AREAS OF SPECIALTY.
Body Composition, Hypertrophy & Fat Loss Programs
Clinical Massage Therapist & A.R.T. Provider
Neurological Testing & Treatment via P-DTR
Postural Assessment & Corrective Exercise Prescription
Post-Rehabilitation & Injury Prevention
Michael’s BIO.
He/Him/His
“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”
My personal training career began 11 years ago, shortly after I graduated with my Kinesiology degree. In that time, I have studied and obtained credentials in resistance training, yoga, Pilates, functional neurology, and massage therapy. My current approach centers around resistance training, manual therapy (drawing heavily upon Active Release Technique), and functional neurology (using primarily Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex or P-DTR). I use functional neurology and manual therapy to assess the nervous system and tissue quality of my clients. This information is then combined with advanced movement, strength, and joint mobility assessments. With this data I can best decide how I can serve my clients. Usually, I have the tools to immediately help clients towards their goals, and when I do not I will dutifully refer out to the best practitioner available. Client success is more important than my paycheck.
I am fortunate to have access to the best educational materials in the world for my field. However, the most valuable lessons I have learned about the human body, movement, and healing are from a severe disc injury I sustained in 2006. The pain was chronic and at times crippling - at one point requiring several days of hospitalization. The healing process took the combined effort dozens of practitioners. I invested thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours researching and seeking treatment. If this taught me anything, I have learned patience and that - most of the time - there is no “magic bullet” cure. Your body is a system of system, healing takes compassion, the right tools at the right times, and taking personal responsibility in your health and recovery.
I am looking for clients that are ready to take an active role in bringing their bodies to their next level of performance. My experience with debilitating back pain and extensive education has made post-rehabilitation one of my primary specialities. I also love to work with clients motivated to get bigger and stronger - after all lifting heavy stuff is fun!
EDUCATION.
National Strength and Conditioning Association | Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
Certified Massage Therapist | CAMTC #74265
Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex | Basic, Intermediate & Advanced - Mentor: Dr. Jose Palomar
KILO Strength Society | Program Design & Periodization Specialist Level 3 | Hypertrophy Camp, Advanced Strategies to Program Design Camp - Mentor: Stephane Cazeault
Active Release Technique | Full Body Certified - Mentor: Dr. Allen Wood
CHEK Institute | Exercise Coach and Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 2
Master’s Degree | Anthropology | San Francisco State University
Bachelor’s Degree | Kinesiology, Highest Honors | University of Illinois
TESTIMONIALS.
“I work with Michael using P-DTR and have seen unbelievable results with my mobility and fixing issues. My body feels better than ever.”
“Michael is a phenomenal trainer. He is adept at dealing with most any injury or fitness goal and knows so much about anatomy. He is constantly studying new research and techniques. Michael has helped me with back issues especially, but it’s really just a pleasure working with him no matter how I’m feeling.”
“As someone who’s used a personal trainer consistently during my New York City and California living, Michael is undoubtedly one of the best professionals in the business. Given my chronic back pain and scoliosis, I needed to work with someone who’s not only knowledgeable about spinal anatomy, but also someone who is highly skilled in strength training so I can be more self-sufficient and pain free. Michael’s programming uniquely integrates his advanced training across pilates, weight lifting, active release techniques, and massage therapy and has helped reduce my pain, correct my posture, and tone my body.”