Jim Cotta, The Grove’s Fitness Director
Jim Cotta has been the Fitness Director at The Grove since 2012 and oversees all programming and activities in the fitness center and movement studio. He has a degree in Exercise Science from Springfield College and has been a certified Strength Coach through the N.S.C.A for 30 years, and is also certified with Titleist Performance Institute and FMS. His career started as a strength and conditioning coach at the college level, working at the University of Texas and at U.N.L.V. In 1997, Jim became the first Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, working with athletes such as Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, and more. During his tenure with the Lakers, they won three NBA Championships, and Shaquille O’Neal became the league MVP. Currently at The Grove, Jim primarily works with amateur golfers of all ages, youth athletes, and adults looking to move better, feel better, and play better.
Outside of The Grove, Jim enjoys spending time with his 6 kids and wife Amy. He is also the President of Memories of Honor, a national non-profit organization that honors our fallen military and supports their families every day of the year. Jim is the author of the book “Workout War,” which was published by Men’s Health in 2015.
“Jim Cotta is one of the best strength coaches I’ve had the pleasure to work with during my 19 year NBA career. He makes working out fun, functional, and knows how to motivate people. During my years with the Los Angeles Lakers, Jim was an integral part of us winning 3 NBA World Championships, and helped me in achieving 3 NBA Finals MVP’s, and the 2000 NBA Most Valuable Player award. Recently Jim helped me transform my body and I dropped close to 40 lbs. in getting ready for a “Shirt Off” competition against Charles Barkley on TNT’s Inside The NBA. Jim’s knowledge of exercise, injuries, nutrition, and motivation is what makes him one of the very best in his field.” – Shaquille O’Neal
Learn more about Fitness at The Grove, HERE