Joshua Bankes

For over a decade, I've watched the fitness industry obsess over the wrong things. I watched big-box gyms pack people in like sardines, handing them generic workout templates and leaving them to fend for themselves. I watched trainers focus entirely on 20-somethings looking for six-packs, while completely ignoring the 50-year-old who just wanted to pick up their grandchild without their lower back giving out.

It made me angry. And it made me realize that someone needed to build a place for the rest of us.

That's why I founded JMB Personal Training in Fairport, NY. I wanted to create a sanctuary—a place where adults over 40 could come to reclaim their strength, their mobility, and their confidence, without the intimidation or judgment found in typical gyms.

My journey into fitness wasn't a straight line. Like many of you, I struggled with finding a balance between pushing myself and listening to my body. I spent years learning the hard way that "more" isn't always "better." I saw that the traditional gym model was built on a foundation of insecurity and hype, rather than relationship and results. I knew that if I was going to make a real impact, I had to do things differently. I had to build a studio where the coaches actually knew your name, your history, and your goals.

When you walk through our doors at 400 Packetts Landing, you aren't just a membership number. You are a person with a history, with goals, and often, with aches, pains, or injuries that need careful attention. My approach is built on understanding your whole story. We don't just train the body; we train the mind. Because if you don't believe you're capable of change, no amount of squats will get you there.

I've dedicated my career to studying how the adult body moves, recovers, and adapts. I've spent thousands of hours on the floor with clients aged 40 and beyond, learning exactly what works for their unique needs. I've seen the transformation that happens when someone stops fighting their body and starts working with it. I've seen the spark return to someone's eyes when they realize they aren't "past their prime"—they're just getting started.

I'm a W.I.T.S. Certified Personal Trainer and a WNBF All Natural Pro Physique Competitor. Specializing in sculpting physiques and optimizing individuals minds, bodies and overall life. Mindset coach that Builds confidence, delivering empowerment while Increasing strength, functionality, and mobility while being pain free! Creating a happier, healthier lifestyle, to live long & strong. Dreams will be achieved!

Democrat & Chronicles 2021, 2022, 2023 Winner For Best Personal Trainer Award as well as 2024, 2025 Winner of Best Fitness Center/Gym.

In my book, Joining Mind & Body: A Path to Being Whole, I dive deep into this philosophy. I talk about the "Mind + Body Principle" and why sustainable transformation only happens when the physical work and the mental work happen together. It's not just about the weights; it's about the mindset. It's about breaking the cycles of "start and stop" and building a lifestyle that actually lasts.

Fairport is more than just a location for JMB; it's home. I'm deeply committed to this community—to the people in Perinton, Pittsford, and across Rochester who are looking for a different kind of fitness experience. We aren't a franchise. We aren't a corporate gym. We are a boutique studio where every member is family.

The hardest part isn't the workout—it's the decision to show up. It's the moment you decide that you are worth the investment. My promise to every person I work with is simple: If you have the courage to walk through the door, I will give you everything I have to make sure you succeed. We will build your strength safely. We will work around your injuries. And we will celebrate every single win along the way.

I believe that your 50s, 60s, and 70s can be the strongest decades of your life. I've seen it happen for hundreds of our members. I've seen people who hadn't exercised in thirty years become the strongest versions of themselves. I've seen chronic pain disappear and confidence soar. This isn't just about fitness; it's about reclaiming your life.

If you're tired of the big-box gyms, if you're tired of being ignored, and if you're finally ready for a coach who is actually in your corner—then I invite you to come in and talk. Let's find a solution together. Because at JMB, every day is day one, and motion changes emotion.

The JMB Philosophy

The pillars that guide every session.

A Different Standard