The Unique Playground — Attraction in Town of Hempstead

I have been training with James Williams of Unique Playground since 2005. We were originally introduced at Bally’s Total Fitness, where he then moved to 24 hr fitness. Now he owns has his own place for 5 years where he has helped me to improve my overall health and wellbeing. I know that I would never have achieved the level of fitness and wellness without his guidance, motivation and personal attention given during his sessions. Even though I have a degree in Operations Management, I feel I have enough knowledge over the years to give myself another degree due to James consistently teaching me about HRV, Static recovery, functional fitness, the science behind strength training and the list goes on. I started training once a week, but because I’m a glutton for punishment, I decided to go twice a week. James always varies the exercises and keeps it interesting and challenging at the same time. James has always focused on not only helping me, but my mother and friends achieving our goals. My fitness has increased noticeably, and I’ve seen improvements in my cardo base, and most importantly my lower back, hip, knees, and neck. I have suffered from all sorts or aliments at the ripe age of 36 and he has made me overcome the pain by providing me with exercises to do while I’m not training. Twice a week I have high intensity training sessions, and the other days are my recovery/conditioning days. James has recently put together a training/nutrition program and I couldn’t be happier. Going to the gym at 6am and trying to figure out what to do day after day, has now become leg day, back day, and the good old Super Sets! Most Importantly: James ensures that my technique is always correct to avoid any injuries. He is reliable and always punctual. He’s already planned the exercise routine before you walk through the door. I highly recommend James at Unique playground, I couldn’t ask for a better trainer. Thanks for everything...

I met James about 9 years ago as an aspiring high school track & field athlete looking to take myself to the next level. Under his training, I was able to break my PR multiple times, as I was striving to go to college and compete at the Division 1 level. All I can say is I wish I met him sooner. James has a totally different approach to working out and really has an eye for muscular inefficiencies. He can have you do a few simple exercises and pin-point weaknesses that can throw the rest of your body off. He understands that aside from the primary muscles associated with sport/event specific movements, range of mobility is just as important in order for you to perform at your best. That is why he emphasizes core and joint stabilization for an optimal range of motion.

It was so refreshing to find someone who does not embody the "no pain no gain" mentality and understands the functionality of the human systems. I found that so many coaches and trainers out there, even at the D1 level, lack the aptitude to do anything other than write cookie cutter workouts, and do not take into account genetic and athletic differences, let alone muscular inefficiencies. I've had so many workouts that would leave me feeling beaten down, sometimes even barely able to pick myself up off the weight room floor. Training with James was way different. I still felt like I pushed and worked hard to get through the workout, but felt like I was efficiently improving, not tearing my whole system apart. Now, I still continue to train at the UP, but with goals of staying healthy and combatting my stressful and sedentary job. However, I still cannot imagine training anywhere else. Workouts are always fun and creative and for someone who has done practically every exercise in the book, I always manage to have fun during my workouts. Despite James' vast knowledge in the field, he never stops learning and is constantly a student...

It is with honor and pleasure that I leave this review. James Williams, “Trainer James” in my phone, is so much more than a physical trainer, he’s a life style coach, through application of his vast and current awareness of importance of heart monitoring, strength training, dieting, sleep and recovery needs and requirements for optimal health James is rare company for what he offers and for the price.

Do your own research, and train with James and you will receive invaluable information and results and you will see myths debunked. His boxing mitt training is second to none.

James has trained my daughter, and a referral or two. The results have always been life changing. The work James did with my daughter on the mitts and footwork further deepened my appreciation of the sweet science.

I’ve had two hip surgeries, AFIB, A stroke, and encounter with breast cancer, I’m better now at planks, low, high and side than I’ve ever been, I think I’m on the board with a couple of the best scores on the cycles, I could go on and on, however James gets it.

He understands progressions, burpee’s never been my thing because with the hips I had flexibility wasn’t my strong suit, 😂, in short I squat, i deadlift, I ladder run I step up on platforms 2-3 ft high and step down, and more.

I’ve met some amazing people at the Ultimate Playground, age as high as 83, all genders, all different fitness levels. We all come away with nothing but praise for the workouts which leave you feeling worked out but wanting to comback for next session. I’ve walked into sessions bent over and left running or walking up right. Book your appointment today, if you wanna live better. Peace and...