J.Mike’s Biography
I initially became interested in fitness training while attending Grambling State University. There I developed and honed my techniques at Grambling State University’s Recreational Center from 1998 to 2000. Recognizing a new found love, appreciation and natural talent for fitness, I began to diligently pursue and educate myself about fitness training.
I received national certifications from the International Sports Science Association (I.S.S.A.), the American Aerobic Association International (A.A.A.I.), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (N.A.S.M.), Red Cross, and numerous certifications from Bally Total Fitness. In addition to my national certifications, I became a certified Physical Education Teacher (T.A.T) through the Department of Education of Louisiana. In 2001, French Riviera Spa hired me as a fitness coach/trainer. By the following year, more opportunities came my way. From 2002 to 2003 I ventured on to the Guillaume Center where I worked as a Recreational Therapist in the Chemical Dependency Program for adolescents. At the Center, I recognized my love for helping the youth while mentoring in physical and mental exercises and giving motivational speeches to uplift the minds of young boys and girls who otherwise had no support system. Because of my experiences with the young people from the Center, I decided to further my endeavors with the young community. I soon began employment with the New Orleans Recreational Department (N.O.R.D.) as their Camp Director overseeing the Camp’s Athletic Program.
In 2004, I returned back to French Riviera Spa as their head trainer at the Metairie location. In 2005, I was appointed the Director of Fitness Operations at the Kenner location. During my tenure I was able to cultivate my leadership skills and fitness techniques as I ran my own fitness program. Under my leadership, the Kenner gym continuously set record sales in personal training. However, like all good things, they must come to an end.
In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf Coast and utterly devastated my beloved city of New Orleans. Forced to evacuate, I relocated to Houston, Texas. I lost almost everything. Unsure of my future, I held to my faith, which made me believe that despite the things I lost, no matter the situation, I would succeed.
Thirty days after Katrina hit and I settled in Houston, I got a training position with Bally Total Fitness-West University location. I quickly rose to being the highest grossing trainer at West U. and soon the Houston market. From 2006 to 2008, I continued to rank top 5 in personal training out of 4000 trainers statewide. I was named the Bally Elite Trainer of the year, 2007. I was awarded statewide Trainer of the Month ten times, as well as, Trainer of the Month at my local West U. location for 16 consecutive months. I handled every major corporate account with West U. I collaborated with Sports Talk 610 AM radio show in a “DJ Challenge” between employees of the show. Whichever team lost the most weight won. Of course Team JMIKE crushed the competition. I also participated in the Bally Total Fitness Challenge where every all the trainers in the gym chose their own client to compete. Whichever client lost the most weight and inches in an 8-week period won the challenge. My client, Paula Brown, lost 20 lbs and 12 inches crowning her the overall winner. Congratulations Paula! I also trained radio personality Jimbo from 97.9 The Box who competed in the 97.9 The Box Weight Loss Promotion. Jimbo went on to win by a landslide loosing 27 lbs in 8 weeks. We beat 10 other teams lead by Bally’s best trainers. As the years rolled on I continued to flourish in my career. As my talents grew, my reputation grew. Soon my clientele grew to 50 clients. My ambitions grew as well. I began to see where my skills could be utilized on a much broader scale. I began to think outside the confines of what Bally had to offer. So with careful planning and much trepidation I began my departure from Bally Total Fitness, Inc.
In 2009 I launched my own business in what soon would be called Jmikefitness. Since the start of my business, Jmikefitness has lead to the creation of Chaos Boot Camp and JmikefitnessTV.com. My goal is not to stop here but to spread my philosophy of health, wellness, and fitness globally. Hopefully in the near future the world will be chanting my fitness mantra: LIVE IT! WALK IT! TALK IT! BE IT!
ATHLETIC PROFILE
TENNIS
1991 – 1993
John McDonough High School, New Orleans, LA
· Junior Tennis Team MVP
BASEBALL
1996
John McDonough High School, New Orleans, LA
· Team MVP
· 4th ranking batting average
· 9-5A District hitting champion
· Firstbase All Conference Performer
1998
Grambling University, Grambling, LA
· Letterman
· .475 Batting average
· Who’s Who Collegiate Academic All American
BASKETBALL 
1994-1996
John McDonough High School, New Orleans, LA
· Two-time Letterman
· Team MVP
· All-Conference Pick
· State Dunk Championship Winner, (Loyola University-New Orleans, LA) 1996
· US Army Male Athlete of the Year, 1996
BILLIARDS
2000
· 2X Collegiate Billiard Champion (Northeast LA)
· Ten-time tournament champion
· Winner of “Fastest Break” with a 32mph break (Shreveport, LA)
2002-2005
· Dominated the St. Charles tournament circuit with more than 30 wins