Michael was always active as a child, from lifting his father’s 24kg kettlebell against his kindergarten classmates, to taking Sambo and Karate lessons. In grade 9, he fell in love with resistance training as a way to bulk up, grain strength and improve his posture, and has been lifting consistently ever since.
Michael’s training has led him to become a 5-time Canadian National powerlifting champion, setting 30 lifetime Canadian records in the process. He has also coached 8 people to National championships, over 3 dozen Canadian records and a World squat record.
Now with over 25 years of lifting experience and over 16 years of Personal Training experience, Michael has delivered well over 20,000 personal training sessions and over 100 corporate lunch and learns, seminars to other trainers, gyms, and fitness enthusiasts. During this time he has also taken hundreds of hours of certifications, seminars, and workshops.
Michael is a strong believer in proper technique and a well-designed training program with timely progressions. He is a proponent of strength training as a cornerstone of physical training, blending science-based and time-tested methods with muscle testing and corrective strategies, with an emphasis on injury prevention and longevity, safety, and goal driven programing in order to achieve the desired fitness results in the most efficient way possible.
When you train with him, you are accessing tens of thousands of hours of coaching experience and fitness field education.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:
- Personal Training Specialist
- Active Aging Specialist
- Muscle Activation Techniques Jumpstart
- TWIST Sports Conditioning Coach level 2
- Agatsu Kettlebell Coach level 2
- Exercise Therapy Association Level 2
- National Coaching Program Weightlifting Technical
- CHEK Program Design
- 5-time Canadian Powerlifting champion
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE HE'S EVER RECEIVED:
Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.
FAVOURITE WORKOUT SONG:
I've trained and competed to everything from classical, to reggae, to metal music.
FAVOURITE CHEAT MEAL:
I don't love restrictive diets - unless necessary for competition prep or health reasons - and don't like the idea of a cheat meal. It's best to eat what makes the body feel good (performance/cognitive ability wise), and have "treats" in moderation. Talk to me about what this might look like for you.
TESTIMONIALS:
“I’ve started training with Michael at the onset of the pandemic, when WFH and a sedentary lifestyle has lead to weight gain, a general sense of malaise and exacerbated my chronic back pain caused by scoliosis. I found that Michael patiently listens to your concerns, considers your goals, and offers a methodical and conscientious approach to training. Training with Michael has not only improved my back issues and overall mental health; thanks to him, I’m the strongest I’ve ever been, and I can carry my 6 and 8 year-olds with little effort. As silly as it may sound, as a mom, there’s no better reward than being able to hold my growing babies a little longer.” – Maria G.
If you would like to set-up a session with Michael, please contact Rob, our PT Director, here.