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.

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

Skimble’s Trainer Spotlight: David Rivera

Workout Trainer by Skimble: Trainer Spotlight: David Rivera

Meet David, Skimble’s latest featured Trainer! David is a nationally certified Personal Trainer with a B.S. in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. This Georgia Fitness Coach developed a strong drive to help people after undergoing his own 80 lbs drop – talk about dedication!

We recently had the chance to chat with David Rivera about his personal fitness journey and how he uses Workout Trainer to help others achieve their goals.

Workout Trainer by Skimble: Trainer Spotlight: David Rivera

Tell us a bit about your shift from Athletic Coach to Personal Trainer?

David: I was an Athletic Trainer for various Sports Medicine Programs at High School, College, and Amateur/Semi-Pro level for over 10 years. Within that time I neglected my own fitness and no longer represented the knowledge and discipline I promoted. I took a step back to make lifestyle and priority changes that would allow me to find a healthy balance. After my own transformation of going from 250 lbs to 170 lbs for my first Half Ironman, I chose to become a Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. I knew I was able to relate to individuals struggling to find a balance in life, work, family, etc. I felt compelled to help others as my educational background prepared me to not only rehabilitate athletes back from injury, but to assist individuals with any physical limitations to successfully attain their personal goals.

Having undergone such a big transformation yourself, what keeps you motivated to stay fit?

David: Feeding off the energy of other like minded individuals as we all grind through our struggles, but strive to be our best every day.

What’s your own favorite workout style?

David: I have evolved from triathlon and endurance training as a focal point and am now enjoying powerlifting. My favorite workouts are the Leg Blaster and Powerlifting Chest workout. I’m also dabbling in weightlifting at the moment, I like taking on new challenges.

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How has Workout Trainer helped you build your coaching business? 

David: It’s been a fantastic way to stay in contact with my clients, send workouts if schedule conflicts arise, and give feedback for improvements. I can now provide one-on-one coaching from anywhere. The workouts are great for my clients to cross-train when out of town or on vacation. As the Skimble community grows, it’s become a great place to feed off the incredible energy and motivation shared throughout.

We’re so happy to hear that! Do you have a favorite feature in the app?

David: My favorite features are the playback and audio cues that accompany the exercises. They make it easy for my clients to do workouts when I’m not with them in person for guidance and coaching.

Workout Trainer by Skimble: Trainer Spotlight: David Rivera

Finally, please share a secret fitness or health tip with our community…

David: Challenge yourself to your own standard of success and never let anyone dictate the path you choose in your fitness journey. There are 101 ways to attain the same goal, but it’s up to you to find the path that keeps you motivated, consistent, and progressive. Never let fear, outside influence, guilt, or doubt become a factor in your journey – Trust Your Process –

Thanks for sharing with us, David, and make sure to check out our new 1:1 Training Tools in the latest app update!

Want to follow David 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 David and have access to free coaching tools and more? Get started on Skimble’s Trainer page.

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