Jim Cotta, The Grove’s Fitness Director
Jim Cotta has a degree in Exercise Science from Springfield College and has been a certified Strength Coach through the N.S.C.A for 27 years. 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. where he worked with many male and female athletes from a variety sports. 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 time with the Lakers they won three NBA Championships and Shaquille O’Neal became the league MVP. Following his time with the Lakers Jim has continued to work with basketball players, NFL football players and golfers. Currently Jim is the Fitness Director at The Grove Club and works primarily with amateur and professional golfers of all ages. He is a Titleist Performance Institute certified golf trainer and is also certified FMS Level 1.
“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