I have been training with James for over a decade and have watched him grow and develop professionally as a personal trainer. I will never train with anyone else ever again! James really knows how to cater to the individual because he puts in the work to learn how the body functions and pays attention to his clients individual needs. He has more certifications than I can count (seriously look in his info!) and continues to search for more ways to improve his knowledge and skills regularly.After having a c-section with my first child, I found myself with a chronic back injury and although I had moved to Brooklyn I knew that I would find support at the Unique Playground, so I made the trip. James gave me a functional movement assessment and was able to pinpoint issues in my hips and ankles that were creating the problem, and told me to go the chiropractor to reset my body. This was not an immediate fix but I am very happy to say that almost 3 years later I am completely pain free ( and have been for a while) and my squats are amazing!! At 40, my fitness goals are not to be ripped and shredded but to be fit, have endurance, and feel good! James has been the best guide in my journey and I highly recommend his services. He is simply the best!

I was looking for a personal trainer close to home and hit the jackpot! James is extremely knowledgeable, understanding and patient.As a woman trying to get in shape...and not being a youngster... I was nervous about getting injured.The more I work with James the more comfortable I get with myself to achieve things that I thought I’d never be able to do again!I would highly recommend James. He is very responsible, respectful and responsive. As a matter of fact, I was fortunate enough to be able to meet him the same day I called. Talk about great service! Kudos to you James and THANK YOU for believing in me, when I didn’t believe in myself!

I have had many trainers over the years but when I found the unique playground...I knew I found the right trainer for me. Ive trained with James for over 7 years! He has built a fabulous business, one to be very proud of. James knows his business. Hes professional and reliable and skillful!!! I get a great workout every time I train. Hes the absolute BEST!!!

James and Elara are a powerhouse duo of trainers. They each bring their own unique perspective for training. They create an environment of positivity and non-judgment, encouraging every step of the way. Regardless of the one you choose, they will be instrumental in meeting your individual training goals.

The Unique Playground is run by amazing kind hearted, hard working people, who are truly passionate about what they do! The unique playground forever changed how I approached fitness and how I train for my fights as a amateur fighter. Coach James made me realize you don’t have to be in pain or overtraining anymore and actually achieve the results you are looking for. Not only did coach James have me come to fight fully prepared, recovered, and feeling strong he worked on my imbalances making my body function better and stronger then ever all while sharing with me endless knowledge in the art of Boxing! Whether you are looking to take your striking to the next level or have any other fitness goals this is the spot!! Health is wealth and the unique playground will have you feeling healthy and strong ✊

James can do it all! Couldn’t even tell you what he’s best at because he has skills all across the board. He’s an amazing strength & conditioning coach for anyone from the average person to professional fighters. He knows how get you strong & in amazing shape without getting you injured. If you have chronic pains no problem because he knows how to fix those too. His boxing knowledge & pad work is elite. I’ve been training in all different martial arts since I was very young but always leave there a better fighter with new knowledge. He’s a great teacher & is always hungry to learn more. He’s helped friends of mine recover from debilitating injuries to the point where they are full contact sparring again. He’s helped friends of mine win fights as well. He’s a genuinely good hearted person & wants the best for everyone. Go see for yourself you will not regret it!

I have watched James grow his business over the past 10 years and steadily in Gods time has been able to have a solid company he can be proud of but most of all people like me who are forever grateful for his unique abilities to transform your body to what your individual goals are.I worked out with him in my 30s and now in my 40s and he has been able to changed the training to meet my needs from a schedule to an injury I might be working through. He has so many tips and tricks to get your mind right so your body follows. Did I mention he makes it fun!! He has great advice and always leads with high work ethic and integrity.If your looking for a game changer in your goals please be sure to seek #theuniqueplayground out first, you will not regret it nor will your wallet🌺

Hands down James Williams, owner of Unique Playground, is the BEST personal fitness trainer specializing in functional movement and strength training for all ages and levels. The best of the best. He has saved my health multiple times over. Don’t miss the opportunity to look and feel your best by training at the Unique Playground.

This is a professional environment for injuries, sports, and other high impact training. Will update this week with my experience and expectations this week. It’s been a positive one, great physical trainer.... stay tuned for updates!!!!! 🏅🎾🏅🤼‍♂️

My experience at The Unique Playground with my trainer, James Williams, has been nothing short of phenomenal. For about two years I was dealing with runners’ knee, a bulging disc and a diagnosis of osteoporosis. I was told I needed to lift weights to counter the bone loss and maintain my active lifestyle. I stopped running due to my injuries which led to unwanted weight gain. I wasn’t excited about lifting weights and reluctantly agreed to start the process by consulting with several trainers. Immediately The Unique Playground and James stood head and shoulders above the others. I’ve been at The UP for about 12 weeks now and I’ve made gains in strength and flexibility as well as weight loss. James designed a training program specific to my needs which allowed me to make significant gains in a short time. When I strained a muscle outside of the gym James modified my workout, on the spot, to include exercises which reduced the pain and began the healing process. The ability to adjust the program speaks volumes on his level of expertise and professionalism. I look forward to my time at The Unique Playground because I know I’m working with someone who really wants to help me succeed. I’d recommend James and The Unique Playground to anyone who is looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable trainer who can help you achieve your fitness goals.

I originally looked for James Williams to train me because I heard from other gym members that he is the best. I had Plantar Faciaitis and I had gone to Podiatrists but could not get relief, so I asked James to help me. It was completely gone within 2 months of working out with him. James knows a tremendous amount about healing through fitness. He customizes training sessions to suit each persons individual needs. James created the Unique Playground to engage his clients in fun and interesting fitness sessions that keeps motivation up and at the same time he is watching you closely, always refining your workouts so they have the greatest effect and outcome. You feel like youre playing and having fun while James sets up all kinds of challenges for you. James will never push you too hard or too easy. Trust him and try the Unique Playground. You will absolutely LOVE it. I recommended him to my friends years ago and they continue to train with James all this time. 5 stars for the UP!

Oh my god!!! A miracle and Im an atheist. James came here to Honduras on vacation with my daughter. I had mentioned to her that Ive been having more and more back pain when standing or walking. I had surgery for scoliosis more than 40 years ago and had bearable pain for years. However, over the last 10 years the pain has gotten progressively worse which has made my walking and balance extremely off. James was able to show me some simple exercises and manipulation that tremendously reduced the pain. He also was able to analyze my posture and my walk. He advised that I cut down on strenuous exercise that was tightening my body and concentrate on breathing exercise like chi gong and tai chi. Since then my pain, my balance and walking has definitely improved. I just wish James was closer and sad to see him leave Honduras. Id definitely be a regular client, He’s fantastic!

I have been working with James for over 6 years. I moved with him from a prior gym to his brand new Unique Playground.I followed James for many reasons.Number 1 reason was his care and concern for each and every client he works with. James evaluates every new client and prepares a unique workout plan for them. Wether you are in need of weight lose, injury recovery, or strength training. If you have a health condition with special needs, James educates and researches everything he can to be sure he gives each client the correct and safest workout plan. He makes sure your goals for your future fitness plan are well planned out and attainable.I started with James with a chronic knee issue of inflammation from a past injury. Through his workouts and advise I no longer struggle from that issue!If you come in for your workout with an issue or problem he doesn’t avoid it, he helps you to improve it and you leave feeling much better.James is constantly educating himself on the latest fitness information out there. He is one of the hardest working and most reliable people I know.If you are lucky enough to meet and workout with James he will quickly become a part of your life and you will consider him Family! As I do! He is a Special Kind of Fitness Coach! You won’t find another like him.

I was in a car accident about a year ago. From the car accident I needed surgery on my left knee and had a couple of herniations in my spine. I was doing physical therapy with one of the places that your lawyer sends you to. After a few months I realized that physical therapy was a waste of my time. Same procedures with no different outcome. I started working with James and today makes six months. I must I say Im passed impressed. Im no longer limping as I walk. My left knee no longer hurts. Before I was laying on my back to sleep bc any other position would keep me awake from pain. Thats no longer the case, I can sleep on any aSide. I feel amazing every time I leave. His training is like no other trainer Ive ever been to. Between his unique different excersies, massages (especially with this amazing machine) The pain in my back is gone. Hands down highly recommend especially if you need any type of physical therapy To come see James. Hes a specialist not a trainer. Absolutely great quality amazing customer service and very professional. I dont think theres enough words for me to praise this man and how much he has helped me get out of pain. Only place Ive ever been to looking forward to working out because I leave feeling 10x better than when I walked in.

I have been training at The Unique Playground for 7 Years. I smashed my goals when I first started training and was in the best shape of my adult life within several months of training. Over the past 7 years, I have been able to maintain my health physically, mentally and emotionally by having workouts customized specifically for me! My lifestyle is very strenuous with work and other activities. I have come in stiff, in pain and immobile and left feeling better than ever. Like I never had an issue when I walked in the door. The unique playground offers care and consideration to all clients. He is not a trainer that wants to see you in pain. Workout should never be a punishment because if it feels that way, most would stop.. Some of my best workouts I have a smile on my face the entire time and felt like I Played games and within hours later or the next day, feel the effects of a successful training session. The results are the best part of training, but the method to getting there is a pleasant one. I intrust The Unique Playground with one of my most prized possessions, My Students. They train heavily as dancers and must preserve their physical health while pushing the envelope. He has ensured their success to meet their physical goals with regard to appearance while boosting their ability to perform.The Unique Playground is what it is...A Unique Place that you have load of fun while becoming a better you.

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. Ive 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 of his craft.

JUST COMPLETED A MASSAGE WITH ELARA AT THE UNIQUE PLAYGROUND. BEFORE GOING IN. I FELT TIRED AND BY BODY FELT STIFF. A FRIEND OF MINE RECOMMENDED THAT I GET A MASSAGE FROM ELARA. I WAS TOLD SHE IS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE WORKINGS OF THE ANATOMY AND VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT HER CAREER. I HAVE BEEN GOING TO THE UP FOR TWO MONTHS NOW AND I AM FEELING MORE FLEXIBLE, ENERGETIC AND ALIVE. ELARAS MASSAGES COMBINE BREATHING TECHNIQUES , DEEP PRESSURE MASSAGE AND STRETCHING FOR A MOST ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE UP FOR THEIR PROFESSIONALISM , KNOWLEDGE, CARING AND OVERALL PASSION FOR THE WELLNESS OF THEIR CLIENTELE

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 that you do!

Ive been working with Elara for 10 years. Even though loosing weight for me was always an issue Elara has always been able to train me and educate and cue me correctly. If Im suffering from an injury I still go to her. If we cant train then we would do sessions on breathing techniques and massages. I have tried other trainers in the past and always end up coming right back unfortunately sometimes with injury or some type of pain. In the last two years Ive really made a lot of changes in my life and it shows! I added my photo so you could see my results. Elara has been at The Unique Playground now for 4 months. James and Elara as a team has been priceless. I do boxing lessons with James and train with Elara. I keep reaching new goals. Unique playground is the place to be

The Unique Playground is hands down the best training facility in the tri-state area. Owner & Trainer James E. Williams is the best!Prior to going to The UP, I was overweight & terribly out of shape. I was in a car accident years ago and suffered a catastrophic injury. I had my femur completely fractured. A titanium rod & screws were surgically inserted in my femur. I was a little depressed & struggling physically post surgery. On top of that I am a DBKA & a former para-athlete.I knew James for many years prior to him opening The Unique Playground. I knew about his approach, hard work, & dedication to his own physical fitness & training. His years of experience training pro athletes and every day people here in the U.S. & Internationally was the main factor in me seeking him out to get me back to where, I used to be prior to my injuries. The UP & James was my only choice when it came to going to a top notch training facility.I am going into 2 1/2 years training with James at The Up. I have improved by leaps & bounds since I walked through the door. James tailor made a program specifically for me. Since training with James I have physically & mentally improved 100%. Prior to The Up I was diagnosed as pre diabetic. Not anymore! Healthwise I couldnt be better.I would strongly recommend The UP and Personal Trainer James E. Williams to anyone seeking to improve their health, mind, body, & soul. He has changed my life.