Meet the Mighty Oak
It was autumn of 1992.
I had recently concluded my golf season and was idling away the time before the onset of the winter swim season when I chanced upon the weight room at Fenwick High School.
There, I met Ray Moland, a fellow freshman who happened to be the starting fullback on the school's football team.
This well-built dude was my introduction to the world of weightlifting.
Ray patiently showed me the ropes, teaching me everything from the basics to the nuances of weightlifting.
He guided me through a rigorous bench press routine - seven halfway down, seven halfway up, and another seven to finish the set. It was intense, grueling, and unlike anything I had experienced before.
For the next two days, my arms were in such pain that I had to skip gym class, reduced to sitting on the bleachers.
However, amid the pain was an immense sense of fulfillment, and I realized I had fallen in love with the challenge.
The understanding dawned upon me that I could shape my own transformation, that the work I put in would yield tangible results.
I was in love with strength training.
At this point, I was just an average teen, prone to overeating and barely exercising.
As I began puberty, it felt like the perfect time to start strength training, harnessing my body's burst of testosterone.
This newfound passion dramatically altered my life's trajectory.
From being an unconfident, somewhat nerdy kid, I evolved into a self-assured, confident individual, who was not afraid to pursue his dreams.
The transformation wasn't merely physical; it was mental too.
The change in how I perceived myself also altered how I viewed the world and my place in it.
The empowerment I felt to effect the changes I desired in my life was extraordinary.
I owe this profound shift to Ray and that very first workout.
Today, I am a strength training coach at Mighty Oak Athletic, nurturing others on their fitness journeys, just like Ray did for me.
Certifications
National Strength and Conditioning Association - Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
American Council on Exercise - Certified Personal Trainer
USA Weightlifting - Level I Coach
USA Taekwondo - Level I Coach
MovNat - Level I Coach
Education
College of DuPage - Culinary Program
University of Arizona - B.A. Communications
Keller Graduate School of Management - Masters in Business Administration
Michael has been studying and practicing strength & conditioning training for over 30 years.
Excited to share the knowledge he has obtained, Michael earned a nationally-accredited coaching certification and founded Mighty Oak Athletic in 2013.
Transform your child's future!
Our expert trainers specialize in helping kids build strength, increase endurance, and improve overall health and wellness.
Our program is designed to not only enhance physical abilities, but also build confidence and character in your child.
Optimize your child's potential with our innovative strength and conditioning program.
Our training techniques are safe, effective, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each child.
From Power lifting to bodyweight exercises, your child will experience a diverse range of training methods that will keep them engaged and motivated.
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Your child will have the opportunity to experience our state-of-the-art facilities, meet our passionate trainers, and get a taste of what our program has to offer.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to invest in your child's future.
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Give your child the gift of strength, confidence, and a brighter future.