JVB Health & Wellness

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.

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Ooana T.

Apr 14, 2019

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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Health and Wellness Coaching

Yossi L.

Aug 2, 2016

I had the pleasure having Jim as my trainer for more than a year. I had 2 goals in mind, recover my knee injury and if all goes well, run my first Marathon. Jim changed my training routine, my eating habits and my way of thinking about running. I started running slowly but surely, and after few months ran a half marathon. I wasn't sure I was ready, but Jim was, and he was right. After that it meant I can aim for the second goal! Jim built a training plan every week, and kept track of my running after every single run, providing feedback, comments and encouragement. Jim was there all the way till the start line (literally), and my first Marathon was amazing, very much thanks to him! I couldn't have done it without him!

Ben K.

Aug 2, 2016

Before working with Jim, I exercised occasionally, but never felt like I was getting anywhere. I mountain biked, played with the kids and ran with my dog, and generally considered myself in OK shape (albeit 15lbs heavier than I should be). My workout runs were typically 2-3 miles at top speed (around 7:30 pace, and my Heart Rate would max out around 180bpm). I didn’t enjoy these “all out” runs, and would usually dread going out for my next run. I’m the type of person who likes to succeed at whatever I’m doing, so I’d exercise in “bursts”. During a burst, I’d exercise frequently and would enjoy seeing my pace improve from 8:00/mile down to 7:17/mile (my personal best 2.5 miles). When I stopped seeing improvement (or got injured), exercise would drop down my priority list, I’d stop for a while and would pick it up again a few months later when I had time. In retrospect, my workout regime was unenjoyable and unsustainable. In March 2013 I weighed 187lbs and felt generally unhealthy and out of shape, so started running. I reached out to Jim and mentioned to him that I was running and he started asking questions. It quickly became clear to me that Jim knew a ton about how to train, and he offered to help coach me. On Jim’s advice, I started wearing a Garmin watch and HR monitor on my runs so he could track my workouts. After a few runs he evaluated my situation as: 1. I have a gifted heart rate (who knew?) so had good potential 2. I was running one type of workout (short+fast), and needed to: a. Slow down and get in more miles, and b. Do different types of workouts, each with its own specific purpose 3. Change my diet to get off my “sugar cycle” and shift and my metabolism to become efficient at burning fat Jim said if I followed his program that I would accomplish things I wouldn’t think possible. I figured I’d give it a try. It turns out that following Jim’s recommendations were easy to do. In fact, switching to longer, slower runs made the whole running experience dramatically more enjoyable. I actually looked forward to going out on runs because I was didn’t suffer the way I used to. Jim also gave me some interesting podcasts and books on the topics of health and fitness; I’d listen to them while running on the trail and get more informed and motivated. I found it very motivating to have Jim monitoring my exercise. I’d send him a report after every workout including the Garmin file; he’d analyze it and give specific recommendations on what workout to do next, diet, recovery, sleep, injury prevention, etc. During this period (April 2013-July 2013) I got the exercise bug. I talked to Jim or emailed every day and was really enjoying it, but I was still running much slower than I used to; I probably averaged 9-10 minute mile pace and hadn’t done anything near my 7:17/mile record. I couldn’t see the results, but Jim constantly analyzed the heart rate, pace, elevation profile of my runs and assured me that I was getting much fitter. It turned out that he was right. He was Mr. Miyagi and I was the Karate Kid. I did a sprint triathlon with some colleagues from work in Aug-2013. Despite never having ridden a road bike and being a weak swimmer, my fitness allowed me to finish 3rd in my age group, and (to my surprise) I ran the 5k at 7:02/mile pace after having swum 750 meters and biked 12 miles. After this, I started seeing some amazing improvements: • Aug 2013: Weight had dropped from 187lbs to 163lbs; resting heart rate had dropped from 70 to 48bpm • Oct 2013: Olympic triathlon: 28th of 204 people. Ran 10k at 6:58/mile (after 0.9 mile swim + 24 mile bike) • Feb 2014: Half marathon: 6:44/mile pace (finished top 5%) • Mar 2014: Sprint triathlon: won age group. 11th of 194 people. Ran 6:27/mile pace (after swim + bike) • April 2014: Olympic triathlon: Ran 6:48/mile pace (after 0.9 mile swim + 25 mile bike) • May 2014: Trail Half Marathon (>2,000’ of gain): 3rd overall out of 134 participants (1:44, 7:56 per mile pace) • July 2014: Half Ironman (“70.3”): 76th of 2535. I even beat 5 pros. Qualified for 70.3 world champs in my first 70.3 • Sep 2014: 70.3 World Championships: 902nd/2235. I raced well and enjoyed it (the competition was very fast) • Nov 2014: Ironman Arizona. 10 hours 46 minutes. 170th of ~3000 (top 6%) despite injury issues. • 2015 Season: 2 Ironmans, a 70.3, a sprint (won age group) and an Olympic (8th overall out of 608 athletes!) It has been really fun to improve this quickly. Jim’s transformation approach has made it enjoyable and sustainable. If I hadn’t worked with Jim, my March 2013 exercise burst would have ended a month later, I’d probably still weigh in the 180s, be doing bursts of exercise and my fitness goal would still be to break my 7:17/mile record. Instead, I’ve successfully and sustainably transformed my health and fitness. I set a goal in early 2014 to qualify for the 70.3 and Ironman world championships. A year ago, that goal would have seemed (1) unachievable and (2) completely insane. Now I’m half way there. I know it IS possible, and more importantly I’m enjoying the journey. I talk to Jim daily by email or on the phone. No matter how much faster/fitter I get, I find it immensely helpful to have Jim pore over the details of my workouts, provide feedback, prescribe new workouts, rest, sleep, injury advice, nutrition ideas, equipment, motivation and goal setting. My goals and exercise program will change, but my transformation is permanent. Jim’s approach made it possible.

Spencer K.

Aug 4, 2016

I have worked with Jim for nearly 6 months and I can't emphasize enough how incredible the journey has been! After a family tragedy, I decided I wanted to commit myself to positive outlets and was introduced to Jim. I played a Division I sport in college, but by no means was I an endurance athlete. Working with Jim and sticking to his principals literally transformed my life. Jim is extremely knowledgeable, passionate and dedicated to each and every client he works with, individualizing each training session, pouring over performance data and helping you reach your goals. Jim is not a "trainer". Working with Jim, and committing yourself to his philosophy ("pillars") can most closely be equated to a lifestyle overhaul. Working with Jim has propelled me to the best physical, mental and spiritual condition of my life and only after a relatively short time together. For anyone looking to commit themselves to a significantly differentiated health and wellness journey, Jim Balcom is the answer.

Ronnie D.

Aug 4, 2016

If you’re one of the lucky ones to hear about Jim Balcom and his program, take the ride – it’s life changing! Jim’s approach to overall healthy living and strong performance puts the joy back in being active, alive even (those are endorphins speaking). I’ve gone from an overweight and injury prone x-athlete to a strong runner in these 18 weeks - with no injuries! Jim took me on thanks to a friend's referral. I had a sprained ankle - something I was recovering from just after my pulled hamstring, just after my knee pains - you get the point. Jim not only started me training w/ an injury but has kept me strong and injury free all while seeing improvements that put me over the moon! Whenever I start to waiver in energy or commitment level, Jim’s right there checking in and leading by example! So darn motivating. Twenty-five lbs. lighter and with a three-min/mile improvement in my running pace (and no injuries!), I’ve got my eyes on triathlons after 18 weeks because I feel strong, healthy and nothing feels impossible… @bookitjvb would say, that is “badddasss!”