James Pinola
I never expected to settle in Pennsylvania, but I am happy to be here. Growing up on the south shore of Long Island, I never imagined moving further away from the ocean and the beaches I love so much. But alas, from 2012-2016 I lived in the greater Pittsburgh area and attended Slippery Rock University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. In the fall of 2016, I landed in West Chester, PA and never left. From 2016-2018 I attended West Chester University and earned my master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. Before finding Marino’s Fitness, I managed a store in the King of Prussia mall to help pay the bills and put myself through college. Then, in 2017, I saw an ad for a fitness coach in Downingtown and jumped on the opportunity, sending my application and resume the very same day. I was very eager to get out of retail.
Today I spend most of my free time reading about or listening to new ideas that may help me lead a better life. If you have a book to recommend or want to chat about different podcasts, it will be easy for you to grab my attention. Along the way I have learned that there are alternative ways to earning a living and enjoying life that are not always taught in school. In fact, I believe I have learned more since graduating from college thanks to various mentors in different fields. However, I would not be where I am today if it were not for a few inspiring educators I encountered along the way. One of these teachers got me hooked on the importance of longevity and healthy aging which started me on the path that led me to coaching at Marino’s Fitness.
While in grad school, I became a certified diabetes educator and flirted with the idea of making a career out of it. However, after reflecting on my values surrounding the importance of exercise for increased longevity, I knew I belonged in a gym. My lifelong focus will be on “Preventative Medicine” as I whole heartedly believe that exercise is medicine. I also believe that the impact of preventative measures are greater than any reactive measures taken to stop a problem. Our global community is awakening to this same concept when it comes to climate change; when is the best time to plant a tree again? Oh yeah, 20 years ago. Anyway, not only is exercise a form of medicine, I believe it is the best preventative medicine money can buy. That is why I am here. I like helping people find and live a better life, and I believe that can be achieved, in part, through appropriately prescribed exercise. I realized that every job is a sales job, even if your title says otherwise, and I can only sell what I genuinely believe in, and that belief leads me to provide exercise as medicine. It just happens to be an added benefit that my job allows me to be active and avoid a sedentary environment that plagues most of the developed nations.
To wrap up, actions speak louder than words and if you get to know me, I guarantee you will see my beliefs in motion. Whether I am reading a book on the treadmill, lifting weights before work, or simply biking/skateboarding around town, I believe that a life in motion is key to health & happiness. Happiness is something too often glossed over for things like money or influence, but I encourage everyone to take their happiness more seriously. I believe focusing on giving and receiving love is life’s most noble pursuit. Exercise isn’t my only hobby though, I think it is healthy to have varying interests and to try new things. My other hobbies include my love for music and movies (especially live music, I attended over 100 concerts before the age of 25),a strong desire to retire early and travel the world and spreading ideas for saving our planet from the climate crisis we now face. I believe there has never been a greater call to action than the challenge to save planet Earth from this slow-motion disaster. Feel free to honk at me if I'm driving too slow in my little hybrid car.
Credentials:
M.S. Exercise & Sport Physiology – West Chester University of Pennsylvania
B.S. Exercise Science - Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist - National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Certified Exercise Physiologist - American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-EP)
Certified Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach (CDC)
CPR/AED/First Aid - American Red Cross