Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Thompson
Hi Mike, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been interested in physical development since I was in middle school. I was weak and a terrible athlete. I hated how I looked and how I felt, and I desperately wanted respect.
At first, I started running and doing calisthenics at home.
Not long after, I found the weight room and started training before or after work at my local YMCA. I obviously had no idea what I was doing, but several other members saw me struggling and started to show me the ropes.
I devoured every blog post and book on training I could find. Pretty soon, I was gaining muscle and getting much stronger (which isn’t say much, but I was proud of my effort).
Now after 20+ years of training, I can confidently say that I’ve pushed my body and mind further than little 14-year-old me would have ever thought possible. I’ve competed in strongman and finished an ultramarathon. Along the way, I’ve gained over 70lbs of muscle, lost 55lbs of fat, and been my own guinea pig for all my training methods.
I wish “that 14 year old me” could see me now.
I started coaching in 2011 just to earn some extra money in college.
Here we are, 14 years later.
I’ve worked in corporate fitness, coached everything from 1-on-1 personal training, to small groups, to large groups, and now fully online working with clients around the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve had my fair share of injuries. When you push yourself hard, it’s usually not a matter of “if,” but “when and how bad.”
But those haven’t been my most significant challenges.
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.
Everything came to the breaking point when my wife challenged me. “If you keep going down this road, our future children won’t know who you are” (that is, know me like she knew me, the OLD me).
So the story didn’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.
Then, in 2024, I started experiencing crippling tremors in my limbs.
After months of struggling, missing work, taking an seemingly endless cocktail of medications, and talking to various specialists, I was diagnosed with Function Neurological Disorder. There is no clear cause, and there’s a lot that isn’t known about this condition. Through proper management and treatment, I’m suffering much less than I was a year ago, but I still have tremors at least a couple times per week that interfere with everyday tasks.
I’m passionate about breaking the stigma that neurological and mental health issues can have. We don’t judge others for having cancer, or high blood pressure, or any other illness, so why should we judge those who suffer from mental health issues?
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
MJT Training helps busy men get back in shape so they can beat burnout, stay healthy for years to come, and set a positive example for their kids.
To do this, we coach clients through individualized programs that address 3 pillars of health: proper exercise, healthy nutrition, and consistent stress management practices. We integrate these custom programs into clients’ lives. We don’t expect clients to overhaul their lives to fit our programs.
Over the last 14 years, we’ve helped clients lose 15-70lbs+ of fat, gain 20lbs+ of muscle, complete a wide variety of fitness challenges, or prepare for physically demanding careers in law enforcement, fire departments, or the military.
We deliver services 100% online and have worked with 350+ clients all over the world.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’ve always had a wide range of pretty serious interests. I moved to Nashville to pursue a career as a guitarist, then ended up getting a degree in religion. I’m also a sci fi nerd.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mjttraining.com
- Instagram: @mjttraining
