ABOUT JAMES HUNT
Physical Element – Recovery – Movement – Strength
Physical Element is the evolution of my personal journey through health, fitness, and a lifelong passion for movement. From the adrenaline of wakeboarding and snowboarding to the precision of yoga, gymnastic strength training, and resistance work—movement has always been my foundation.
At 15, I stepped into weight training, finding my footing at The Fitness Mill in Stroud by 17. It became my training ground until 2020, when life led me to Koh Phangan.
In 2013, I discovered Gymnastic Strength Training (GST), and by 2016, I was a certified GST coach, training in the U.S. and Australia at leading affiliate gyms. This pursuit of understanding the body expanded into Thai and Sports Massage, where I studied Levels 3 and 4 at the Cotswold Academy.
I delved further into biodynamics – a field that looks at the body not just as muscles and joints, but as a living system of subtle rhythms and fluid dynamics. This approach shifted how I saw movement and healing, reinforcing the importance of working with the body’s natural flow rather than forcing results. This highlighted the importance of observation and the willingness to ask questions while interviewing restorative practices into teaching and bodywork.
My studies have always reflected a holistic view of the body—incorporating trauma awareness and studying how emotional patterns manifest physically. This foundation not only shaped how I approach group teaching but also how I work one-on-one with clients dealing with pain, injury, and personal training goals.
Working with Others – Building Trust through Movement
A pivotal part of my path has been working closely with teenagers in care, guiding them to rebuild trust in their bodies through movement and self-trust. These sessions weren’t just about physical progress—they were about trust, safety, and rediscovering confidence. Witnessing the shift as they rediscovered strength and self-belief reaffirmed the deep connection between mental and physical well-being.
It was through this experience trauma awareness became a cornerstone of my education. I studied how trauma manifests physically, showing up as patterns of tension, disconnection, or protective mechanisms in movement. This shaped my teaching approach—fostering patience, sensitivity, and the understanding that true progress often begins with creating an environment of safety and reconnection.
Now, every class, private session, and course I lead integrates this holistic, trauma-informed lens.
The global pursuit for knowledge
My desire to deepen my knowledge carried me across the globe, studying yoga alignment in Hatha, Iyengar, Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga. Over the years, I’ve completed over 740 hours of teacher training and taught on more than 30 x 200-hour yoga teacher training courses. It was here I found my purpose in blending science with movement to empower others.
Travel remained a passion and blended seamlessly into my career. From America to Australia, Bali to Thailand, and back to the UK, I trained in yoga, gymnastics, Thai massage, and sports therapy, drawing connections across disciplines to develop a broader, more integrated perspective.
While I’ve taught large groups, I continue to work closely with clients one-on-one—helping them overcome pain, regain mobility, and advance their personal training.
Personal Journey
Physical Element is shaped by my personal experiences—moments of injury, illness, passion, and transformation. Movement has always been my anchor, from surfing and snowboarding to yoga and gymnastic strength training.
But my greatest test came through insomnia. For four years, I battled worsening sleep deprivation. This forced me to confront every aspect of my life, leading to the realisation that I wasn’t on the right path. In a bold move, I sold everything—including a business I had nurtured for 14 years—and began again, driven by the need for change.
It’s been 14 years, since I restarted from the ground up—studying, traveling and building a new business aligned with health, movement and growth. My path has become about understanding and moving beyond my own physical and mental limits and empowering others to do the same.
My Core Values
Confidence
To build student & client confidence in every service, by providing science-backed knowledge and providing clear explanation’s of the “why” behind each methods.
Professionalism
To uphold and adhere to a high level of consistent professionalism, one that runs through interactions, maintaining integrity and respect, while providing a safe space of learning and growth.
Empowerment
To empower each student and client towards their full potential, by encouraging critical, independent thinking, by welcoming questions that deepen their practice and understanding.
Support
To provide a safe place of support, understanding and perspective. One that ensures students and clients feel heard, seen, and valued, fostering an environment for growth and self reliance.
The core values that underpin everything at Physical Element reflect my passion for excellence and empowerment through education.
