Mike's personal experience includes directing strength and conditioning programs for athletes at the collegiate level, patients in the physical rehabilitation field and with the general public in group and individual settings. He has completed a masters degree in Exercise Science at the University of South Dakota and is currently working towards a Ph.D. in holistic nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health.

He has been certified as a Personal Trainer, Group Instructor and Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and MedX Rehabilitative Exercise Specialist by the College of Medicine, Health, and Human Performance at the University of Florida. Mike is also a certified U.S. weightlifting coach by the U.S. Weightlifting Association.

Absolute Fitness is the fulfillment of his vision to increase awareness and access to this method of training. He presently resides in Morton with his wife Dawn and their twin children.