“Exercising feels better and is easier than you think. Once you get started, it’s easy to continue. You have to build momentum and let it carry you forward.” -Marc R.
He’s seen what the effect of aging does to us. The sight of others growing sluggish, unhealthy, and feeling the same happen to himself became a reason to get up and fight. When he was younger it was easier for him to eat anything but now, he builds discipline in making better choices. While working to avoid unhealthy lifestyle consequences (heart attacks and walking aides) he also raises a family, obtained a Master’s degree, and runs a company. You’ll find him working hard everyday, breathing through training sessions with a strong core and unleashing his warrior to move past the breaking point; then pushing further through the boundaries.
MY COACHING STORY
Experienced. Certified. Supportive.
Hi, I’m Mike—a personal trainer based at The Gym in Pantego, Texas. I’ve been working in the fitness industry since 2013, helping people build the skills they need to live a higher‑quality life. I believe this work is a calling from God and the way I am meant to serve others.
I hold six professional certifications spanning strength and conditioning, sleep, nutrition, and stress management/resilience. My approach goes beyond workouts—I focus on developing the physical and mental capabilities that allow people to move well, handle life’s demands, and show up fully for the people they love.
My journey with movement began early. As a kid, I spent most of my days outside—waking up with the sun, riding my bike for hours, climbing hills as fast as I could, and flying back down with the wind in my face. Without realizing it, I was building a foundation of athleticism, resilience, and confidence that later translated into success in sports.
By the time I was 13, I was hitting home runs, scoring touchdowns, winning championships, and bringing joy to those around me. Athletics became a major part of my identity—until the day I could no longer play. Losing that ability was one of the most difficult transitions of my life.
At 15, I became a father, and shortly afterward I tore my ACL. It was a season I wasn’t prepared for. However, the physical foundation I had built allowed me to transition into weight training, which became both an outlet and a turning point—though I still had much to learn.
For a long time, I believed my success was simply natural talent. Only later did I understand how much groundwork had been laid through years of consistent movement. Eventually, I lost much of my fitness and spent significant time, effort, and resources rebuilding it. That process shaped how I coach today and has guided my work with clients since I began training professionally in 2013.
Today, my training philosophy addresses both the physical and mental sides of health. We don’t just train for aesthetics or numbers. We train to move better, manage stress, adapt to challenges, and make steady, sustainable progress in everyday life. Strength gains and weight loss often follow, but they are outcomes—not the primary focus.
There are no shortcuts, no quick fixes, and no yo‑yo cycles—just consistent action and proven tools grounded in long‑term success.
My faith has guided this entire journey. Without my belief in Jesus, I would not be able to do this work. Raising a family while pursuing a career as a trainer—and walking alongside people through real change—is challenging, messy, and deeply human. It requires compassion, patience, and service—the kind modeled by Christ.
My hope is that the people I work with look back and know they were truly cared for. I believe that the sacrifices we make to improve ourselves allow us to show up at our best for others. Building strength and resilience through training prepares us for the battles we face and plays a meaningful role in overcoming life’s challenges
-Coach Mike Lara
Isaiah 6:8
THE GAME PLAN
ONLINE COACHING
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