About Mike, FAQs, concepts & process

Hello:

Given today's many challenges – especially in health and wellness – prioritizing our relationships, resources, and physical fitness is more important than ever. My core mission is to share my expertise and experience to help you do exactly that. I offer adaptable support in varied settings—indoors, outdoors, and online—tailored to your unique circumstances and goals.

As a former high-performance gymnast and martial artist, I know firsthand what awkwardness and difficulty feel like (no one is born a skilled gymnast—we all start with falls and clumsy moments!). This experience allows me to provide highly applicable instruction and progressions, whether we work together in-person or online, helping you move past frustration toward confidence.

I'm here to serve a wide range of individuals: youth, adults of all ages and interests (health, sport, performance), and those needing both preventive and rehabilitation services. Beyond being a dedicated student of cutting-edge exercise science for over 25 years, I bring practical experience from diverse settings: cardiac rehabilitation, physiotherapy clinics, and working with clients through WCB, ICBC, and private referrals. This includes specialized work like Hydrotherapy (gentle, customized exercise in a warm water pool).

My long-standing interest in the mind-body connection also informs my approach. I explore unique integrations, like combining aerobic activity with singing, and prioritize strategies for lifelong mobility. My ultimate goal is simple: to be at your service, helping you achieve your best possible health for the long term.

Best health,

Mike Burnside, B.PHE, CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist, CSEP High Performance Specialist

FAQs (frequently asked questions)

What's the top certification for safe, expert training?

CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP) is BC's recommended credential for healthcare-related exercise therapy. Requiring a university degree and Canada's only national kinesiology exam, CSEP-CEPs specialize in exercise for chronic conditions, disabilities, and frailty – often covered under Active Rehab insurance/medical plans. For performance clients (athletes, first responders), see the CSEP High Performance Specialization™.

Why see a CSEP pro with my medical condition(s)?

If fitness or mobility issues affect your health, get screened by a CSEP-CEP. They combine safe, effective exercise-therapy and personalized training – "bang for the buck" – wherever you train (home, office, outdoors).

Is professional training a good investment if I'm unfit?

Yes. Professional screening reveals your true fitness picture. Targeted training then safely tackles your needs. Most clients training twice weekly for 3-4 months see significant improvements: better numbers, more energy, coordination, and comfort – often avoiding pain.

What do clients say?

Check Testimonials. Many are "pleasantly surprised" as chronic joint issues resolve. Some, upon achieving their goals, move on (or maintain independence); other satisfied clients train long-term. Sessions are positively stimulating, with focused pain management available.

Can I get this without paying?

Books/apps/videos work for some. Complex cases need pro help. Note: If you qualify for Active Rehab via insurance/medical plans, you might access this directly. We can guide you.

How is privacy handled?

Private sessions (home/office) may be possible. Your data is strictly confidential – shared only with your permission to healthcare providers. Mike is certified and insured for clinical work.

What if I don’t like it?

Try just one session. It helps you decide your next step. Come with a desire for positive change and openness to suggestions. We offer solutions, options, and referrals.

Three types of Fitness that you might consider:

Health Related Fitness

Statistically, the fittest persons in the population tend to have less health risks compared to the unfit. In fact, exercise is now being recognized as medicine, and some research shows similar benefits to certain types of drugs (and that is without possible drug side-affects!). And although appropriate exercising requires efforts, it is applied with care to avoid distress/pain.

Rehab/Medical Fitness

"If you want to ease a chronic health problem....many physicians have little to no fitness expertise ....." --The Science of Exercise, Special TIME edition. 2018

The CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist provides exercise-therapy services for those who need to attain better health and mobility at home or at work. They provide Active Rehab programming on behalf of various clinics.

Performance Related Fitness

Tasks usually involve some sort of skill, whether it is picking up a box, climbing a ladder, running, or performing an Olympic level gymnastics routine. Sports and performance activities, with their respective skills and tasks, have some rather specific fitness and movement requirements, usually within categories of energies and mechanics.

Along with sensitive and sensible approaches, technical background is critical for your fitness and mobility outcomes/results

Based on reviewing Mike Burnside's fitness contents (a book, Yes/No Fitness), if good mobility is a significant need (or want), and you sense that attaining such changes probably does entail technical stuff… his messaging is designed to empower 'do it yourself actions/habits' safely and effectively.

Professor Dr. Danny Pincivero, PhD (Exercise Physiology)

"Biomechanics, an area that the public is just catching on to, is critical for the best movement and fitness outcomes, and Mike Burnside really knows his stuff".

Jeff Thomson: FIG (International Gymnastics Federation) Age Group Development Program Expert; and past Men's Artistic Gymnastics Program Director at Gymnastics Canada