Meet the #CHUBBYTRAINER! Owner of Survival of the Fittest Health & Wellness

While many Santa Claritans’ know James O’Rourke as the friendly, Facebook-famous “Chubby Trainer,” the members of Survival of the Fittest Health & Wellness (SOF) know him as the most knowledgeable, hard-working and dedicated personal trainer in this valley.
You’re probably thinking: “Chubby trainer … really? I don’t think so.” While the familiar nickname began as an inside joke between friends, it quickly turned into a lifestyle and philosophy that fitness, nutrition and personal development coach and SOF owner James O’Rourke has developed and nurtured deeply for the past five years. So how did the Chubby Trainer get started?
“My buddy and fellow trainer Dave created the infamous ‘Never Trust A Chubby Trainer’ T-Shirt, and it became very popular in the San Diego area,” James explained. “At the time, I was a little on the chubby side myself, so as a joke, I started referring to myself as the Chubby Trainer.” And it stuck like glue. Why? For once, people could relate to a trainer who seemed as real, genuine and honest as the rest of us. “Compared to my trainer friends, I always felt like the chubby guy because I wasn’t as ‘hardcore’ or strict as them. In my own fitness journey, I’ve struggled to eat clean and work out consistently at times. But that all-or-nothing mentality is what actually trips people up,” James said. “Instead, I teach our members how to live healthy — while still enjoying themselves. My program helps you develop a healthy lifestyle that’s realistic enough to last a lifetime.”
A lifestyle change, however, doesn’t just happen; it requires a comprehensive approach. That’s why SOF provides everything a member needs to achieve lasting results — from fitness accountability and nutritional knowledge to mental motivational and community spirit. Meal plans, daily motivation, a dedicated Facebook group and more go into the making of an SOF membership. In the gym, you can hear James constantly educating his clients about nutrition and mindset, along with fitness training. Otherwise, the change just won’t stick. And this full-circle approach leaves very little room for error.
In fact, SOF is so consistent in delivering results that James offers a 100 percent Money Back Guarantee — a deal that’s pretty much unheard of in the fitness industry. He’s that confident his program works.
It’s all about the science. A fitness industry veteran, James has devoted the past 14 years to health education and fitness training, but his love of science began much earlier than that — at age 14. He’s always been drawn to fitness and nutrition education, and it didn’t take him long to throw in motivational psychology, personal development strategies, and the scientific nuances of every fad diet his members brought through the door. To this day, he still searches for everything and anything that helps his clients achieve greater health and happiness.
“As a trainer, I’m on the frontlines of America’s battle with weight loss. Many of us are facing diseases and disorders caused by lifestyle choices, and to make matters worse, we hate what we see in the mirror everyday,” he said. “I see the health struggles many people face, and I see them hurting in a very real way.”
For James, these national issues are his calling, and the solutions are clear.
“So many people want to change but just don’t know how. They’ve tried and failed numerous times. That’s why the Chubby Trainer philosophy is all about teaching people effective and realistic methods to lose weight, build muscle and improve their overall health and well-being.”
Through his vast body of knowledge, continuing education, and daily experience in the gym, James is able to help people let go of the mental and physical pain they carry. His program is rooted in science, and every routine and meal plan is determined by evidence-based research.
“People are suffering out there, yet all they need is the right information and the proper guidance. They need a program that provides real solutions for real life, and it needs to be doable — or people won’t follow through for any meaningful length of time. That’s where the breakdown lies.”
James offers tons of free educational tools on his website, blog and social media channels, especially Facebook. He never holds back information or guidance, whether you’re an SOF member or not. Passion and a genuine need to do good in this world drive him, and nothing has stopped him from accomplishing his mission. Just ask SOF members.
“I personally believe he could give most medical professionals a run for their money on knowledge of the human body with respect to physical fitness and nutrition,” said Stephanie Jimenez. “Listening to how SOF members talk about him speak volumes about his ability to get results — and make you feel good while doing it. James O’Rourke is a lifelong learner, a dreamer and an all around go-getter.”
“He takes great pride in helping people and mastering his field,” said Alex Hafizi, a longtime client of SOF. “I recommend following him on social media for daily motivation and all sorts of health and fitness content. Oh, and keep an eye out for those cute puppy pictures, too.”
At the end of the day, James O’Rourke is a real friend with a heart full of passion and a mind full of knowledge. And he wants to share it with you.
“We all have bad days from time to time. Heck, sometimes we have bad weeks, months and even years. Life is a beautiful disaster — so embrace it,” James said. “Take the good with the bad, keep moving forward with a positive attitude, and remember … this too shall pass!”
Survival of the Fittest Health & Wellness is located at 28325 Constellation Road, Valencia.  You can reach James at 661-713-7576 and visit online at www.SOFHEALTHANDWELLNESS.com. Follow him on Facebook at “Survival of the Fittest Health & Wellness” and on Instagram @the_chubby_trainer.