My name is Christiaan Michael. My career as a personal trainer started in the 1990s, but over the decades, I discovered that my absolute number-one job isn't counting reps—it’s self-care.
I developed the STAR Movement Practice (SMP) because your body is the sanctuary and the center of your life. Most traditional workouts are focused solely on future results (like losing 10 pounds in six weeks). SMP is entirely different. It is an integration of body, mood, and meaning. We handle whatever stress, anxiety, or pain is coming up in the moment so that by the end of the session, you are perfectly positioned to meet the next chunk of your day.
"I specialize in Self-Care: The Art of Feeling Good & Living Your Dreams Today."
Traditional workouts determine success by physical factors like speed, power, or aesthetics. We operate on the belief that you already are a star—the practice simply helps clear out interferences like pain, complaints, and worries.
Creative Imagination: We attach deep, personal meaning to physical movements. For example, a modified push-up becomes an exercise in using your triceps to draw boundaries against the outside world while immersing in heart awareness.
No Fixed Numbers: Rep counts aren't important unless a specific number is personally meaningful to you. We are done with a movement when you feel you have successfully embodied the idea and are ready to take it with you into your day.
Positive Anticipation: Every next set is done with curiosity and joy. If your body spontaneously wants to shift into a different stretch or movement, we follow it, say thank you, and see what it has to teach us.
"Clear your mind - refresh to pure, positive living."
Pain & Stress Freedom: Immersing completely in body awareness to heal acute pain in the short term and build long-term resilience against stress. Simply put: feeling good in your body.
True Self-Care: People always say you need to put yourself first, but few know how to actually do it. This practice gives you the concrete tools to let your body love you back.
Quality Exercise: You're working out and enjoying it. Your good mood and your physical fitness are not separate.
Improved Self-Image: Feeling good about your body. Relief from negative thoughts about your physique.
Positive Outlook: Show up for whatever is next with a positive attitude. Your vision and dreams are colored in the positive.
Unexpected Outcomes: There is no right way to do STAR Movement Practice. This is a personal process, so it is common to achieve unexpected results not listed here.
"Not just personal training, something new."
If you are ready to shift from counting reps to focusing on how you actually feel, join me for a session. Let's work together to clear out the noise, release tension, and reconnect mind and body so you can leave feeling fully refreshed. Check out my pricing and book your 45-minute personal training session with the button below.
At Your Home OR My Studio: $75 / 45 minute session
Serving Central San Jose and Santa Clara
To get started, navigate to the "Book a Session" tab!