Testimonials

"Mike is a wealth of knowledge and even more so — one of the best humans I know."

Mike Salemi has been a solid brother of mine for over six years and it’s been an honor to share space with him one on one and with family and friends. We have many shared interests and values and he has the rare ability to hold space during stressful times. Mike also introduced me to many types of kinesiology techniques that have greatly optimized my everyday life - from proper functional movement practices, weight training, and also the revered practice of the ELDOAs, which greatly opened up my neuro-connections allowing clear nerve function - which has greatly affected my overall health. - Chervin Jafarieh, Founder of Cymbiotika and Host of the Wake the Fake Up Podcast

"Mike is one of the most disciplined men I’ve ever had the blessing to work with."

Mike's a world-class athlete, but what impresses me even more is his creativity, leadership, and presence—both in movement and in life. Watching Mike carry the CHEK Principles forward makes the entire Hero’s Journey of my own teachings worth it. He’s a true example for men of all ages, and a leader with heart." - Paul Chek, Holistic Health Practitioner, Author & Founder of the CHEK Institute

"Mike’s programs helped me get into the best shape of my life—and I trust him with my health more than anyone."

I’m a dual board-certified physician and a father of two young daughters—ages two and four. Even as a physician, I hadn’t been able to heal my own shoulder injury—an infraspinatus strain—despite all my resources. That’s when I started working with Mike one-on-one. My shoulder improved, and he introduced me to his online program, Kettlebell Lifestyle. Using it, I built back up to lifting very heavy weights and, honestly, got into the best shape of my life—despite a long athletic history that includes Ironman triathlons, ultra-distance running, and rock climbing.

Now, I don’t need one-on-one sessions anymore. Mike’s programs are so well-structured they’ve helped me dial in my breathing, proprioception, and lifting mechanics—even with just bodyweight movements. As a husband and father, this matters. I don’t have hours to train. A 20–30 minute pre-programmed workout—whether it’s from Kettlebell Lifestyle or Athleticism for Life—lets me maintain strength, mobility, and muscle mass in a sustainable way.

- Dr. Nathan Riley, OB/GYN

"Working with Mike was one of the smartest long-term decisions I’ve made"

I came in to refine my kettlebell technique—but what I gained was a lifelong foundation for movement and vitality. His coaching and programs help you move well for decades to come, not just for today’s workout. If you’re hesitating, consider how expensive it is to stay stuck, move poorly, or be unprepared when life calls you forward." - Mark England, Co-Founder of Enlifted, TEDx Speaker, and Mindset Expert

"Mike Salemi is the real deal. He’s my go-to when I want to level up as an athlete, coach, or man."

As someone who’s spent a lifetime in fitness, hosted top podcasts, and worked with world-class coaches, I know mastery when I see it—and Mike has it. Whether it’s healing injuries, boosting athleticism in my 40s, or supporting deep personal growth, he delivers on all levels. His holistic approach goes beyond workouts—he covers everything from warm-ups to mindset and helps me stay in tune with my body and intuition. If you’re serious about evolving your health, relationships, and leadership, Mike’s your guy." - Mike Bledsoe, Co-founder of Barbell Shrugged Podcast, Former Crossfit Gym Owner, and Business Coach

"Mike holds space for men with a level of presence I’ve rarely seen."

Whether we’re in hunting camps or men’s work containers, Mike shows up with deep empathy, grounded power, and total authenticity. He’s one of the first people I think of when I consider movement practice that supports embodied masculinity and sacred living. His guidance is a rare kind of medicine.."

- Mansal Denton, Founder of Sacred Hunting

“Mike’s energy is contagious, and his coaching is truly next level."

As a two-time Olympic coach and longtime strength and health coach, I’ve seen a lot—but Mike’s Bags & Bells classes stand out as some of the most well-designed and thoughtful training experiences I’ve encountered. His technical advice is amazing, and you can feel his genuine desire to help everyone improve. I discovered kettlebells through his Mastering the Kettlebell program, and now I’ve added the Bulgarian Bag with even more excitement. It’s a fun, safe, and high-level environment to grow in—and I highly recommend signing up.." - Vincent Larivée, 2x Olympic Beach Volleyball Coach

"Mike is a humble, curious, ferocious lion—and one of the most solid men I’ve ever met"

He’s the kind of man I’d go to war with, farm with, train with, and build a life with. Mike is a rare mix of mastery and humility—deeply grounded, wildly capable, and never afraid to speak his truth. He’s a symbol of integrity, power, leadership, and follow-through. I’ve never once heard someone speak negatively about him—and there’s no one better suited to lead men into becoming leaders themselves." - Jator Pierre, Mental-Emotional Coach, CHEK Faculty, and Created of Illuminate Program for Coaches

“Before I felt isolated and uncertain—this work with Mike helped me become the man I wanted to be."

I used to walk the path alone, overwhelmed by doubt. Through men’s work, I found connection, clarity, and strength in community. Witnessing other men in their vulnerability became part of my own healing, and I now show up fully—for myself, my family, and my purpose." - Dr. Jonny Suarez, Chinese Medicine Doctor, Function Medicine Practitioner and CHEK Practitioner

"Mike’s work helped me shift from just surviving, to living and leading with clarity"

After years of training together, I’ve seen how this work evolves. Through retreats and men’s groups, I learned to process challenges in real-time and communicate more consciously—with clients, family, and friends. This isn’t just coaching. It’s an upgrade for your entire life." - Dr. Drew Vercellino, Upper Cervical Chiropractor

"Mike’s courses are next-level—and I say that as a movement coach myself"

His kettlebell program helped me dial in my technique and feel amazing, and now I’m diving into his Bulgarian Bag course. The depth, structure, and clarity are insane for an online program. If you want a challenge that will push you to grow, Mike delivers." - Jake Stone, Co-founder of Corrective Culture

"Mike’s work helped me bring calm and precision into my intensity-driven training"

As a former UFC fighter, I’ve always leaned into high output. But Kettlebell Lifestyle helped me slow down, breathe, and reconnect with my body in a whole new way. His teachings stay with you long after the workout is over." - Charlie "The Spaniard" Brenneman, Former UFC Fighter, Author & Speaker

“Mike embodies what it means to be a real man—strength balanced with softness, discipline with heart.”

He moves with intention and mastery, but what sets him apart is how deeply he listens, how fully he shows up—with presence, kindness, and care. Whether it’s kettlebell training, a sweat lodge, or deep brotherhood, Mike brings passion, precision, and soul to everything he does. You don’t just learn how to move better—you walk away knowing how to live better. If Mike has appeared in your life, ask yourself: are you ready to take the next step in your evolution?." - Jason Pickard, Creator of the Abundance Archetype and Top Trader

“Mike meets you in your deepest vulnerability while holding you to your highest potential.”

I’ve participated in Mike's men’s groups, and co-facilitated retreats with him, and the integrity he carries—physically, emotionally, spiritually—is rare and powerful. I’ll never forget watching him sit in perfect posture, tears streaming down his face, embodying the sacred union of strength and emotional openness. That moment showed me: Mike is the real deal. If you get the chance to work with him—1:1, in a group, or at a retreat—consider it a true gift." - Greg Schmaus, Author and Coach

"Mike’s coaching had an immediate and measurable impact on our athletes."

His ability to connect with our players and teach complex movements simply was a game-changer. Our athletes saw gains they’d never experienced before. His energy, passion, and excellence are contagious" - George Husack, Head Men's Tennis Coach at Alabama University

"Mike’s workshops are hands down the best offerings we’ve brought to our college."

He brings elite-level knowledge in a grounded, approachable way—teaching breath, biomechanics, and presence. Our students don’t just observe—they learn to feel, refine, and embody. It’s been a transformative addition to their education and one we’re deeply grateful for. - Theresa Dimas, Interim Dead of Academics and Former Personal Training Department Head at Northwest Vista College

"My body pain decreased, and my strength and mobility went way up."

After 6 months, I dropped 5% body fat, improved my range of motion, and reduced joint pain. I move better, feel better, and trust my body again." - Dan Marino, Firefighter

"Mike embodies the rare drive to keep becoming a better man—father, coach, teacher, and human."

I’ve seen Mike from every angle—student, teacher, podcast host, father, and brother in men’s work—and the way he shows up in all roles is beautiful. He’s always striving to grow, to serve more deeply, and to bring integrity to every area of life. If you have the chance to be coached or mentored by Mike in any capacity, take it. I can’t recommend him highly enough."

- Ted Riter, Program Lead for John Wineland and Relationship Coach

"Mike’s storywork session shifted my awareness, and gave me tools I now use every day"

He holds space with clarity, structure, and depth. Our session helped me slow down, hear my own internal dialogue, and make powerful changes across my business and relationships. It wasn’t just a moment—it was a turning point. This is the kind of work every man needs access to.." - Justin Peters, Men's Coach

"I move with more awareness and confidence every day."

Working with Mike helped me become more mindful of how I breathe and move. My posture, body awareness, and daily mechanics all improved."

- Matt Mokhtarian, Firefighter

"I was burning out, disconnected from my son—and this work reset my life."

I kept pushing myself to the brink following the “no pain, no gain” mentality. At the time, I didn’t know how to connect with my young son or show up fully at home. At the Men of Movement retreat, I learned how to regulate my nervous system, lead by example, and show up as the man my family needs. The tools I took away have helped me stay grounded and avoid burnout. And the brotherhood I built? Those men are still my brothers today." - Mike Tsai, Coach

“Working with Mike was literally life-changing—especially the breathwork and journaling practices."

In just a few weeks of 1:1 coaching, I learned powerful tools to navigate life with more clarity and control. The unmerging process—separating myself from negative thoughts and emotions—was especially impactful. I highly recommend Mike, and if you're not ready for 1:1 coaching yet, at least join his online group. There's real value waiting there."

- Paul Hirsh

"Working with Mike was nothing short of holy sh*t. It was genuinely life-changing."

We went head-on into every area of my life—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. The storywork gave me a deep awareness of my inner critic, helped me connect to my inner child, and unravel limiting beliefs. Mike’s approach was unlike anything I’ve experienced. My chronic shoulder pain from over a decade is now nearly gone. I’m in the best shape of my life and far more embodied. If you’re ready to step out of victim mentality and take full ownership of your life, this is the work that will change everything." - James Thompson, Coach

"Mike helped me break through subconscious limitations I didn’t even know I had."

I came in looking for clarity and real-world strategies—and Mike delivered that and more. He created a space where I felt safe to open up, challenge my thinking, and take ownership of my path. Through our work together, I’ve tackled self-doubt, set clear goals, improved my relationships, and built an actionable plan for my future. If you’re ready to go deeper and step into your next level, I highly recommend working with Mike."

- Nikita Ivanov