Since 2013, Ken Whittier has been a strength and conditioning coach with Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning (MBSC) in Massachusetts. Voted one of America’s 10 best gyms, MBSC is known for its high-quality sports performance training and their devotion to helping clients achieve other fitness goals, like weight loss.
MBSC provides group-based and individual training options, a Sports Performance Coaching Internship, and mentorships and seminars for trainers and coaches.
They even have in-house massage therapists and physical therapists!
Ken plays many valuable roles that help keep MBSC’s standards high and their clients healthy and strong. Check out my interview with Ken to learn more about him and this training company he’s proud to represent!
How did you get into the training world and start working for MBSC?
I played sports in high school. I was a three-sport captain my senior year, which is pretty amazing looking back since I was such a lousy athlete. But I loved sports and wanted to continue competing at UMass Amherst.
Unfortunately, that opportunity did not present itself. So I decided to compete in powerlifting, as I enjoyed lifting in high school (much prefer watching others lift now, instead of partaking in it myself).
A passion for strength and conditioning emerged from there. Then I finally decided that instead of becoming as strong as possible, I wanted to learn as much as possible to make others that way. That was then. Now, I just want to make others as fit as possible, and that means something different for everyone.
What does MBSC offer?
MBSC trains clients of all ages and abilities, ranging from middle school athletes to professional level athletes, to the general population. “General population” really stands for anyone who does not compete in more formal athletics but trains for well-being and health-related reasons.
What’s your role there, and what types of clients do you work with?
I write the adult and athlete training program and run the internship — both alongside Steve Bigelow. Steve and I also oversee our online business with Exercise.com. I travel while teaching our certification program, and I am involved in in-house education through mentorships and seminars.
Most of all, I am a strength and conditioning coach who works with clients of all ages and abilities. I work with the general pop. I work with athletes ranging from middle school and high school to collegiate, to the professional level. I have worked with clients weighing over 400 pounds and with athletes competing in the MLB, NHL, and NFL.
Describe your approach to motivating clients. How do you help them crush their goals?
We at MBSC lead by example. We show our commitment to clients, and we expect the same in return. No secret formula. Just consistency and commitment.
What’s the most challenging part of your work? The most rewarding?
It is really challenging to be consistent and stay committed. It seems like a really simple idea, but it’s the reason so many trainers switch career paths.
It’s a hard industry. But my perseverance is fueled by the most rewarding part of the job: my client relationships.
They are the reason I do this. I want to learn as much as possible so that I can help them, whether it’s to lose 30 pounds or add 5-10 years to their lives.
Name two tunes that get you pumped!
- “Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners
- “Take me home, Country Roads” by John Denver
How did MBSC learn about Exercise.com?
Cameron Earhart and Jeffrey Crews visited our facility. We are big fans of theirs!
How has our training platform been the most helpful for your staff?
It allows us to connect with hundreds of clients who we could not impact otherwise.
See for yourself - Meet with the Exercise.com Team today
Train Anyone, Anywhere in the World.
What has made MBSC a successful business?
Mike Boyle and Bob Hanson have created a community and environment that is totally contagious!
What’s on the horizon for you and MBSC?
We plan to expand our business through Exercise.com and provide as much quality education and information as possible to the fitness world.
Note: This interview has been edited for clarity. You can find MBSC on Facebook and Instagram.
Lauren Smith is passionate about nutrition and holistic health (how the body, mind, and emotions intersect). She lives in Baltimore City, where she writes stuff, plays music, embarks on long power walks through the park, takes contemporary dance lessons, and enjoys healthy, flavorful cuisine. Lauren has written for a literary journal called Skelter and for Honestbodyfitness.com.