My story
Michael's Story: Experience Forged in Passion and Resilience
My relationship with fitness began not in a commercial setting, but through sheer dedication and resourcefulness. It started in my hometown in Norway in the late 80s, around age 14. Inspired by a dedicated high school teacher, I developed a passion for lifting. Without access to a local gym, I trained daily at home with the weights I'd purchased, guided only by my enthusiasm and persistence.
This self-driven commitment quickly escalated. Despite my isolated training environment, I competed in powerlifting as a sub-junior, earning top-two finishes in regional shows and securing a shared 6th place in the Norwegian nationals. This era taught me the raw power of consistency, even without the advanced information and resources we have today.
The Pivot to Professional Coaching
By 1995, I turned this passion into my profession, earning my Personal Training certification and working at a local gym. I embraced the long hours—often working three jobs, taking the evening shift, and training myself late into the night. It never felt like work; it was an apprenticeship in commitment, service, and the dynamics of personalized coaching. I learned the business of health from the ground up, running everything from the training floor to the coffee bar.
Learning from the Setback
My competitive journey ended abruptly in 2001 with a serious neck injury at C4-C5. The recovery was immensely challenging. I spent years off training and struggled with the physical and mental toll, feeling like a shadow of my former self. This period of depressive struggle became my most profound educational experience.
It forced me to look beyond lifting heavy weights and focus on true physical and mental rehabilitation. By shifting my energy toward helping and teaching others, I found my renewed sense of purpose and a positive path forward through nutrition coaching and personal training.
Coaching Philosophy & Diverse Impact
Now, at 53, I still train strongly, but my perspective is fundamentally different. I have learned more from my own injuries, errors, and years of recovery than any textbook could teach. My coaching is built on this hard-won knowledge—it is functional, empathetic, and focused on sustainable health transformation and longevity.
My greatest joy comes from helping clients realize their true potential, no matter their starting point. Over my career, I have successfully guided a diverse range of clients, including:
Clinical Support: Helping individuals get Type 2 diabetes under control through lifestyle changes.
Weight Loss: Guiding untrained individuals through sustainable weight and fat loss transformations.
Functional Strength: Restoring strength and mobility for older clients, enabling them to enjoy normal daily activities.
Competitive Prep: Coaching experienced athletes and novices alike through their first bodybuilding competitions.
My experience is proof that anyone can overcome limitations. I am here to help you turn your goals into lasting, healthy achievements.