Did you know the second Friday in January is known as "quitters day"? It's the day when 80% of people have already given up on their New Years resolution.
If staying active, lifting weights, or getting fit was on your list, working with a personal trainer can help you get back on track and meet your goals.
Mike Duffy founded Mike Duffy's Personal Training after noticing a real need for people to learn how to exercise properly and safely. He saw too many individuals risking injury from poor form or spending too much time on routines that weren’t helping them achieve their goals. Driven by a genuine passion for helping others, Mike focuses on teaching efficient training methods that lead to faster, more sustainable results. His mission is to support his clients in reaching their fitness goals while giving them the confidence that they are doing so in a way that is both safe and truly effective for their bodies.
Duffy has been involved in sports his whole life, playing football, baseball, and wrestling as he grew up. To build strength, confidence, and manage his weight, he began weight training and was amazed at how quickly his body transformed. The strength he gained not only improved his performance on the mat and field but also fueled his passion for fitness. Driven by a desire to learn more, Mike immersed himself in every article, magazine, and book he could find about nutrition and training. This pursuit of knowledge eventually led him to earn a BS degree in Exercise Science from Rutgers University. Today, Mike is dedicated to using his personal experience and expertise to help others achieve their health and fitness goals safely and effectively
Why should people work with a personal trainer?
A personal trainer is like a professional tutor for your health and fitness. They provide expert guidance, helping you get fit faster and more safely than if you went it alone. Trainers create customized workout plans tailored to your goals, ensuring you focus on the most effective exercises with the best technique. They save you time, keep you motivated when your energy drops, and hold you accountable, so excuses don’t get in the way. A personal trainer becomes your partner, supporting you throughout your fitness journey.
How long should people work with a PT?
I believe everyone can benefit from working with a personal trainer, especially when starting out. Trainers help you reach your goals faster and more safely, and they offer continuous support and accountability. The duration depends on your goals and progress, but even short-term guidance can make a significant impact.
What are your favorite machines, or circuits to use with clients?
My favorite training approach is using timed circuits. They really push my clients to work harder, stay focused, and maximize the intensity of their workouts. I like to mix it up with a variety of exercises, incorporating machines, bodyweight training, kickboxing, and Pilates. This variety keeps the workouts fresh and engaging, ensuring clients never get bored or feel like they’re doing the same thing every day. I believe in tailoring workouts to each individual, so I rarely repeat the same routine twice—unless, of course, a client has a favorite. Variety is key to maintaining motivation and delivering results.
How do you recommend people stay motivated to workout?
Hire a personal trainer! A trainer will help you push through tough days, keep you accountable, and ensure you stay on track. They will assist in setting clear, attainable goals tailored to your needs and help you discover exercises and workout routines you truly enjoy. When you enjoy your workouts, you're more likely to stay motivated and committed. Variety is also key to keeping things exciting. A good personal trainer is trained in many different types of training, offering a wide range of exercises and training routines to prevent boredom and keep you engaged in your fitness journey.
What's the biggest misconception people have about working with a personal trainer?
Personal training can be an investment, it’s often more affordable than people think. We offer various pricing options, including group sessions, small group sessions, 30 and 60-minute sessions in various packages with monthly payments, which can make it more budget-friendly. Additionally, the value of expert guidance and faster results can make it worth the cost in the long run. I have seen people workout by themselves for years and not get any results when just a small tweak in their nutrition plan would boost their results tremendously.
Can you share some testimonials and favorite client transformations?
My favorite testimonials and transformations come from clients who have achieved incredible health improvements—lowering their blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and A1C levels, as well as healing issues like IBS, through proper nutrition and consistent workouts. I've had clients lose over 100 pounds, 49 pounds in just six weeks (yes, six weeks!), and hundreds, if not thousands, of clients shed 20 pounds with ease. I've also helped clients improve scoliosis and recover from other back injuries, enabling them to avoid surgery. While I have many favorite transformations (you can see them on my website), the most inspiring part of my job is seeing my clients succeed. Their success motivates me to continue doing what I love, knowing that I’m making a real difference in their lives.
What's the story with the 70+ year old female weight lifter?
Vicki Maneff is a 73-year-old retired school teacher who has shown incredible perseverance and strength. When I first met Vicki, she was in immense pain, and it was difficult to watch her struggle to get out of her car and use a walker to enter my facility. Day after day, week after week, month after month, Vicki showed up. Despite her many injuries, she never wanted me to take it easy on her. In fact, she loved working out hard, and we used a variety of techniques to accommodate her needs. With careful planning and her unwavering attitude, we prepared her for hip replacement surgery and worked together afterward to improve her strength and quality of life. Strength, in particular, became a vital focus for her future. Over about five years, Vicki progressed remarkably. She now leg presses over 800 pounds in the last few months and set a national record in the deadlift for women aged 70-74 in her very first powerlifting meet. These goals were achieved through small, consistent steps, fueled by dedication and persistence. Thinking back to when Vicki could barely crawl into my studio fills me with awe and admiration for how far she's come.
"We can make our packages budget-friendly, and the value of expert guidance and faster results makes it worth the cost in the long run"