Mike Nielsen - Owner and President of Thrive Fitness

For over two decades, Mike Nielsen has been a fitness icon, embodying the passion and ​dedication of a Nationally Qualified bodybuilder. As both a fitness enthusiast and a ​seasoned professional, Mike not only talks the talk but walks the walk, inspiring others ​through his unwavering commitment to health and wellness.

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While fitness and bodybuilding have always been central to Mike’s life, his true passion lies in ​helping individuals of all ages and skill levels achieve their fitness goals. “I’ve worked with ​clients as young as 12 and as old as 82, from everyday people to competitive athletes,” Mike ​says. “You never know who will walk through the door or what their goals and background ​may be, but that’s what keeps it exciting.”

Mike’s expertise spans a broad range of fitness areas, including weight loss, muscle gain, core ​strength, flexibility, youth and senior fitness, nutrition, competition prep, agility, sport-specific ​training, and much more. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to take it to the ​next level, Mike is a dedicated resource who will help you reach your goals. With him, you’re not just ​getting another fitness coach—you’re gaining a mentor who lives and breathes the fitness lifestyle.

The idea for Thrive Fitness emerged from Mike’s personal experience. During his competitive years, he ​often struggled to find a gym that fit his schedule, especially in smaller Pacific Northwest towns. Large ​chains tended to overlook these areas, offering limited hours, inadequate equipment, or no free weights at ​all. After years of working in and co-owning franchise gyms, Mike became frustrated with being restricted ​to specific types of equipment mandated by the franchise, without the flexibility to add what his clients ​wanted. Combined with the high price points and aggressive sales tactics common at many gyms, Mike ​knew he could create something better.

That’s when Thrive Fitness was born—an inclusive space where Mike could provide handpicked, high-quality ​equipment, flexible hours, and affordable pricing, all tailored to meet the needs of both beginners and seasoned ​professionals. Thrive is more than just a gym; it’s a community where anyone can pursue their fitness goals in a ​supportive environment.

Mike’s vision for Thrive Fitness is simple: to build a place where people from all walks of life can thrive in their fitness ​journeys. His dedication to fitness and his genuine desire to help others succeed make him more than just a gym ​owner—he’s a mentor and motivator for everyone who steps through Thrive’s doors.