Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Collier.
Michael, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My fitness journey started early after seeing the movie Karate Kid. The scene at the end where he wins the trophy, has a cute girlfriend, and everyone is cheering…I was thinking, “Sign me up!” From there I would go on to compete in local, state, and national level competitions before opening my own dojo and teaching while attending Western Michigan University.
I maintained my fitness as I graduated from WMU then went into law enforcement and after years of working night shifts, work stress, and life events like getting married, having children, and all of the other things, found myself not prioritizing my health and getting more and more out of shape.
Then in my early forties, and 70 pounds overweight, I finally had enough. I got winded climbing a flight of stairs, lost my self confidence, and felt trapped in my own body. It was time to make a change. I spent years getting myself back in shape while trying every fad diet, workout program, and shiny new gadget, until finally developing a program that would work for my goals, my schedule, and my lifestyle.
However, I knew that if I wanted to keep my progress, that I would need to be held accountable. And, that’s why I became a personal trainer. Knowing that no one wants to work with a personal trainer that doesn’t look the part or practice what they preach was the accountability piece that I needed to keep me in shape. Now, I love helping other people do the same thing, whether they’re finding fitness for the first time, or regaining their health to become the best version of themselves.
I have a passion for my athletes to achieve their goals, whether it’s a weight loss or strength goal, participating in their first 5K race, or just feeling and moving better now and as they get older. I want them to have an improved quality of life in every aspect.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My fitness journey wasn’t easy. I had 70 pounds to lose, I was in my early 40s, and I was juggling the demands of family life and a demanding career in law enforcement. I had to overhaul my habits, build new routines, and push through the same obstacles many people face—like dragging myself to the gym after a 12-hour night shift. What worked for me in my 20s no longer delivered results, so I had to rediscover what did work. It took patience, consistency, and a willingness to adapt, but I found a sustainable path forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a midlife professional myself, I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to prioritize your health and fitness while balancing family, career, and all the responsibilities that come with real life. That’s exactly who I serve, men and women navigating the same stage of life.
I’m not a twenty-something trainer with endless free time and limited life experience. I’ve lived the struggles, and I know what it takes to make lasting change. I don’t promote quick fixes or fad diets. Instead, I focus on helping my clients build sustainable habits that support long-term health, energy, and confidence, for life.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on my journey is this: always remember your why.
It’s easy to get caught up chasing the “perfect” workout or the latest diet trend and lose sight of the real reason you’re trying to improve in the first place. It’s not about doing more push-ups or hitting a certain number on the scale. It’s about improving your quality of life.
Maybe your “why” is being able to hike longer with your family, having the strength to lift your child off the ground, or simply feeling more confident in your own skin. Those are the things that matter.
At the end of the day, it’s about becoming the strongest version of yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally, so you can be more present, more engaged, and ready to take on whatever life throws your way.
Pricing:
- contact for pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michaelcolliermidlifefitness.com/
- Instagram: @michaelcolliermidlifefitness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B3R11nv5m/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcolliermidlifefitness
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelCollierMidlifeFitness
