Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Cripps.
Hi Michael, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My father instilled the philosophy of a holistic approach to health, both physical and mental, in me at a young age. Instead of team sports, he introduced me to martial arts, a love for eastern culture, and an individualized strength approach. We moved around the country frequently, around a move a year, so there was never a chance to apply myself in a team building environment. My physical fitness path took a long break once we settled for a few years at one location, and I was able to join a social group. However I quickly learned that I had a taste for drugs and alcohol, which grew from just a taste to a full blown addiction to first heroin & cocaine then alcohol. After dropping out of college, for which I had a full scholarship, I continued to move around and pursue my love of music, acquiring my 15 minutes of fame touring in a band that supported Modest Mouse, and grew into Band of Horses. That fame avoided me, and I spent time in different small bands in Nashville, before relocating to Tucson. There I bought into a family business and co owned a profitable coffee shop for 16 years, married and started a family. During this time my struggle with substance abuse continued, but with the support of my family, and the strength of my willingness for change and self improvement, I was able to start a sober lifestyle. After experiencing some familial loss, and a need for change, my family and I moved to Minnesota in December of 2021. By that point I had gotten back on my health journey, had been training and lifting again for almost 20 years. I considered buying a small coffee business somewhere in the area, but after some deliberation, decided that I wanted to help people overcome adversity, physical inactivity, injury, stress and anxiety through nutrition and exercise. I started deep diving and studying, and received my certification through NASM. I’ve been fortunate to have been accepted into a wonderful community, and I’ve found a love for a career that can help others make a positive change in their lives.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There will always be a struggle being a sole proprietor, a small business, and battling all the trends and misinterpretations of wellness found primarily on social media does cause some people to feel like it’s a short lived, easy and disposable way of life, buying into quick fixes.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a one man training team. I specialize in bodybuilding, strength training, mobility, physical therapy and nutrition advice. I have a very fluid and flexible approach style, paying particular attention to the movement and body messages of my clients. I have worked with children as young as 12 years old whose parents wished to advance their chances in their prospective sports choices, up to 82 year olds that have balance, mobility and movement needs.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
My philosophy and approach to wellness is that life doesn’t have to slow down, at any age. My clients have every right to move without limitations and pain, and if I can help them to, for as long as possible, I get no greater joy than helping with that. Movement, strength, endurance, my life has changed forever through the continual pursuit of better health.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: totalwellnessstudiomn
- Facebook: Total Wellness Studio
