ATHLETE OF PRIDE MONTH: MIKE COLLINS
MIKE COLLINS
Fitness Trainer // Nutrition Coach
@coachmikecollins
To celebrate Pride Month, our AOTM is fitness trainer and nutrition coach Mike Collins.
Mike enjoys helping his clients improve their overall health. So on top of a corporate job and coaching, he’s studying to become a Registered Dietician.
He lives by the motto “do what makes you happy, and the money will follow,” which gave him the drive to overcome his fears and pursue his passion for a fitness career. His boyfriend, Adrian, supports and pushes him to chase his dreams.
Learn more about Mike below.
What are your hobbies and passions?
My hobbies include bodybuilding, traveling, trying new restaurants, and playing with my boxer dog, Kona. My passions are fitness and nutrition and helping my clients understand the benefits. It gives me joy to advise people on what to eat to improve their overall health, hence my decision to work as a fitness trainer and nutrition coach. I’m also studying to be certified in Sports Nutrition, and I plan to elevate my nutrition business by becoming a Registered Dietitian.
Why do you shop TAILORED ATHLETE?
I started wearing TA years ago at my corporate job because I was having trouble finding dress clothes that were tailored and comfortable. I tried a few different brands, but the sleeves kept tearing at the elbows (due to my larger-than-average arm size). TA shirts are perfectly fitted and durable. Another great thing about TA is I can wear it in the office or on the weekends. It’s a truly versatile clothing line.
What’s your favourite product?
It’s a tough battle between the Jeans and T-Shirts, but I think the stretch T-Shirts win in the end. I can wear them while training clients or out with friends on a Friday night.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced recently?
Starting my business while working full-time. It’s been a tough experience juggling an 8-5 office job alongside personal training and nutrition coaching.
What are you reading or listening to at the moment?
I’m reading Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends & Influence People” in my spare time. It’s been useful in communicating with clients and networking since starting my business. I’m also listening to Dr. Michael Greger’s “How Not to Die” on Audible. It discusses studies on how nutrition can prevent and reverse disease. His focus is on a whole-food, plant-based diet.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Do what makes you happy, and the money will follow.” My aunt said this to me years ago when I was exploring a career in fitness and nutrition, and my fear was not making enough to support myself. Her advice helped me follow my passion and overcome my fears.
What advice would you give to future or existing TAILORED ATHLETE customers?
The only way to reach your goals is to be uncomfortable. This feeling of discomfort brings change and progress, and change is the only way to reach your goals. So embrace the journey and keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles in your path.
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride means so much to me as a gay man. I didn’t come out until I was 26 because I had a hard time accepting myself. I was afraid of what others would think and how I would be treated. However, the LGBTQ community has allowed me to be me and love who I want to love. My boyfriend, Adrian, and I have been together for six years and have never been happier. He supports me in everything I do and pushes me to follow my dreams. I couldn’t imagine life without him.
