Business Spotlight: The Fitness Start - Coaching Beyond Reps and Sets
Mason County, WA – October 10, 2025 – Mike Bonneville runs The Fitness Start, offering in-person coaching at Shelton Athletic Club and online programs through his training app. He specializes in fat loss, hypertrophy, and sustainable nutrition, while also leading group classes like bench press workshops. Clients include busy professionals, parents, powerlifters, bodybuilders, and anyone ready to rebuild their health.
Mike’s inspiration for becoming a trainer comes from his own health battles. He studied martial arts before enrolling in Renton Vocational School’s Health & Fitness Technology program, a year-long course covering anatomy, pharmacology, and more. Less than two years ago he faced heart and kidney failure, and fitness once again gave him the tools to recover.
He holds certifications as a Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Sports Nutrition Coach, Physique & Bodybuilding Coach, and Weight Loss Specialist. His coaching is practical and science-based, emphasizing progressive overload, fatigue management, and nutrition that fits into everyday life.
Mike sees himself as a coach rather than just a trainer. While some clients need someone to count reps, most need guidance with mindset, habits, and lifestyle. His coaching goes beyond the gym, helping people improve sleep, recovery, nutrition, and overall wellness. One of his proudest moments was watching a client transform from over 200 pounds and 30% body fat to becoming stronger, leaner, and more confident within months.
He reminds clients that progress isn’t just about the scale. Strength, energy, sleep quality, and how clothes fit all show improvement. His programs include one-on-one sessions, group classes, and customized online coaching. He encourages small, sustainable habits like daily steps, protein with meals, weekly tracking, and consistent sleep.
Mike also contributes to the community by leading training at Shelton Athletic Club and connecting with local health professionals when clients need extra support. He has run group classes and plans to expand with workshops, challenges, and nutrition seminars.
Outside of training, Mike puts family first. He also enjoys playing guitar and continuing to build The Fitness Start. His favorite exercise is the bench press, his favorite training fuel is rock and metal, and his coaching style is practical, results-driven, and sustainable.
Clients can connect with him at Shelton Athletic Club, follow The Fitness Start on Instagram, or sign up through his training app. Options include $25 for basic three-day-a-week programming, $50 for more personalized coaching, and $100 for nutrition guidance and full accountability. The app includes tracking tools, accountability, and custom exercise videos.
