when it came to multi-tasking. Now I have learned a new way to prioritize and use effective time management skills to help me get tasks done in a timely manner in order to train, work, network, travel, and spend time with my family.
Q. Any shout outs?
My wife Amber, and daughter, Alexandra; who have been very supportive through this whole process of fitness modeling. Without you, this wouldn't be possible. In addition, I'd like to say thank you to all my family from Nieces, Nephews, sisters to brothers, to in laws, for supporting me, as well, and staying positive since I have started. To my father, Jim and Godfather Al, who are with me in spirit, but have always believed in me ever since I was born throughout listening to my big goals. To my mother Donna, and stepfather Ron, who I've inherited my work ethic from along with never giving up on things you want. Also, big thanks to my bros Ronnie, Sean, Rey, Law, and Ed and all my clients for fueling my fire everyday and being my motivation. To all the photographers I have worked with from John Mitchell to JC Norton. I want to especially say a big thanks to my Agent, Rick Steiner, for believing in me and looking out for my best interests exposing me to greater opportunities. Thank you to all.
WP: Sounds like you have a lot of support there! Explain your workouts to me.
My popular split that I like to do is chest/triceps/abs, shoulders/neck/back, and legs/biceps. I will then restart the split with chest/triceps or take a day off. I'm getting a total of six days. Cardiovascular exercise will depend on my goals as well as reps and sets for my workouts. It is important to change your splits every 2-3 wks. so your body doesn't get adapted to the format and force you to plateau.
Q. What is your diet?
My diet consists of very lean meats. For example, ground turkey, chicken, fish, egg whites, and lean steak. When I'm not cutting down and I'm eating regular or bulking up, I make sure I eat clean carbohydrates. Popular ones that I eat are brown rice, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, whole grain wheat bread, oatmeal, and rice cakes. The only good omega fats that I take are an omega egg, almonds, all-natural peanut butter, and balsamic vinaigrette. I make sure I always have 5 to 6 meals a day and drink gallons of water. I will only allow myself to have 1 to 2 cheat meals, out of the 42 meals I have in a week. Sacrifice and Discipline, and it can be done.
Q. Who had the most impact on you in your life thus far?
I would have to say my daughter Alexandra. When she was born it changed my life. She transformed me from a young man to an adult pretty quick. Priorities changed with greater responsibilities. I want to do nothing more than make her proud and have someone to look up too and lead by example. She makes me want to work even harder with everything in life so that we could enjoy the fonder things as a family. Having someone else relying on you rather than you relying on yourself all the time is more motivation than you can ask for.
Q. What were you like in high school?
I was shy, but grew out of that once I got to varsity level. I was one that always stayed busy playing sports, until I found my favorite and did everything to get better at that one sport from track and field, to living in the weight room.
Q. Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?
I wake up at either 4am or 5am to train my morning clients, and workout directly after that. I then have a break in my day for about 5 to 6 hrs. where I will either spend time with my family or take on painting projects. I then go back to work around 3 to 4pm to train until about 7 or 8 pm. I am always on the go with high energy, trying to network here and there to bring business opportunities to me rather than waiting for them.
Q. What are your hobbies outside of fitness?
I like to paint exterior and interior house projects to make extra cash. I like to play video games occasionally and listening to all types of music.
Q. What type of music do you listen to?
I listen to Rap, Hip Hop, R&B, Dance/techno/house/euro, alternative, and rock.
Q. I see we have the same taste in music. Tell me about your family. Your spouse, kids, etc.
I, my wife Amber and daughter, Alexandra live in Kansas City along with my wife’s family. My wife is very supportive with everything that I do and has my back through thick and thin. My daughter is just like me, hyper as can be. A bundle of joy that I cannot get a enough of, except for when she tells me that I don't match and she's right. Ha-ha. Three years old and she's a little diva. My side of the family live in Chicago. I have 3 sisters, Alecia, Angel, Ashley, and one Brother Ronnie, my mother, Donna, and stepfather, Ron. I grew up in a household of people that had to be active. I mother enrolled us in every sport possible to stay out of trouble. Getting in trouble was easy when you lived on the Southside of Chicago. We learned that if we wanted to have something, then we had to work for it and that it wasn't going to be handed to us on a silver platter. It all started when I was picking up dog poop at 7 yrs. old because I wanted a dog, from flipping burgers at McDonald's to pay for car insurance. If you want it bad enough then you will find a way to make it happen. I lost my father due to seizures and have learned that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Q. What supplements do you take and why?
I mainly eat my protein from food, but when I'm in a time crunch, an Isopure or 100% Whey Protein shake is the way to go. I will also add glutamine to my shakes or water 3 to 4 times daily to help with recovery. I also drink 4 oz. a day of a supplement called MonaVie ACTIVE, which gives me 13 servings of fruit and vegetables with crazy antioxidants, with Glucosamine to help my joints, recovery and overall health.
Q. Can you be seen anywhere else on the internet?
BBpics.com, RStein Model Management, Musclemania.com Model Universe 2009.
Q. What are your future projects?
I am building a website and getting exposure in more fitness magazines. I'm participating in Fitness America in Las Vegas, November 2009.
Q. How would you like to improve, if any?
Learn how to balance family, work, and extra activities better. I need to except that things happen for a reason and even though timing is everything in my business, family always comes first.
Q. Anything you would like to mention before we close?
Sacrifice and discipline, two key words that I live by that anyone can take with them throughout life, work, family, fitness or any goal someone would like to achieve. Got 'em!
Q. It's been a pleasure interviewing you!
