Mike Salemi is a holistic high-performance specialist, breathwork facilitator, and coach who helps driven individuals increase energy, sharpen focus, and unlock sustainable vitality—without burning out. With over two decades of experience in strength training, wellness, and personal development, Mike blends breathwork, mindful movement, and leadership coaching to create transformational results on both physical and emotional levels.

He is a 2017 Kettlebell Sport WAKSC World Champion and former Division 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach at Santa Clara University, with deep expertise in biomechanics, somatic practices, and nervous system regulation. His approach is influenced by mentorship under respected Holistic Health Practitioner Paul Chek, advanced biomechanics training with Dr. Guy Voyer, and embodiment and leadership work with John Wineland. He’s also a certified Enneagram coach, helping clients navigate blind spots and lead with clarity, presence, and purpose.

Mike’s commitment to service extends beyond the individual. He co-founded First In Wellness alongside Registered Dietitian Danielle Kawash, where they delivered holistic health, fitness, and resilience programs to first responders. They were also part of a six-month wellness initiative in collaboration with Santa Clara County Fire Department and the California Center for Functional Medicine—supporting frontline professionals in building strength, adaptability, and long-term well-being.

Through his online programs—Athleticism 4 Life, Kettlebell Lifestyle, and Mastering the Kettlebell—as well as his immersive Men of Movement retreats and The Vital Man Collective, Mike guides men to reclaim power in their body, lead with integrity, and cultivate lifelong vitality. Whether working with entrepreneurs, athletes, executives, or first responders, Mike’s mission remains the same: to help his clients become grounded, clear, and capable leaders—in every area of life.

At home, Mike is a devoted father to a rad two-year-old boy and a proud husband—roles that fuel his sense of purpose, presence, and joy. When he’s not coaching or on retreat, you can find him geeking out over nutrient-dense food, sipping strong coffee, playing the shamanic drum, or practicing Mongolian throat singing. He has a french bulldog, Bazzi, who is known by the family as their "little dragon."

He’s been featured on top wellness platforms including Ben Greenfield Fitness, Mind Pump Media, Wellness + Wisdom, and Muscle & Fitness Japan, and is the host of The Path podcast, where he interviews leaders in health, performance, transformation, and conscious leadership.

Certifications & Qualifications:

• 2017 Kettlebell Sport World Champion (Professional Division, 78kg Class)

- 2006 Bench Press and Deadlift WABDL World Champion (Teen Division, 148lb Class)

• Former Division 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach (Santa Clara University Men’s Tennis)

• Certified Inner Compass Enneagram Coach

• ELDOA Level 4 Trainer

• Soma Training Myofascial Stretching

• Certified Enlifted Level 3 Coach

• Certified in Somatic Release Breathwork

• Certified Oxygen Advantage Breathwork Facilitator

• Suples Pro Trainer and Bulgarian Bag Certifying Instructor

• Suples Ball Certified

• CHEK Practitioner Level 1

• CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach Level 2

• Certified Illuminate Coach

• Completion of John Wineland's 6 Month Group EMLT (Embodied Men's Leadership Training)

• Assistant to Ted Riter's Men's Wisdom Circle

• USAW Level 1

• TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Level 1

• 1 Month Immersive Powerlifting Experience at Westside Barbell in Columbus, Ohio (2005)

• 2.5 Year Mentorship and Client of Paul Chek (2013-2016)

Kettlebell Education:

IKSFA II (St. Petersburg, Russia), Ket Academy III, Orange Kettlebell Coach II, IKFF, WKC, StrongFirst

Other Education

B.A. & B.S. Santa Clara University, Magna Cum Laudę