I started training with Michael at 50 with the goal of getting strong and losing weight.  Our first year working together is what you would expect coming from no previous experience- lots of newbie lifting gains, shedding weight, skill learning and an occasional flare up.  Lifting quickly became my passion and I regretted not starting decades prior.

After turning 51, seemingly overnight, I entered into eighteen months of chronic injury and every inflammatory “itus” under the sun.  It felt like I could just look at a weight and have painful flare ups that would last months.  I grew increasingly demoralized and discouraged, I had to stop all the big lifts I had grown to love.  Michael and I continually scrutinized all the likely suspects- stress, sleep, recovery, nutrition, was I over training (no).  I blamed myself assuming it had to be something I was doing wrong.  Michael was constantly adapting my training around injuries.

After almost a year of this torment, I stumbled on a podcast about menopause and 101 lightbulbs went off.  I wasn’t having the marquee symptoms so the thought never occurred to me it could be related.  Months of online research and so many specialists later, I came to understand I probably had what Dr Vonda Wright calls the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause. 

The hardest part was finding the right experts.  At least five doctors I saw told me to stop lifting, which I ignored.  When it comes to hormone changes there is no one size fits all solution, but a lot of practitioners, gynecologists included, view menopause through a very narrow lens.  It required relentless determination and self advocacy on my part to find the answers and doctors that worked for me.

I just turned 53 and I’m back to training at full capacity and have never felt better or stronger.  Three months ago I could barely walk without pain, now I’m sprint training and back to the big three.  I do have to be extremely cautious and we’ve made effective adaptions to my training to reduce risk of injury.  There was no singular remedy that got me to the other side, but a tapestry of interventions and adaptions gleaned from various resources once I knew where to look. 

I didn’t give up because of Michael.  His wisdom and experience is what allowed for the fluid approach we adopted so I could continue to train safely through continuous injury.  If Michael got paid by the pep talk he’d be a rich man after the likes of me.  I’d start some weekly calls with him so low, but without fail he would have me convinced by the end of our talk through the logic of physiology or science or first hand experience this was not interminable.  He took a daily and weekly bite size approach to what felt like an insurmountable hurdle allowing me to fight on another day with dreams of unicorns and barbells propelling me forward.”

- Julie

“At 42 years old and after becoming very sick with COVID, I knew i needed to get serious about getting healthy.  I began bodyweight training at home for a year, and then at 43 years old decided I needed a trainer to go the next level.  I wanted to start going to a gym and lifting heavier weights.  I started reading and learning all that I could, but I knew I needed a trainer to help me with my workouts.  

I'm so thankul to have found Michael Bailey, who for the last three years, has been planning my workouts and encouraing me weekly along the way.  When a body part started to hurt, he helped me modify the workout or switch to another option for that muscle group.  With his guidance, I've gone from 208 lbs at 18% body fat to 225 lbs with 11.5% bodyfat.  I've added substantial amount of muscle while becoming more lean overall.  Most important, I did this while avoiding serious first time lifting injuries which I attribute to Michael's guidance.  

I recently had lab work done, and my doctor said I'm in fantastic shape!  Even my testosterone levels were fine; no recommenations needed. I feel better at 46 than I felt in my early twenties.  Michael's approach helped me focus on eating nutritious foods (emphasizing protein), introduce zone 2 cardio and gain strength.  I couldnt be more pleased with the progress!”

- Steve

“The first six months I focused on my overall health, cardio fitness and building lean muscle. With Michael's help, I ended up losing 8% body fat. I also crushed the Rock and Roll Half Marathon with a 2:35, subtracting about 30 minutes from my last half marathon.

When I started, my diabetes type II was uncontrolled and I tried everything to control it, but nothing worked. Michael helped me get rid of the belly fat and strengthen my core, then something happened that hasn't happened in 12 years since being diagnosed. My last blood test showed my diabetes in the normal zone of someone without diabetes. I know I will always have diabetes, but having it under control is a huge weight off my shoulders.

I'm starting my next training cycle and will be concentrating on building mass, something I have never done before. I know with Michael's help, he will get me where I want to go and beyond."

- Tim

"I've been working with Michael for 2 years and have seen amazing results in that time (334lb deadlift!).  I have never felt stronger or healthier. Michael is passionate about fitness and it shows through his energy and enthusiasm. His easy going, friendly personality creates a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. He places a high value on correct form with each exercise. He motivates me to push past my perceived limits to get results.  If you are serious about changing your life for the better, Michael will lead you every step of the way.

Thank you Michael, you are the best!"

- Billie Jo