Since I was young, I had a passion for fitness. This led me to earn a Bachelors Degree from De Paul University where I majored in physical education and minored in coaching, and spurs me on to constantly learn and increase my knowledge. I have attended several continuing education programs through Harvard, National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association, International Sports Science Association and the International Youth Conditioning Association.
While at De Paul, I was a volunteer strength and conditioning coach for several of De Paul’s division I athletic teams under the supervision of the former head strength coach Tim Lang. I went on to train athletes of all ages and athletic abilities at the Metropolitan Club in Chicago, Five Seasons in Burr Ridge, several suburban park districts, and opened a fitness studio (Enhance Fitness Studio) in 2010. In December of 2017, I sold my studio to pursue in expanding my knowledge so I can bring more to my clients and have more time working with them to reach their goals. So I hung up the owner/management hat but continue to work at Enhance Fitness Studio as an independent personal trainer and group fitness instructor.
For over 16 years I have taught, motivated and challenged my clients so they could achieve their personal goals of weight loss, better tone and superior athletic performance. My style of personal training is to encourage and support my clients, and to develop individualized workouts that are scientifically proven and deliver astonishing results. Whether you work out with me in the comfort of your own home, during EFS’s “The Total Body Workout” group fitness classes, sports training programs or individually, you will be delighted by my ability to help you develop the body you want.
CERTIFICATIONS
- International Sports Science Association (ISSA) Certified Fitness Trainer (since 2004)
- American Red Cross Adult CPR and Standard First Aid (since 2003)
- Biomechanics Specialist (NESTA) (since 2008)
- Personal Fitness Chef (NESTA) (2010)
- IGNITE 360 Certified Trainer (2013)
- Physique & Figure Training Specialist (2016)
- Certified Lifestyle Fitness Coach (Spencer Institute) (2018)
EDUCATION
DE PAUL UNIVERSITY – CHICAGO, IL 60614 (2003 – 2006)
- Bachelors of Science in Physical Education/Exercise Science
- Minor in Coaching
CONTINUE EDUCATION COURSES
- Harvard Medical School Lifestyle Medicine: Tools for Promoting Healthy Change (2010)
- Harvard Medical School: Ninth Annual Sports-Related Conference on Concussion and Spine Injury (2012)
- International Youth Conditioning Association: Youth Speed & Agility Specialist (2012)
- Ignite 360 Sports Performance Training Conference (2013)
- Athletes Acceleration: Complete Speed & Power Summit (2016)
WORK EXPERIENCE
FENWICK HIGH SCHOOL BOY’S SWIM TEAM (2014 TO 2019)
- Teach dry-land strength & conditioning for the varsity team
- Instruct proper functional training progressions for pre season
- Instruct in-season training sessions
HINSDALE HORNETS SWIM CLUB (2013 – 2014)
- Instruct dry-land strength & conditioning for all age groups
ENHANCE FITNESS STUDIO – COUNTRYSIDE, IL (2010 – 2017)
- Owner/Head Trainer
- Early Morning Group Fitness Classes
- Youth Sports Performance Programs
- Personal Training
7 BRIDGES ICE ARENA – WOODRIDGE, IL (2007 – 2010)
- Off-ice Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Athletic Performance
- Instruct off-ice conditioning programs for figure skaters
FIVE SEASONS SPORTS CLUB – BURR RIDGE, IL (2006 – 2010)
- Fitness Specialist Sport Performance Training for all levels
- High Intensity Training
- Youth Fitness
METROPOLITAN CLUB SEARS TOWER – CHICAGO, IL (2006 – 2007)
- Personal Trainer
- Athletic Performance
- High Intensity Training
- Joint Stability
ENHANCE PERSONAL TRAINING & ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE, INC. – CHICAGOLAND (2006 TO 2017)
- In-home personal training in Chicago and western suburbs
- Youth sports performance
- Youth fitness seminars and conferences
ST. RITA HIGH SCHOOL – CHICAGO, IL 60620 (3/2006 – 4/2006)
- Student Teacher
- Assisted in teaching Physical Education
- Coached freshmen boys baseball
DE PAUL UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC CENTER – CHICAGO, IL 2005 – 2006
- Volunteer Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Assist De Paul’s Athletes in their workout routines
- Assess and implement new drills to their workouts
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY CHEER TEAM – CHICAGO, IL 8/2005 – 5/2006
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Created a specific strength & conditioning program for each individual
- Periodically facilitated fitness assessments
- Continued training throughout season for optimum performance
MIDLOTHIAN MUDCATS BASEBALL – MIDLOTHIAN, IL 2004 – 2006
- Coach and Team Trainer for 17-18 year olds
- Facilitate conditioning practice twice per week
- First Base Coach and Stat Keeper
GOLD’S GYM – ORLAND PARK, IL 1999-2001
- Front desk & Personal Trainer
- Acquainted new members with the gym and showed them how to use each piece of equipment
- Maintained front counter and assisted customers
TESTIMONIALS
“I have been training with Mike Padua since 2006 now and this training has been an important part of my life. Prior to meeting Mike I was falling a lot, I had picked up several injuries and was overweight. Mike’s training has made me much stronger, thinner and surer on my feet. He took me step by step from weak efforts at balance and strength to full participation at boot camp. I’m grateful!”
“Mike is an excellent trainer with a great understanding of the human body. He has provided numerous suggestions for exercises and activities to improve flexibility, range of motion, and strength. We have both lost over 20 pounds by working out with Mike and following his exercise program. We look forward to our weekly session!”
“Mike is fabulous. He is 100 percent better than any other personal trainer I have ever had because he really understands physical fitness and he makes working out fun. Mike truly takes personal training to a completely different level. His work ethic is second to none.”
Michael J Padua, Jr. Personal Training 