Affordable Online Coaching Reviews 336

A very different experience for me in comparison to others who have reviewed. Two sides to every coin, right?

Disappointing that my £150 12 week challenge culminated in, well, nothing.

Was hoping to be inspired a challenged by the coaches, but instead got a handful of messages asking me how my plan was going (what plan, not got one?), how many steps I had done (no plan?) and whether I had had a good day. Zero messages in months, even to check in and, well, do what [I thought] a coach should do.. inspire and challenge?

Oh, and motivate. That too.

Yeah, not for me.

(I did have a good day that day, in case the reader is wondering.)

I had previously followed James on socials, a couple of years ago, but just wasn't in the right headspace to take on board his advice. I was at a well known Slimming club and assumed it would work eventually, it didn't. I became bored and refound the James Smith Academy. His no nonsense advice was hitting home and I decided to have a go at the free trial. I was impressed and decided to join a challenge. What an amazing 12 weeks I've had. The personalised workouts are amazing, I look forward to my workout and have discovered that I enjoy resistance workouts far more than HITT. I've had a shoulder strain and a holiday, each time the PT coaches were amazing and tweaked routines and gave good advice. I even took my workout outfit on holiday and worked out, the first time ever in 50 years! My attitude to food and diet has done a complete 360. I'm much healthier, chilled about food and the guilt/shame that diet clubs made me feel about food has gone. The health coaches are fantastic, checking in with you weekly and respond to any questions you have quickly, it's almost like speaking to a friend. I haven't lost a huge amount of weight, but it took longer than 12 weeks to get my body the way it currently is, but I've lost inches and my body shape is more toned, I'm down a top size, so it goes to show the numbers on a scale are just that, numbers. I can't recommend The James Smith Academy enough, if you are looking for a no nonsense approach to food, diet, life then look no further.

I have used the JSA app for a couple of years and it has literally everything you’d ever need from nutrition break down to workouts to weekly targets! The coaches are very knowledgeable and helpful if you require any advice or support. Highly recommended to anyone at any stage in life! Mass amounts of learning via videos and helpful workout videos well explained

I became part of the James Smith Academy having completely lost myself in unhealthy habits and attitudes which was really affecting my physical and mental health. I didn’t know what to expect but it seemed worth a try - and I’m so glad I did! The coaches are absolutely key, they are real life humans with real life experiences … they make you feel that your goals and experiences are important to them and will guide, advise, support and counsel you through. They talk to you like a best friend would. Your goals are decided by you - coaches will help make sure those goals are realistic and prompt you to think about how you will achieve them . Your workouts are set based on your needs and abilities they can be gym based or home based… if anything isn’t working for you then it can be adapted or changed it really is so flexible! There is no diet plan to follow, you are set a generous calorie goal (almost seems too good to be true) this puts you in the driving seat to decide what to ‘spend’ your calories on - with a world of information available to help you improve your nutrition and make healthy choices. I have learnt so much, my attitude and behaviours are so much healthier and I am so proud of my progress towards my goals. The support, the plan, the community it’s all there - all you need to bring is a willingness and desire to make the changes for yourself.

I could not recommend the James Smith Academy enough!!I was 7 weeks post partum on my second little man when I heard the challenge was coming up. It could not have been more perfect timing as I was dying to get back to my training but wanted some accountability, plus having ended up with an emergency c section this time I thought it would be best to train with guidance from coaches and a properly developed programme. Honestly I am blown away!!!Ive trained years myself and have never seen such a change in such a short period of time. The sessions are never any longer than 35minutes making it completely manageable with 2 boys under 3. I feel better than ever 4 months post partum and couldn’t be more grateful.

The James Smith Academy is life changing.
An outstanding platform completely tailored to your individual needs. You get assigned coaches that are aligned with you, your needs, age and what you want to achieve. Not only that but they check in on how you are doing, change up your plan and you get taught lessons for life… This isn’t some run of the mill platform and I cannot speak highly enough of everything it has provided me with and taught me so I can continue with my health & fitness journey… for life!!

Amazing, coaches are supper helpful and there when you need them

Well what can I say apart from - honestly the best choice I made when it comes to getting back to health and weight. I put on 1st in probably 6 months, and wasn't feeling the best. My partner and I arrived back from hols and I decided to sort out my shiz. And Im100% glad I did, and chose JSA. I have NEVER ever been more focused, more determined or stuck to something like I have with JSA. I cant even put my finger on the one thing thats made me stay so rigid. I'm loving the training (at home) coaches are on hand and helpful and the FB page is great. Anyone considering a challenge or simply just wants to get stronger or lose a little weight JSA is definitely the right one 😊

JSA is great for all types of beginners. The coaches check in at least once a week. You can use them as often as you want.
For the actual exercise plans they put them together really quick. Usually within 24 hours and respond really well to feedback (swapping a particular exercise or even requesting a new plan if you want a change). The videos are really helpful and there is something for everyone, All abilities and all requirements.
One thing that I would love to see is the diagrams where it shows what muscles you are working per set (This is just personal preference and it’s not hard for me to to a bit of research myself). The app does explain this really well I’m just a visual learner. Still worth the 5 stars though

I’m not sure where to start as I feel like my life has changed so much for the better since joining JSA! I have tried nearly every ‘diet’ you can think of, all with varying initial success but all with the same feelings of deprivation and not being able to ‘stick to it’ JSA is the best, no feeding on your insecurities, no crazy shake diet pill popping rubbish, just straight up facts, calories in and out! James is hilarious but also super knowledgeable, constantly smashing dieting myths and sharing his vast knowledge on nearly everything you can imagine from weight loss & menopause through to the correct form when lifting weights. I finally feel like this is sustainable, that I can live but also look after my health and be the best version of myself. JSA are constantly handing out the tools to help me be successful in my own fat loss journey whether this is from the coaches, the videos, the books or in the support groups. I am happier, healthier and more committed to being active than I have ever been, I am so thankful that I said yes to the JSA challenge, I’ve lost weight, I am stronger, healthier and happier than I’ve been in such a very long time!

Great meal plans, simple, tastes great and the ingredients are affordable. PT's are readily available for assistance.

I was delighted they were always There to answer any questions i had i definitely lost weight and now i understand what a deficit it because of JSA

I was skeptical joining the JSA. I am so glad that I did. The coaching staff are absolutely fantastic. Constant check ins, positive reinforcements and (most importantly for me) realistic goals. I thought that I would be on par with fit and active people but, the JSA set me up for success. Small victories but, constant victories. If you're thinking about joining then do it. My outlook on my lifestyle has changed immensely and I wouldn't substitute that for the world. My confidence is up. My motivation is high. I can't thank the hard working JSA coaches enough. You've changed my life for the better.

I have been following James Smith online for sometime, simply because he says it as it is. No small talk and I love that. Decided to join JSA and apart from the fact you are dealing with some amazing and supportive coaches, fab workouts, personally my main thing was to learn how to track and log you food daily. I hated it to begin with, but once used to it, its something I just do automatically now. Well done James and the Team! :)

I cannot fault JSA in any way! It is a fabulous online training concept and the momentum score is encouraging and motivational to get a score of 10 each week if you log using MFP and Fitbit or similar device. (It did take me a while to get my head round it tho!) The coaches are super supportive and are always there to respond to any concerns, not just fitness related. The team that write the programmes really listen to you and your requirements and tailor them to exactly what you need. I have learnt so much and changed my lifestyle for the better since joining JSA and would highly recommend it. It was recommended to me by a PT at my local gym - they have now done themselves out of a job :-)

The James Smith Academy is so full of knowledge that you end up feeling like your on a course!! With data, videos & coaches on your fingertips. It’s the best product out there to give you the tools you need to live a healthier happier life.there is also and a huge Communitty of people all on the same journey that you can talk to about your daily struggles which hold you accountable to achieve ur specific goal! Not only are the coaches skilled in nutrition help and advice, they are always available to you. On this journey I have already learnt some valuable lessons that will stay with me due to the knowledge and expertise offered on the program!! Loving it!! Keep up the good work you lovely JSA Coaches & James Smith!! U guys Rock!

I cannot recommend this platform enough. I’ve finally been offered a method that not only works, but is sustainable. I joined at the beginning of June after following James Smith on Insta for well over a year, I’m only gutted I didn’t do it sooner! I’ve learned so much from the educational videos and am really enjoying my personalised training plan. The coaches are great and the Facebook community of other like-minded members is spot on. I’m currently on week 7 of a 12 week challenge and already looking forward to getting stuck in to my next one. Thank you so much for developing a simple, no bull s*** offering to achieving your goals, whether it be fat loss, muscle growth or whatever.

Amazing app. Big respect for James Smith for being a sane voice amongst all the fake fitness gurus. Also his coaches are absolutely amazing and super helpful. Totally worth the money.

After following James Smith on line I looked into joining his 12 week challenge within his online academy....I was fed up with my weight never doing anything to change it not having the confidence to join a gym as I didnt know what I was doing or should be doing ....how much food I should be eating etc.....so yea I took the plunge and my god has to be the best thing I have ever done for myself we are 6 weeks in to the challenge my weight is nearly at goal im like a pro in the gym deadlifting doing all sorts of exercises having the tutorial vids to watch and support 24/7 off the online coaches ...if like me you want to change but don't know where to start this is defo the place 100 % recommend 👌

Only 5 weeks into JSA but it has totally exceeded expectations. I knew it would be good but wow. The coaches are great and really keeping me on track and accountable which is what I need. I had a goal one which I initially set in 2009 but never got there and 5 weeks into academy and I’ve got there. Now time to build strength and muscle and maintain the good habits I’ve managed to create with the academy’s help. Thank you to James Smith and your incredible team.