Biography

James has established himself as a fitness expert with his exceptional knowledge, outstanding physique, and by unselfishly communicating his fitness philosophies to others.  He is a health advocate that genuinely wants to help his clients get in shape.  James has successfully worked with people of all backgrounds and levels; collegiate athletes, fitness enthusiasts, competitive bodybuilders, CEO’s, executives, doctors, teenagers, and the elderly.

James moved from Wisconsin to Southern California in 2004, after graduating from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee with a Bachelors of Science degree in Kinesiology.  Kinesiology is the study of human movement, or exercise science.  In 2008, James attended California State University Northridge and earned his Masters of Science degree in Kinesiology after completing his thesis work on core muscle activation patterns using electromyography. 

He has a twin brother, Matt, who also resides in California.  At 14 years old, James took up martial arts.  He advanced in Tae Kwon Do quickly and soon achieved black belt status.  At the age of fifteen, he became the Wisconsin State Tae Kwon Do Champion, with a mere 125-pound frame.  Kohler then wanted to begin working out with weights to get bigger and stronger for the martial art tournaments.  After he picked up his first barbell, he knew he had found his passion.

Obsessed with working out, James wanted to learn more and more each day.  He became fascinated with the sport of bodybuilding and decided not to continue on with competing in Tae Kwon Do.  Instead, he continued on with his training regimen.  He entered the Mr. Wisconsin contest at the age of 20 and placed third in the Super-Heavyweight line-up.  He continued to compete throughout his college studies, winning the Mr. Wisconsin contest five years later.

James has been in 11 bodybuilding competitions to date and has competed at the national level.  In 2005, he won the drug-tested Musclemania World show which earned him a pro card in bodybuilding.  He is also professional with the NGA organization, after winning the overall title of “Mr. Natural California” in 2007.  His success in competing has lead to several fitness modeling opportunities.

James became a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sport Medicine (NASM) at the age of 18, and now has over 10 years of personal training experience.  Over the years he has guided countless persons in losing weight, gaining muscle, feeling healthier, and completely reshaping their body.  In 2007, he became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Throughout his graduate coursework, James was a Teaching Associate for Strength Training at Cal State Northridge.  He currently is an Instructor for UCLA Extension, teaching an online course, Advanced Concepts in Personal Training.  This teaching experience has improved his ability to communicate training concepts and foster healthy lifestyle principles with his clients.

Whether your interest is to lose body fat, improve shape or appearance, increase strength and endurance, boost energy or improve sports skills- James is focused on helping you achieve maximum results in the least amount of time.  James can train you at gyms or private homes located within Southern California including; Calabasas, Malibu, Woodland Hills, Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks. 

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Fitness trainer in Calabasas

To schedule training with James

call (310) 772-5105 / or email

Credentials:

§  B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

§  Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through NSCA

§  Certified Personal Trainer through NASM 

bodybuilding Competition History:

2007 1^st and overall NGA Natural California

2005 1^st Musclemania World

2004 3^rd Musclemania Superbody

2004 1^st NPC Wisconsin

2004 1^st NPC Junior Wisconsin

2003 1^st AAU Summerfest

2001 2^nd Musclemania Chicago

2000 4^th NPC Ohio Natural

1999 3^rd NPC Wisconsin

I decided to invest in a personal trainer to help me lose the weight I gained in college.  I chose James because he has the complete package as a personal trainer.  I didn't want someone that was just going to help me lose the fat temporarily.  James taught me how to improve my current body and how to maintain it for life.  He was realistic about my goals and so motivating with regards to healthy living.  It truly was an investment because I understand what I was doing wrong and now I know what is correct. Now I am very fit the happiest I have been with my image which to me is priceless!

~Krystal Hutcheson, Malibu

In the first four months I worked with James, I made significant progress.

My body fat declined by over 4%, while my lean body mass and overall weight increased from 165 to 170 pounds.

Aside from improving my lifts and cardiovascular endurance, my clothes fit better. People on an unsolicited basis commented about the change in my appearance.  James is personable, dependable, and motivating.

Mark Chaplin, Encino

My relationship with James has been very positive and beneficial.  His passion for health and fitness shines through while he is instructing others and it motivates his clients to do their best.  James is very approachable and personable, not intimidating in the slightest way.  I consider him an unsurpassed expert in the field of fitness and strength training.  He is extremely knowledgeable, kind-hearted and safety-oriented.  He is also intellectually curious; we discuss nutrition and fitness topics on a physician's level on a regular basis.  James has an outstanding willingness to learn and then to pass that knowledge onto others.

-Dr. Edward Young, M.D., Tarzana

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