Skimble’s Trainer Spotlight: Michael Butts

Workout Trainer by Skimble: Trainer Spotlight: Michael ButtsMeet Michael, Skimble‘s latest featured Trainer! This Midwestern boy has done it all, from growing up wrestling in his small Missouri hometown, to rock climbing in some of the most spectacular places around the world. We recently had the chance to catch up with Michael Butts in Boulder, Colorado and find out more about his latest passion; CrossFit.

Tell us a bit about your fitness background?

Michael: I grew up in the small town of Carthage, Missouri in the Ozarks. Growing up with boundless energy and the last name Butts, my brother and I got into quite a few scuffles as children. So one day my father decided to take us to wrestling practice. As it turned out, I was pretty good at the sport. Good enough to earn a full ride scholarship to the University of Nebraska in Omaha. For those of you who are not familiar with the sport of wrestling, there is a fair amount of weight loss involved. From a young age I was lucky to learn from some of the best in the business, Olympic champions and coaches from around the world. They taught me how to train and the importance of nutrition if I wanted to perform and compete at the highest level. Those lessons in training, nutrition and performance have stayed with me over the years. I am dedicated to the pursuit of fitness, healthy living and helping others get there too. Workout Trainer by Skimble: Trainer Spotlight: Michael ButtsRumor has it you’ve traveled a lot in the name of fitness! Where have you lived and trained? Do you have a favorite location?

Michael: After college, I discovered rock climbing and spent 9 years climbing around the world. I climbed in over a dozen countries, pushing myself mentally and physically on some of the best rock climbs and mountains around the world. During my travels I was exposed to almost everything the fitness world has to offer. Gripped by the desire to find new challenges, I discovered CrossFit in 2008. After only a few workouts I knew that CrossFit was going to be more than just a training element in my life. Some of my most memorable workouts have been in remote places around the world with amazing people.

What’s your favorite workout style?

Michael: My favorite workout style is Olympic weightlifting combined with mid-level track & field and a little gymnastics. I believe these are the strongest, fastest, healthiest athletes on the planet and by combining these modalities I can create a great workout that keeps me mobile, strong and powerful.Workout Trainer by Skimble: Trainer Spotlight: Michael ButtsSpeaking of Olympic weightlifting, you have competed in that field. Can you share any highlights?

Michael: Yes, I have competed in several local competitions. One highlight was a 315 pound Clean and Jerk (a 10 # personal record) for a win.

What do you eat? Do you have a guilty pleasure?

Michael: I follow one simple rule. Eat food not ingredients, mostly greens and not too much. I have been following a zone style diet for many years now. Measuring out your macronutrients to ensure the best energy and focus throughout my day. My guilty pleasure is chocolate milk 🙂

Workout Trainer by Skimble: Trainer Spotlight: Michael ButtsDo you supplement? What do you take?

Michael: I try to eat as much food as possible. I want to get my nutrients the natural way, from food. My favorite post workout recovery is an 8oz chocolate milk, giving me just enough protein and simple sugars to ensure protein synthesis, helping my muscles grow.

Do you have a personal mantra or message you stand by?

Michael: “If it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you.” Above all, I believe that fitness is non-negotiable. In life the ability or inability to meet physical challenges shapes an individual’s personality and lifestyle, be it moving luggage to the overhead bin, climbing stairs at work or hiking a 14’er. I believe in a world filled with confidence and strength, I’m dedicated to the pursuit of fitness, healthy living and helping others get there too. Workout Trainer by Skimble: Trainer Spotlight: Michael ButtsThanks for sharing with us, Michael, we’re looking forward to our next climbing session together!

Want to follow Michael and other great trainers? Download the Workout Trainer app for Android & iOS, then head on over to the new Trainers tab.

Are you a fitness professional? Want to become a Verified Trainer like Michael and have access to free coaching tools and more? Get started on Skimble’s Trainer page.

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Olympic Gold Series: Gym-nast Strength

Workout Trainer by Skimble: Olympic Gold Series: Ready for RioFor many, the body of a gymnast is the ultimate goal. It embodies balance, strength, tone and flexibility. With the Olympics upon us, we can use these athletes for inspiration! Do these exercises regularly and you will start to see your body transform. You need a pull-up bar and box or bench to get this one done.
Workout Trainer by Skimble: Olympic Gold Series: Gym-nast StrengthIf you’re new to Skimble, our Workout of the Week challenges offer you fresh ways to be fit. Download Workout Trainer on your Android & Apple devices and do your first workout! Remember, if you want to stay up-to-date with our Workout of the Week challenges, be sure to have your Workout Trainer notifications turned ON in the app!

Workout Trainer for Android - Google Play store downloadWorkout Trainer for iOS - iTunes App Store downloadTeam Skimble

 

 

Olympic Gold Series: Boxing Gold

Workout Trainer by Skimble: Olympic Gold Series: Ready for RioGo for gold with this boxing-inspired upper body cardio routine. This workout will give you a little taste of what it takes to be a boxing champion or any Olympic athlete. Keep the intensity high for maximum benefits from this session.
Workout Trainer by Skimble: Olympic Gold Series: Boxing GoldIf you’re new to Skimble, our Workout of the Week challenges offer you fresh ways to be fit. Download Workout Trainer on your Android & Apple devices and do your first workout! Remember, if you want to stay up-to-date with our Workout of the Week challenges, be sure to have your Workout Trainer notifications turned ON in the app!

Workout Trainer for Android - Google Play store downloadWorkout Trainer for iOS - iTunes App Store downloadTeam Skimble

Olympic Gold Series: Swim Like Phelps

Workout Trainer by Skimble: Olympic Gold Series: Ready for RioThis workout is designed to work your back and shoulders to give you the look of a pro swimmer. After completing this upper body session you will be ready to swim like Michael Phelps.Workout Trainer by Skimble: Olympic Gold Series: Swim Like PhelpsIf you’re new to Skimble, our Workout of the Week challenges offer you fresh ways to be fit. Download Workout Trainer on your Android & Apple devices and do your first workout! Remember, if you want to stay up-to-date with our Workout of the Week challenges, be sure to have your Workout Trainer notifications turned ON in the app!

Workout Trainer for Android - Google Play store downloadWorkout Trainer for iOS - iTunes App Store downloadTeam Skimble

Olympic Gold Series: Olympic Weightlifting

Workout Trainer by Skimble: Olympic Gold Series: Ready for RioGet into the Olympic spirit with this introductory weightlifting workout. Complete the reps as slowly as you need to, while keeping good form through the movements. Feel like an Olympian when you are done with this short lifting session! Grab a light to medium weighted barbell and a bench.Workout Trainer by Skimble: Olympic Gold Series: Olympic WeightliftingDo you have a fitness resolution? Make progress towards achieving your goals with Skimble’s top fitness apps and supportive community. If you’re new to Skimble, our Workout of the Week challenges offer you fresh ways to be fit. Download Workout Trainer on your Android & Apple devices and do your first workout! Remember, if you want to stay up-to-date with our Workout of the Week challenges, be sure to have your Workout Trainer notifications turned ON in the app!

Workout Trainer for Android - Google Play store downloadWorkout Trainer for iOS - iTunes App Store downloadTeam Skimble

Olympic Gold Series: Ready for Rio

Workout Trainer by Skimble: Olympic Gold Series: Ready for RioStart feeling like an athlete with a trim and tight core and abs. This workout will leave you feeling ready for Rio, just like all of the Olympians.Workout Trainer by Skimble: Olympic Gold Series: Ready for RioIf you’re new to Skimble, our Workout of the Week challenges offer you fresh ways to be fit. Download Workout Trainer on your Android & Apple devices and do your first workout! Remember, if you want to stay up-to-date with our Workout of the Week challenges, be sure to have your Workout Trainer notifications turned ON in the app!

Workout Trainer for Android - Google Play store downloadWorkout Trainer for iOS - iTunes App Store downloadTeam Skimble