J.Michael Manning is a man on a mission with a humanitarian agenda. His belief that health is wealth is fundamental to his philosophy of personal well being. But the real power lies in knowing that you can be whatever you choose to be. Achieving success is a matter of making simple choices... but making the right choices.

As an early pioneer of synergistic training principles, Mike is one of the leading authorities in the world of exercise science and dynamic fitness. He began designing strength training programs for endurance athletes in the early 70's, long before the mainstream accepted that endurance athletes could benefit from strength training. Mike first received certification as a personal fitness instructor in 1997 while working under the direct tutelage of Dr. Richard Keelor of Health Designs International. Dr. Keelor was the first Director of Program Development for the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Dr. Keelor espoused the belief that perfect fitness meant balancing the pursuit of the perfect body with the greater need of developing the mind and spirit. Building the self image and self esteem of the individual are key to success. A wise man once said "The shortest road to success is knowing who to follow."

Mike has served as a coach for several different non-profit organizations devoted to fund raising for humanitarian causes. His work with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raised thousands of dollars for blood cancer research through the fund raising efforts of cyclists with Team in Training. He was selected as a lead coach for the Livestrong Foundation in the Pacific Northwest region to help raise awareness about cancer research. He also aided in the Community Vision campaign to support the adult mentally disabled of Oregon.

Mike currently coaches two separate groups of cyclists through CycleOne A.I.M. Racing. CycleOne provides technical guidance as well as training guidelines for CrossWorld, a developmental group of cyclocross racers from various athletic backgrounds, and for CycleOne W.O.W. (Women on Wheels), a group of 24 serious touring cyclists with varied cycling related interests.Through extensive educational pursuits and civic involvement, Mike has achieved status as an Elite Coach with USAC at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.   In addition, he has coached cross country runners, racing cyclists, adventure racers and professional triathletes. Check out our coaching site for endurance athletes: CycleOne Coaching

Since moving to Portland in 2000, Mike has been improving the lives of many dedicated Oregonians.  Mike is active in the Exercise is Medicine movement, using the NextFit platform to create a greater awareness about the benefits of exercise to combat modern diseases. He also has received extensive nutrition training through nutraMetrix and works with the medical establishment coordinating lifestyle management programs for weight loss and health maintenance. Whether through lifestyle design, nutrition education, exercise programming, or athletics, Simple Choices has been an effective force in the fight against obesity. Mike currently serves as the Vice President on the Oregon Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Foundation. www.orgovfit.org

      Current Certifications and Qualifications

• NASM Personal Trainer
• NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist
• NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist
• International Health Designs Lifestyle Consultant
• USAC Elite Level 1 Cycling Coach
• Johnny G Star 3 Lifetime Spin Instructor
• Specialized BG Expert Bike Fitter
• WobbleNaught Bike Fitting Specialist
• Balanced Body Level 2 Pilates Reformer Instructor   
• nutraMetrix certified Nutriceutical Consultant 
• Member of Oregon Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
• Vice-President of Oregon Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Foundation