About Michael
WELCOME! (COVID FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE!)
If you are looking for a trainer that means you are looking for these things…
EXPERTISE
STRATEGY + MOTIVATION
CHANGE
I became a trainer because I have these SOLUTIONS and I want to see you make those positive changes! I have not always had the skills or the inherent knowledge needed to achieve any and all fitness related goals. I developed these things as I went along. I DEVELOPED a healthy relationship with food. And, I developed the lifestyle, attitude, and the outlook that I needed to be where I am today.
AS A CLIENT you will be put on a program that will change your attitude and help you become mentally and physically strong. When you sign up, you will be assigned workout programs that really make a difference. Food advice that respects balance and values a healthy relationship with food. And be promoted to develop lifestyle choices that will stick with you for long after our training sessions.
IG - Thrivefitnessandnutrition
My favorite client story
I had a new client who asked about training with me. When I interviewed with her, she was very upset. She was hopeless, discouraged, and her self esteem was rather low and she seemed depressed. I learned a lot about what it was like for her, where her frustrations lie, and why other trainers were not able to help her. We set out her goals, eating plan, and training schedule in the most practical and efficient possible. As we progressed, we addressed the various concerns/difficulties and positives and negatives along the way. We focused on routine, mindset, efficiency and visualization. After one month people were starting to notice something different, after two months, people were asking for my contact information. I still train with this person to this day and I am astounded and amazed at the transformation! My client is no longer filled with "can't". My client sees themselves in an entirely new and positive light. I feel I helped make her stronger, even in some ways she wasn't expecting.
My favorite exercise
Deadlifts or a beautiful run
My favorite quote
"Be who you are"
My training philosophy
See Your Future
My training experience
Ive been training for over 20 years and have helped dozens of clients achieve their fitness goals time and time again!
Areas of Expertise
- Weight Loss
- Flexibility and Mobility
- Posture
- Functional Training
- Sports Performance Training
- Core and Balance
- Nutrition
- Strength Training
- Muscular Definition
- Muscle Gain
- Stress Reduction
- Wellness
- Boxing
NCCA Accredited Certifications
Additional Certifications
Precision Nutrition Level 1, AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, Mad Dogg Certified Spinning instructor, CPR/AED
Education
BA in Psychology
Who I Especially Like Working With
Actors, Beginners, Brides-to-be, Dancers, Men, Models, Overweight/ Obese, Runners, Seniors, Women, Youth
Medical Conditions Experience
ADHD, Ankle Injury, Anxiety, Back Pain/Issues, Bad Posture, Bone/Joint Injury, Depression, Epilepsy, Hernia, Limited Mobility, Lower Body Pain/Issues, Neuropathy, Obesity, Rotator Cuff Issues, Shoulder Issues, Stress
Additional Languages Spoken
Spanish
In-home or Outdoor Training
Session Surcharge: $0
Mike Hoffman is very personable which makes you feel comfortable while in the sessions. He knows when he can push you beyond what you think your limits are. He not only trains you on the machines and with the weights but he also is concerned about your diet and is open for any questions you may have about diet and exercise. during sessions Mike will converse with you which keeps your mind off of how many more reps you have to go...I finally realized what he was doing into my sixth session. I made a great choice in choosing Mike as my trainer !
Mike was supportive, motivating, and encouraging. I also especially loved that Mike asked me questions like "How hard are you working right now?" and "What are you telling yourself right now?" - I think my self-talk needs some work and he was perceptive enough to pick up on that immediately. I also loved that he gave me context around the things we were doing - where I should feel it, and what it was for. We worked on lower body only but did a good mix of cardio and strength. I felt great after.
Really enjoyed my training session with Mike Hofman this past Sunday. Prior to my session, he sat with me to discuss my goals and current performance. During the session, Mike showed me how to perform exercises to meet my goals, and provided appropriate feedback on how to improve posture, etc.
Michael is very good - really focusing on my weaknesses - so many.
The training worked brilliantly. My legs never ached or got tired. Neither did my arms, which usually happens the times when I have to pole myself uphill. My confidence was up and I skied more confidently than ever. I went down the black diamond and (a couple) double black diamonds fearlessly. Thank you!!!! X-country skiing today. Off to Seattle tomorrow.
Hey Coach, been meaning to reach out to you...Still not great with exercise discipline but I've been sticking to your diet like its gospel - down 14 lbs and feeling good!
Dear Mike, A quick note to let you know how much I appreciate the training routine you developed for me and the encouragement you provided. I am now using weights and resistance at twice the level where I was when we started and I actually feel stronger at age 78 than I ever felt before at any other time in my long life. I'm not sure what the limits are on how much stronger I might get, but if I can keep going this way, I'll be a perfect specimen of health by the time I drop dead. And that is surely the best way to go. Many thanks, Sheridan
Since day 1, Mike has been extremely in tune to my fitness goals. He sat down with me for a long time and took the time to learn everything about where I was in terms of my health. Since then, he has perfectly created a circuit for me that is challenging, while at the same time extremely rewarding. Most importantly, Mike isn’t the type of trainer to just say “do this, lift that” and call it a day. He is actively there with me while I am working. He pays attention and adapts to the way I respond to each exercise so that I have the the most tailored experience possible. Not only that, outside of the gym, he will text me to see that I’m maintaining healthy practices at home. It’s almost as if he can sense when a french fry is near me! It is sometimes hard to stay accountable to yourself when it comes to your health, but since I have been working with Mike, I have learned how to be more conscious of the decisions I make. I can tell from my sessions as well as his interactions with others that Mike takes a personal stake in each one of his clients. Thanks to Mike, for the first time in my life, an hour of strenuous physical activity is actually fun!
A few years ago, I was a pretty fit guy. I'd just left the military and was still exercising regularly. Also my metabolism was still on fire so never had to watch what I ate. Then NYC and age caught up with me. I stopped working out regularly - was just too boring doing the same routine over and over again. And hell, I was already married, right guys? The dining scene in NYC was just too good but my metabolism had slowed down. Slowly the pounds started packing on and that fit guy from before was no longer. Instead I was a bit overweight, out of shape and suffering from lower back pain every morning. That was the state I was in when I met Mike. My wife and I were about to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and our parents pitched in for some professional photos. I really didn't want the before and after from our wedding day to be so bad. So I decided to get a trainer for 8 weeks before the pictures and get in as good of shape as possible in that time. I'd met Mike once before and was a good interaction so thought would give it a try. From the first day of our training, I knew I made the right choice. What I noticed from the beginning was Mike's professionalism and dedication to his work. Mike started out with measurements of my weight, body fat and other metrics. He then created a workout plan that would burn fat and build muscle effectively. Then he developed a diet for me that would regulate the amount of total calories and carb intake that synched with the workouts. It would be intense: we would work out 5 times a week and each workout would be a smoker. I was to take a picture of every meal and send it to him to keep me honest. I was to weigh myself every day and email him to track our progress. I was to take a weekly picture to show progress and areas for improvement. And so I did all of this and Mike was all over it with suggestions and encouragement. Fitness didn't just occur in the gym - it was 24/7 at every meal, every morning, every time I passed a mirror. Another thing that impressed me about Mike was his talent for making a fun workout. Our gym sessions started late at around 930 pm most nights and Mike was always full of energy. Also he came ready with an innovative circuit or series of exercises that made each workout engaging. I never did the same circuit twice, never got bored and always had an awesome workout. Also Mike was a stickler for form and technique and would routinely stay after 5-10 mins to make sure we finished the full circuit. Lastly, another reason I loved training with Mike is that the dude is super cool. It's hard hanging with someone 5 hours a week for 8 weeks straight unless you click and we really did. It's hard not to - Mike is a thoughtful, funny guy with lots of interests so there was a ton of common ground and banter in between sets of gym rage. And the results? In the 8 weeks I trained with Mike, I lost 17 lbs, 2 inches in the waist, and body fat percentage went from 20% to 13%. I also increased in strength and stamina throughout that time. Back pain is no longer there. Most importantly, the pics looked awesome - probably the best I've looked in the last 7 years. I'm continuing to train with Mike, although not as crazy, with the goal of packing on muscle and strength. It's going awesome. Don't delay in booking a time with Mike - just don't take my timeslots!
I came to Mike with a contradictory goal. I wanted to build muscle mass and get ripped while in the same time increase my stamina and agility. Though he mentioned my goals was contradictory and hard to do at once. I lost around 13 pounds and became stronger than I have ever been in a month and a half. Mike is highly knowledgeable in what he does and knew how to work with my previous injuries (sprain ACL). He's a great motivator and constantly kept surprising me on how strong I am and to never limit myself, which I believe is a great trait to have as a personal trainer.
Mike is able to create a unique workout for me each time. This is no small feat since I have been training with Mike for the past six months. During the sessions, we focus on strengthening and toning. The circuits he creates are fun, yet challenging. Today, my body is noticeably stronger. I am able to accomplish multiple reps of things I couldn't even do one of when we started. Mike really cares that his clients have a good workout and it shows!
Mike Hofman is a master trainer. We've been working together for about four months and I am about to sign up for another series of one-on-one training sessions with him. Mike's knowledge about exercise physiology is extensive. He also has a varied repertoire of exercises that keep me motivated. I am sixty years old and in pretty good shape. He knows how to challenge me--and I mean challenge--in a way that respects the inevitable limitations of an aging body. In addition to providing a solid exercise regime, he has given me good guidance on diet. Also motivating is Mike's professional yet friendly manner. I really believe that he cares that I progress. I have to say that I think I am moving forward even in so short a time. Mike is also plugged into the kinds of ways I might undermine my own development and knows how to straighten the course. I was sparring with him at about 150% energy. Of course, my form was wrong and I was wiping myself out prematurely. He suggested that I dial it back to 50-60%. Immediately, my form improved and I wound up working far longer and with strengthened stamina. I told him this was a good life lesson! Over the years, I've worked with four other trainers, almost all of them were good. Mike stands out, though, because of his expertise and experience, and for the obvious concern he has for his clients. I fully recommend him.
Mike Hoffman has truly set a new bar for personal trainers in NYC. Throughout our eight month journey together, Mike has helped me define, and stay accountable to, my personal fitness goals through consistent check-ins, honest & supportive instruction, and fun engagement with each exercise. Mike never hesitates to answer any of my questions, and always finds a way to make me laugh during our time in the gym, despite the long and tough days of work. Simply put, Mike puts the “personal” in personal trainer and resembles that of an experienced mentor who takes the time to understand my struggles, and helps me to meet the targets necessary to overcome my long term fitness goals.
Mike has helped me become a real enthusiast for physical fitness. I started with him in my mid-sixties and have been with him for at least five years. I have always tried to be physically active but never was able to make good use of a gym. Michael understands the importance of developing muscle strength as a way of maintaining physical and mental health especially as one grows older. He has always been responsive to any particular physical issue I am experiencing.
I have been working with Mike for the last four months for both nutrition advice and workout training. The things about Mike that stand out to me compared to other trainers is that he is knowledgeable as well as passionate about what he does, keeps things simple and is has a positive personality. Before starting out, he took the time to sit down with me and understand my goals and objectives. He is approachable, friendly and down-to-earth. Most importantly, I have been able to see results right away after working with Mike. He helped develop a comprehensive plan for me involving diet, cardio and strength training that has allowed me to lose 15 lbs, drop body fat% and grow stronger in the gym simultaneously in a short span of time. His workouts are always challenging, well-rounded, and focused. He frequently checks-in on how you are doing, is supportive, encouraging, and helps problem-solve issues like injuries, diet restrictions etc. He is available by text way beyond the 60 min training session which goes a long way when you are still new to the whole process. In short, I am very pleased with my experience working with Mike and would definitely recommend him as a trainer:)
Mike is the best! I can tell he really cares about my ability to succeed, not just in the gym but in general through him encouraging me to send pics of my food and track my progress outside of the gym. He is encouraging, but also empathetic and always is knowledgeable about the limits of my ability (and adjusts my workouts in accordance with that). Unlike other trainers I’ve had in the past, he makes me feel confident in my ability to succeed, which has definitely changed my lifestyle as a whole. Would 100% recommend.
I loved working with Mike both in the gym and out at the park. He provided a variety of circuits and was great emotional support in addition to the physical training. He knew how to figure out what was right for me that day in the moment and was always able to adapt if needed. If you put in the work, you’ll see the results- and Mike can help you get there. Mike is a great find- I highly recommend!
I have known mike for quite some time and his knowledge and expertise won’t disappoint you. Great workout every time.
Really thrilled with my training with Mike - it has made a tremendous difference - very positive- I’ve been exercising for many years on my own and wish I had this professional experience and help earlier! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Mike was the best possible choice for a personal trainer. My goal was to lose fat and gain muscle in a short amount of time, and Mike was able to show me exactly what was most important, practical, and effective in pursuit of that agenda. He took into considerations my particular lifestyle and budget, and really personalized a special program for me. From teaching me basic nutrition information and how to achieve my weight oriented goals, I now can sustainably keep up this fitness lifestyle he's created for me. Not only did I learn a lot more than I expected in all facets of fitness, but Mike is beyond sincere and always displays a client first mentality. I would highly recommend him for anyone with health and fitness related goals!
Michael really knows the whole gamut of body, nutrition, and how to get the best exercise payoff. But it is perhaps his intuitive nature with the right level of challenge, and the psychology of habit and consistency that have turned me from disliking exercise, to making it a valued part of my life. I’m turning 60 this year, and I see results. Plus, Michael is fun to work with. He is also a former chef, and has delicious, healthy food recommendations. Michael’s a great guy and I give him the highest recommendation.
Mike Hofman is great. He has been my personal trainer for more than three years. He has helped me to get in shape to impress at a family wedding and a big number high school reunion, and his workouts have boosted my endurance and confidence on the ski slopes. I've been reasonably active for a long time, but I've had lapses. When I've been working out regularly with Mike, my morning back aches vanish and I have more energy. Mike has been great at tailoring workouts to produce the results I've wanted while being sensitive to any issues that might come up for someone in her mid-60s. He mixes up the routine, so I won't get bored, and he uses different workout aides, such as an agility ladder and resistance bands. He works out a routine that uses much of the equipment in my building's workout room. He designs a whole body workout with empasis, for me, on core strength. When I object to new exercises, he may modify them, but he usually uses gentle persuasion that keeps me pushing. Mike's been helpful with guidance on nutrition, too. I may get too busy sometimes to workout regularly with Mike, but I always come back!
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