The Original Individual Design Fitness Coaching Model
The OPEX Method is a sophisticated, personalized approach to fitness coaching developed over 30+ years by James FitzGerald and the OPEX team.
OPEX has been pioneering the individual design movement in fitness since 1999, creating a methodology that empowers coaches to deliver truly personalized fitness programs that drive long-term client success and create sustainable coaching careers.
James FitzGerald, the founder of OPEX Fitness and an industry-leading educator, has dedicated his life to bringing honor to the coaching profession. His journey from competitive athlete to revolutionary fitness educator spans over 30 years of hands-on coaching experience.
James' expertise is firmly grounded in science and practical application. His academic research has been published in prestigious journals like "Physiology Canada" and "The Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology," while his coaching prowess was validated when he was crowned "The Inaugural Fittest Man on Earth" at the very first CrossFit Games in 2007.
In 1999, James founded Optimum Performance Training (OPT), pioneering the individual design programming movement. He firmly believes that individualized programs are the only way coaches and clients can build the trust necessary to progress fitness for a lifetime. This vision led to the launch of the Coaching Certificate Program (CCP) in 2009, which has since educated thousands of coaches worldwide.
Our Founder's Vision
OPEX Fitness, established in 2011, continues James' mission of professionalizing coaching through comprehensive education that combines theory with practical application. His methodologies have revolutionized fitness coaching, moving beyond templates to create truly personalized experiences that honor each client's unique needs.
Want to read more about James? You can read his full bio and the Live A Larger Life Mission video here.
It takes 30 years.
We asked OPEX Founder James Fitzgerald to sit down and tell the story of OPEX.
Sit back, relax or head outside for a walk in the sunshine and enjoy the journey from OPT to CoachRx. It takes 30 years.
Watch the video and read the full article covering the 30 year legacy of OPEX.
The OPEX Method:
A Different Approach to Fitness
At OPEX, we believe fitness should be sustainable, personalized, and designed to help people live larger lives. Our method stands apart through several key differentiators:
PROFESSIONAL COACHING CAREER PATH
OPEX doesn't just educate coaches; we develop professionals. From technician to craftsperson to master, we provide a clear development pathway for coaches to grow their skills, build sustainable businesses, and make genuine impact in their clients' lives.
BEHAVIOR-FIRST FOCUS
OPEX recognizes that lasting fitness results come from sustainable behavior change. We emphasize the OPEX Basic Lifestyle Guidelines (BLGs) as the foundation for all clients, addressing sleep, nutrition, hydration, movement, and stress management before advanced protocols.
ENERGY SYSTEM INTEGRATION
We understand that human performance relies on three interconnected energy systems. Our OPEX Gain, Pain, and Sustain framework allows coaches to develop strength, anaerobic capacity, and aerobic endurance in a balanced, progressive manner tailored to each client's needs and goals.
LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT
Instead of quick fixes or extreme transformations, OPEX embraces the "reward the pacer" philosophy. Our Three P's approach—Prioritize, Plan, and Periodize—creates structured progression that leads to sustainable results and lifelong fitness.
CONSULTATION-CENTERED RELATIONSHIP
Unlike traditional coaching that focuses primarily on workout supervision, OPEX places the consultation at the heart of the coach-client relationship. Monthly in-depth consultations, supported by weekly check-ins, create accountability, build trust, and provide the insights needed for truly personalized coaching across exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle domains.
ASSESSMENT-DRIVEN DESIGN
Where many fitness approaches start with programming, we start with assessment. Our comprehensive OPEX Body, Move, and Work (BMW) Assessment protocol provides coaches with objective data about each client's current state, eliminating guesswork and creating a solid foundation for personalized program design.
Core Principles of the OPEX Coach
Our coaches embody these essential principles that guide their practice and development:
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We recognize each person's unique journey and design programs that respect their specific needs, goals, and capabilities.
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“Assess, don't guess" is our mantra. Objective measurements guide our decisions, and regular reassessment ensures we stay on the right path.
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We value sustainable progress over quick fixes, focusing on building foundations that support lifelong fitness.
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We maintain our personal well-being to effectively serve others, developing strong habits and systems that allow us to coach efficiently and progress through the stages of coaching mastery.
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We teach clients about fitness principles, continuously learn and develop our expertise, move personally to understand fitness firsthand and create customized solutions for each client.
How OPEX Coaches Serve Clients
The service our coaches deliver is guided by these fundamental principles:
THE NEPA FRAMEWORK
We Notice client behaviors without judgment, Explain observations through powerful questions, Prescribe solutions based on findings, and take Action with clear implementation plans.
3Ps PROGRAM DESIGN
We Prioritize from assessments, Plan for lifestyle and goals, and Periodize training into progressive phases.
ENERGY SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT
We balance energy systems to move from motor control to max output, ensuring sustainable progress through proper sequencing.
LIFESTYLE GUIDELINES
We start with fundamentals: sleep, nutrition, movement, and recovery—connecting habits to fitness outcomes.
NUTRITIONAL HIERARCHY
We go from Life (habits), to Fuel (macros), and finish with Person (individualized strategy).
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Monthly consults, weekly check-ins, and daily coaching—all with clear boundaries and consistency.
RELATIONSHIP-FIRST COACHING
We build trust through connection, understand values, and prioritize autonomy over dependency.
Whether you're just beginning your coaching career or looking to take your existing practice to the next level, OPEX offers the education, tools, and community to help you succeed.
The OPEX Coaching Certification Program
Career coaches with the aim of mastery choose to learn and adopt the OPEX Method. Our flagship Coaching Certificate Program (CCP) provides comprehensive education in:
The Coach
Master behavior change, assessment protocols, program design principles, and nutrition fundamentals.
The Client
Learn how to implement the OPEX Method with real clients, from initial consultation through ongoing coaching.
The Professional
Develop business skills to attract clients, deliver exceptional service, and build a sustainable coaching career.
CCP graduates join a global community of professional coaches who are elevating the standard of fitness coaching and building successful, fulfilling careers.
OPEX Education & Technology Suite
LearnRx: The Education Platform Built for Coaches
LearnRx is OPEX's state-of-the-art education platform that delivers our world-class coaching methodologies in an engaging, accessible format. This dynamic digital learning environment allows coaches to:
Access all OPEX educational content in one centralized location
Progress through structured learning paths at their own pace
Participate in interactive learning experiences and knowledge checks
Connect with mentors and peers for feedback and collaboration
Track progress and achievements through a comprehensive dashboard
Whether you're pursuing certification through CCP or expanding your knowledge with specialized courses, LearnRx provides the tools and resources you need to elevate your coaching practice.
CoachRx: Your Coaching Command Center
CoachRx is a powerful, purpose-built software solution that helps coaches implement the OPEX Method efficiently and effectively. Designed specifically for individual design coaching, CoachRx enables you to:
Create personalized exercise and lifestyle programs with intuitive design tools
Track client assessments and fitness monitoring exercises
Communicate seamlessly with clients through integrated messaging
Monitor client compliance and progress with comprehensive analytics
Streamline your coaching business with time-saving automation
By combining the principles of the OPEX Method with the technology of CoachRx, coaches can deliver exceptional client experiences while building efficient, sustainable coaching practices.
Dive Into the Mind of the Master Coach
Ever wondered how James FitzGerald would approach a challenging client situation? Or what he thinks about the latest fitness trend? Our extensive AMA archive gives you unprecedented access to OPEX's founder tackling real-world coaching questions.
These candid, insightful videos capture James responding to questions from our global coaching community, offering a rare glimpse into how he applies OPEX principles to solve everyday coaching challenges. Each response reveals the depth of experience and critical thinking that forms the foundation of the OPEX Method.
Whether you're looking for specific guidance on program design, client psychology, business development or simply want to understand the philosophy behind OPEX more deeply, this resource is an invaluable addition to your coaching education.
Browse topics including:
Advanced program design strategies
Client motivation and adherence
Solving complex assessment scenarios
Business growth and client retention
Nutrition protocols and personalization