Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Mike McDonald of Scottsdale

Mike McDonald shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Mike, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve been finding a lot of joy in playing sports like flag football, sand volleyball, and softball outside of my personal training work. This all started after my social media was unexpectedly disabled — something I’m still working to reinstate. Instead of letting that setback consume me, I decided to lean into the reminder that I am so much more than just my job. This season of life has been about exploring, connecting with people in new ways, and expressing gratitude for what I do have, rather than dwelling on what’s currently missing.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Mike McDonald, a personal trainer and coach who’s been helping people transform their health, fitness, and mindset for years. My work is about more than sets and reps — it’s about empowering people to see themselves differently, to trust themselves, and to realize they’re capable of so much more than they think. Over the years, I’ve built a space where clients feel seen, supported, and challenged in a way that fuels lasting change.

What sets me apart is the way I blend personal experience, empathy, and results-driven coaching. I’ve learned that the way you show up for people matters just as much as the program you put them on. My approach is rooted in celebrating progress instead of nitpicking mistakes, creating an environment that encourages growth without fear of failure. That philosophy has transformed not only my clients’ journeys but also my own as a coach.

I’ve also hosted retreats in the past, creating opportunities for people to step away from their routines, connect with others, and experience personal growth in an inspiring environment. Those events, along with my day-to-day training, are part of a bigger mission — to build spaces, both inside and outside the gym, where people can grow in confidence, connection, and self-belief.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that completely reshaped how I see the world was my car accident years ago. It happened in an instant — the kind of moment that strips away all the noise and forces you to see what truly matters. I walked away with my life, but I also walked away with a new perspective. I stopped taking time, health, and relationships for granted. It taught me how fragile life really is and how quickly everything can change, which is why I now approach every day with a deeper sense of gratitude. That experience lit a fire in me to live intentionally, connect deeply with people, and put my energy into things that actually matter — not just for myself, but for everyone I have the privilege to work with.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Caring what others think about me—how they perceive me—has been the fear that’s held me back the most. No matter how much I tried to control the narrative, people will always see me through the lens they choose to believe. I had to learn to let go of that and be my most authentic self, unapologetically. Letting this fear go has allowed me to do so much more for my business, my clients, my relationships, and myself. It’s freed me to show up with honesty and presence, without watering myself down to fit into someone else’s idea of who I should be.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
“That there’s one “right” way to get results.”
The fitness industry loves to act like there’s a magic formula—one perfect workout plan, one diet, one philosophy—that works for everyone. The truth is, results come from consistent effort, showing up even when you don’t feel like it, and finding what actually works for you.

“That more information = more progress.”
We’re drowning in tips, tricks, and conflicting opinions, and people spend more time debating which program is “best” than actually putting in the work. Nothing will ever beat effort, discipline, and consistency.

“That transformation is just physical.”
Most of the industry sells aesthetics, but the biggest changes I see in my clients are in their confidence, mindset, and the way they carry themselves outside the gym.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I think they’d miss the way I see them.

Not just their reps, their PRs, or their weight on the scale—but the little wins no one else notices. The way I call out their progress instead of their mistakes. The way I can push them without tearing them down.

They’d miss knowing they have someone in their corner who actually cares if they show up for themselves, not just for the workout.

And honestly, I think they’d miss the energy in the room—the laughs between sets, the real conversations, and the way training here isn’t just about building muscle, but building people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.buttsndonuts.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mcdonald-148b6532b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GTK6SNbDy/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@buttsndonuts?si=syMTh4U344iodtLe

Image Credits
Kassidy Pine