My name is Bryon Keim, 50 year old LW Masters Strongman and I have been with Mike for a year and a half. I'm in my 9th year of strongman and so far my only regret is that I didn't have Mike as my coach this entire time. I have made more strength gains in my time with Mike than I did the previous 8 years.
I first met Mike in 2015 following USS Strongman Nationals, I went into that comp with high expectations and left with my confidence totally destroyed. Over the next 7 months Mike built me back up mentally as my strength surpassed all of my previous bests.
My first strongman comp with Mike as my coach was Central Georgia Strongest Man, March '16. I entered the open masters division open meaning there is no weight class. There were 9 of us, all over 250 lbs except me. I weigh 200 lbs, and I took 4 th place. First thru third place, each competitor weighed over 300. I'm not bragging, the point is Mike had me ready to compete and because of his coaching I was able to beat 5 other masters while weighing 50-100 less than them. And set PR's on each event.
My next comp with Mike was USS Nationals '16 where I place 15th of 23. Again a body weight of 200 and giving up a lot of weight to the others in my class. More PR's on each event.
My most recent comp with Mike was Florida Strongest Man. There was no masters class so at the age of 50 I competed in the 200 Men's open where I was 6 of 9. Again, all PRs and left feeling pretty good that I held my own against a bunch of 20 and 30 year olds.
The only reason I mention my age or body weight compared to others is to give you an idea of what Mike is working with in me. All of these accomplishments are due to Mikes coaching, there is just no way I could do any of this on my own.
In summary, I know that going into each comp I will be at my strongest, my fastest, fully recovered and ready to compete. I look forward to working with Mike for many years to come.
-Bryon Keim.
I first met Mike in 2015 following USS Strongman Nationals, I went into that comp with high expectations and left with my confidence totally destroyed. Over the next 7 months Mike built me back up mentally as my strength surpassed all of my previous bests.
My first strongman comp with Mike as my coach was Central Georgia Strongest Man, March '16. I entered the open masters division open meaning there is no weight class. There were 9 of us, all over 250 lbs except me. I weigh 200 lbs, and I took 4 th place. First thru third place, each competitor weighed over 300. I'm not bragging, the point is Mike had me ready to compete and because of his coaching I was able to beat 5 other masters while weighing 50-100 less than them. And set PR's on each event.
My next comp with Mike was USS Nationals '16 where I place 15th of 23. Again a body weight of 200 and giving up a lot of weight to the others in my class. More PR's on each event.
My most recent comp with Mike was Florida Strongest Man. There was no masters class so at the age of 50 I competed in the 200 Men's open where I was 6 of 9. Again, all PRs and left feeling pretty good that I held my own against a bunch of 20 and 30 year olds.
The only reason I mention my age or body weight compared to others is to give you an idea of what Mike is working with in me. All of these accomplishments are due to Mikes coaching, there is just no way I could do any of this on my own.
In summary, I know that going into each comp I will be at my strongest, my fastest, fully recovered and ready to compete. I look forward to working with Mike for many years to come.
-Bryon Keim.
“Mike Westerling is the epitome of what I needed in a coach. Having had experience with numerous coaches, I realized I needed someone who had a long-term plan for me as more than an athlete but as a person. In working with Mike, I have not once felt like a number. Mike has gone above and beyond to value me as an individual. His knowledge base, experience and heart-felt wisdom has really allowed me to overcome adversity in my journey as an athlete. Mike has walked the walk himself and yet is humble is relaying his hands-on experiences to less experienced athletes like myself. Mike is never hard to get in touch with which, for me, shows his appreciation and commitment to his athlete’s and their needs above all. With Mike as my coach, mentor and friend I can honestly say I have no intention of working with any other coach.”
-Andrew Clayton
ASC Middleweight & Heavyweight Professional Strongman
Runner Up 105kg America’s Strongest Man 2016
-Andrew Clayton
ASC Middleweight & Heavyweight Professional Strongman
Runner Up 105kg America’s Strongest Man 2016
After tearing my biceps tendon in my shoulder I thought I was done for good then, Mike was recommended to me. Since I have been training under Mike over the past year, I have strengthened my shoulders and improved my mobility thus alleviating bicep tendon pain. Not only did he help me become pain free but, every time I have competed since having Mike in my corner I have consistently hit PR’s. I highly recommend Mike’s training to any caliber athlete whether you compete or not.
California’s Strongest Man March 2016 (15th) LWM
Log Axle Medley PR
Arm Over Arm Medley PR
Stone max weight for reps PR
Conan’s Wheel PR
Gladiator Gauntlet April 2016 (4th) MWM
300lb stone rep PR
Keg Toss PR
Gladiator Strongman Classic (1st) MWM
Zercher Carry 100ft PR
Car Deadlift PR
Tire Flip PR
Keg Over Bar PR
NAS Nationals (34th) MWM 231
Circus Dumbbell for Reps PR
Axle Tire Deadlift PR
Yoke 60ft for time PR
Tombstone Carry for distance PR
Keg Keg SOS Medley PR
Inaugural Contest of Champions (1st) MWM
Zercher 60ft PR
Farmers with turns at 50ft PR
Barbell Tire Deadlift PR
Stone over Bar PR
-Dale Holthaus
California’s Strongest Man March 2016 (15th) LWM
Log Axle Medley PR
Arm Over Arm Medley PR
Stone max weight for reps PR
Conan’s Wheel PR
Gladiator Gauntlet April 2016 (4th) MWM
300lb stone rep PR
Keg Toss PR
Gladiator Strongman Classic (1st) MWM
Zercher Carry 100ft PR
Car Deadlift PR
Tire Flip PR
Keg Over Bar PR
NAS Nationals (34th) MWM 231
Circus Dumbbell for Reps PR
Axle Tire Deadlift PR
Yoke 60ft for time PR
Tombstone Carry for distance PR
Keg Keg SOS Medley PR
Inaugural Contest of Champions (1st) MWM
Zercher 60ft PR
Farmers with turns at 50ft PR
Barbell Tire Deadlift PR
Stone over Bar PR
-Dale Holthaus
I came to Mike about 15 weeks out from the 2016 United States Strongman nationals. I had a shoulder injury that had kept me from any overhead pressing for several months. Mike proved to me that the right amount of less was more. He was able to give me the right amount of volume that my pressing was getting stronger and my shoulder was healing at the same time. Everything got stronger with his programming and I continually hit PRs in training. I was able to even win the stone series at nationals. I placed 3rd in the LW Masters class at nationals under Mike but without Mike my shoulder may have kept me from competing. Mike goes above and beyond as a coach and I always felt like I was getting more than I paid for.
Thanks again Mike for the excellent programming.
-Jim Morris
Thanks again Mike for the excellent programming.
-Jim Morris
I started working with Mike after training almost every single day for the past 25 years. Mike immediately helped me challenge some of my assumptions about training frequency, intensity, and volume, resulting in a series of programs that have me stronger, more focused, and more injury-free at age 45 than ever before. He is incredibly responsive and for the interested student is always willing to share the thinking behind the design of his programs. I've hit PRs in every single Strongman event and contest during our time together and know that he'll keep me strong and improving for the next decade, at least!
I competed in the United States Strongman Nationals, where I placed 13th in the Masters division.
Two weeks later I set at PR in Axle C&P at the MN State Championships (with WSM veteran Wade Gillingham there as a judge!).
More recently I set multiple PRs -- including Atlas Stones -- at the MN Winter Strongman Assault...where I placed 3rd in the Masters Division.
-Adam
I competed in the United States Strongman Nationals, where I placed 13th in the Masters division.
Two weeks later I set at PR in Axle C&P at the MN State Championships (with WSM veteran Wade Gillingham there as a judge!).
More recently I set multiple PRs -- including Atlas Stones -- at the MN Winter Strongman Assault...where I placed 3rd in the Masters Division.
-Adam
2015
Summer Fest Strongman Showdown (August) - 1st Place
NAS Nationals 2015 (October) - 4th in 300 subdivision; 8th in HWM division; Arnold invite
2016
Amateur World Championships at The Arnold Sports Festival (March) - 16th place out of 40 in HWM
Battle on the Barge (July) - 2nd Place Amateurs
Scott County Fair Midsummer Meltdown (July) - 1st Place
NAS Nationals 2016 (October) - 3rd in 300 subdivision; 22nd in HWM division; Arnold invite
Unfortunately had to drop out of the 2017 Arnold due to surgery.
As for working with Mike, the three biggest things I enjoy are:
1. Mike takes into account your lifting history and available equipment
2. Mike works with you on injuries and will work around them with alternate exercises.
3. Mike is very responsive via email and text
Mike has been really excellent in managing my fatigue during training; something that is really refreshing to see in online training. With typical online trainers, you pay for a 12-week program, and you're on your way. With Mike, you pay not only for his expertise but his attention, and he always delivers. He pays attention to how you're doing, and will change the program on the fly if needed. I've hit numerous PRs with Mike. My first 300 pound log (for reps!), first 1,000 pound yoke, among others.
I love working with him and plan on sticking around for a while!
-Ryan-
Summer Fest Strongman Showdown (August) - 1st Place
NAS Nationals 2015 (October) - 4th in 300 subdivision; 8th in HWM division; Arnold invite
2016
Amateur World Championships at The Arnold Sports Festival (March) - 16th place out of 40 in HWM
Battle on the Barge (July) - 2nd Place Amateurs
Scott County Fair Midsummer Meltdown (July) - 1st Place
NAS Nationals 2016 (October) - 3rd in 300 subdivision; 22nd in HWM division; Arnold invite
Unfortunately had to drop out of the 2017 Arnold due to surgery.
As for working with Mike, the three biggest things I enjoy are:
1. Mike takes into account your lifting history and available equipment
2. Mike works with you on injuries and will work around them with alternate exercises.
3. Mike is very responsive via email and text
Mike has been really excellent in managing my fatigue during training; something that is really refreshing to see in online training. With typical online trainers, you pay for a 12-week program, and you're on your way. With Mike, you pay not only for his expertise but his attention, and he always delivers. He pays attention to how you're doing, and will change the program on the fly if needed. I've hit numerous PRs with Mike. My first 300 pound log (for reps!), first 1,000 pound yoke, among others.
I love working with him and plan on sticking around for a while!
-Ryan-
I was introduced to Mike about a year ago. He elevated me immediately to a level I never thought possible. His guidance, expertise and care was truly appreciated. He accommodated every possible situation and rewrote programming to always achieve the best results. I would not be competing the way I am, if it weren't for Mike.
CSW LWW 2016 -1st
Strongest Woman in the World 2016- 6th - Won Pro Card
Arnold Pro Strongwoman - 10th
-Jamie Popp Christenson
CSW LWW 2016 -1st
Strongest Woman in the World 2016- 6th - Won Pro Card
Arnold Pro Strongwoman - 10th
-Jamie Popp Christenson
