why I do what i do

I’ve been interested in physical development since I was in middle school. I remember spending hours in my living room or basement doing endless pushups and sit-ups. My first “weights” were gallon water jugs. I was skinny kid. I was weak and a terrible athlete. I hated how I looked and how I felt, and I desperately wanted respect.

I found the weight room in high school and started training before or after work at my local YMCA. I tried every program I could find. One time, one of the female trainers had to lift a bar off me after I got stapled to the bench while bench pressing. I remember that embarrassment, but it drove me to get better.

6 years later, in 2012, I’d gained 60 pounds of muscle and lost 30 pounds of fat along the way. I could lift weights that I’d only dreamed of. I was stronger, healthier, and happier than I’d ever been. The journey continues today.

But improving your health and physical abilities isn’t just about looking good.

During my time as a police officer, I developed severe anxiety. I had multiple seizure-like panic attacks per week. I barely slept. I hated pretty much everyone I encountered and my social life was non-existent. I lived on caffeine and fast food. I gained weight and had severe back pain from sitting in a car all day wearing forty pounds of gear.

At work, I was on top of the world. I got commendations. I was reliable.

Outside of work, my life was a disaster.

But the story doesn’t stop there. Through struggle, trial and error, and persistence, I lost the weight I had put on, improved my physical health, and massively improved my relationships. I made more of my life than I ever thought possible. I still deal with anxiety every day, but I’ve seen counselors and have learned that it’s part of what makes me who I am. I’ve stopped fighting it and learned to manage it through my healthy lifestyle.

I don’t want anyone else to experience what I did.

I’m dedicated to helping busy, stressed out men like you build an impressive physique, improve fitness to take on new challenges, and ultimately have long, successful, fulfilling, healthy lives.

Sure, fitness is about looking better and being fit.

But what good is looking better or being fit if the rest of your life is a mess?

It’s not about beating yourself down in the gym.

It’s not about dieting.

It’s not about punishing yourself.

It’s about personal breakthrough and growth.

It’s about setting a positive example for your family and friends.

It’s about proving to yourself exactly what awesome things you’re capable of.

Fitness is a tool to enhance the rest of your life and make it better. A fitter you is a better man - husband, father, son, professional, boyfriend, or whatever other roles you have.

How can you take care of anyone or anything else if you can’t take care of yourself?

Your family and friends are watching.

Show them what you can achieve.

Talk to you soon,

Mike Thompson, Owner and Head Coach, MJT Training