Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Delgado. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Michael, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

One of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me in this business was giving me a chance, and for that, I’m forever grateful to one of my friends and mentors, Rick Simmons. I met Rick when I was down to my last dollar, struggling to make ends meet and make a name for myself in the industry.

But Rick didn’t see me as just another struggling trainer. He saw potential in me, and he welcomed me into his gym/home, even offering me clients and recommendations on how to succeed in the industry. He took me under his wing and helped me develop the skills and confidence I needed to succeed.

Thanks to Rick’s kindness and belief in me, I was able to turn my life around and build a successful career in the strength industry. I learned so much from him, not just about the industry but about how to be a kind and generous mentor to others.

To this day, I am grateful to Rick for giving me that chance and for being such an important part of my journey in this business. His kindness and generosity have had a lasting impact on my life and career, and I will always be thankful for the opportunity he gave me when I needed it most.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Mike Dee, and I’m the founder of the Heavy Breathing Foundation, a nonprofit organization/ coaching platform dedicated to helping individuals build strength, confidence, and resilience through powerlifting and strength training.

I got into powerlifting and strength training as a way to escape my unhealthy relationship with drugs, specifically heroin and crystal meth. After struggling with addiction for 14 years, I hit rock bottom and decided to get clean.

It was through the barbell I built my self confidence back up and was able to create structure with my life.

years later I met Rick Simmons, he took me in and gave me a chance by letting me train at his gym and giving me clients and recommendations on how to build my business. It was through powerlifting that I rediscovered my strength and self-worth, and I knew I wanted to use this passion to help others.

That’s when I founded the Heavy Breathing Foundation, with the mission of helping at-risk individuals build confidence and resilience through powerlifting and strength training. We work closely with local schools, community centers, and other organizations to identify individuals who can benefit from our programs and provide them with the support and guidance they need to succeed.

At the core of our organization are five pillars: honesty, open-mindedness, willingness, consistency, and patience. We believe that when these values are applied consistently, they can create a foundation for success in and out of the gym. Our programs incorporate these principles, along with the core values of community, resilience, growth, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, accountability, education, and compassion.

What sets us apart from others is our holistic approach to fitness and personal development. We don’t just focus on lifting heavy weights; we also prioritize mental and emotional well-being, goal-setting, and creating a supportive community. We provide mentorship, workshops, and resources to help individuals build the confidence and resilience they need to succeed in all areas of their lives.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve made in the community. We’ve helped individuals overcome challenges, set and achieve goals, and build strong, supportive relationships. We’ve also worked with local schools to provide mentorship and guidance to at-risk youth, helping them stay on the right path and reach their full potential.

Overall, I want potential clients and followers to know that the Heavy Breathing Foundation is more than just a gym or fitness program; it’s a community of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to building strength, confidence, and resilience. If you’re looking for a supportive environment where you can push yourself and achieve your goals, we’re here to help.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My unwavering commitment to excellence, relentless work ethic, and consistent delivery of exceptional results have been the key factors in building my reputation within the market. Through years of dedication and countless success stories, my name has become synonymous with high-quality coaching and unparalleled expertise. The trust and respect I’ve earned from clients and peers alike have solidified my position as a go-to authority in the industry.

Any advice for managing a team?

Lead by example

Communicate effectively

Foster a positive culture

Set clear expectations and goals

Encourage growth and development

Empower and delegate

Celebrate successes

Address challenges promptly

Foster a healthy work-life balance

Show appreciation and gratitude

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heavybreathingfoundaton.org www.strictlyheavybreathing.com
• Instagram: @mikemdsm @thisisheavybreathing

Image Credits
karl goodtrip