Mike Luque: Guiding Your Movement Journey
Two Decades of Passion & Expertise in Gyrotonic & Holistic Movement
Since 1998, my passion and career have been dedicated to helping people move the way they want so they can enjoy life more fully.
From Tech to Touch: My Journey
In 1997, during the “dot-com” boom, I worked as a quality assurance technician in Sunnyvale, CA, testing networked print and fax servers. Despite the financial comfort, the work was unfulfilling.
A sign at a local YMCA advertising an aerobics instructor course sparked an idea. I remembered how much I enjoyed a friend’s aerobics classes, and the seeds of a career change were planted. Perhaps a path involving physical well-being was what I needed.
The First Step: Massage Therapy
My journey began after receiving a gift certificate for a shiatsu massage at Kabuki Hot Springs in San Francisco. The experience was transformative. Immediately after, I decided, “I’m going to become a massage therapist.”
I enrolled at the McKinnon Institute (now McKinnon Body Therapy Center) in Oakland. There I studied Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage
I continued my education in bodywork by attending The Institute for Orthopedic Massage (now the Hendrickson Method), where I gained extensive knowledge in anatomy, corrective bodywork, and stretching.
While I no longer offer full massage or bodywork sessions, the skills and knowledge I gained are still integral to my approach.
The Discovery That Defined My Career
After completing massage school in the summer of 1998, I began seeking clients. One of my first clients, a yoga instructor, suggested a trade. Though I had practiced yoga for years, she quickly helped me realize my technique was flawed. She then introduced me to “White Cloud Yoga” (the original name for the system) and encouraged me to visit the studio.
In November 1998, I took my first Gyrotonic session. It was during my fifth session, when my trainer focused on the GYROTONER® — a specialized piece of equipment — that something clicked. I knew then that I wanted to become a trainer.
Having been a gymnast for seven years as a youth and practicing yoga for several years after that, I considered myself quite flexible. However, after that pivotal session, I experienced an unprecedented sensation in my hips—as if they had “little springs right in my hip joints.” I was completely convinced that this was new and special and I needed to learn to be a trainer.
Gyrotonic and GYROKINESIS® Training and Certification
My certification journey began in the spring of 1999 under the guidance of Master Trainers Debra Rose and Nora Heiber at San Francisco GYROTONIC® (then White Cloud West). Our group completed our foundation training, and we were certified by the system’s creator, Juliu Horvath, in November 1999.
A smaller group of eight trainers, including myself, continued with a year of intensive Gyrotonic education with Debra and Nora. In November 2000, we were certified by Juliu on all the remaining pieces of Gyrotonic specialized equipment.
During that same year, I also pursued Gyrokinesis training. I took my first foundation course with Debra in November 1999. I then traveled to New York to take the course again with Juliu Horvath in February 2000.
I’ve been passionate about being a Gyrotonic instructor ever since!
Adding Personal Training to My Expertise
In early 2004, after nearly six years as a professional massage therapist and four years as a Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis trainer, I decided to expand my skills by becoming a personal trainer.
After exploring various options, I found the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) system to be the best fit. I became certified as a personal trainer, and then continued my education to become an:
- Integrated Flexibility Specialist (IFS)
- Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)
Then, in 2008, while training at a new gym, I discovered kettlebells. I immediately found them to be both fun and an incredibly effective way to work out. I completed my kettlebell certification through Kettlebell Concepts in June of that year.
Continuing Education and Global Teaching
My dedication to fitness and health means constantly learning and evolving. I’ve pursued further certifications and refreshers, including:
♦ Retaking the Gyrotoner certification.
♦ Adding the GYROTONIC® Archway certification (the successor to The Ladder).
♦ Retaking the Gyrokinesis foundation course.
As a professional Gyrotonic trainer, staying educated and updated is crucial; we’re required to take at least one teacher training every two years. Fortunately, Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis teacher trainings are enjoyable, and I aim to take at least one every year.
Beyond my own training, I’ve had the privilege of teaching the Wingmaster course—a program I developed—across the U.S. I’ve also had the incredible opportunity to teach internationally in places like Bali, Florence, London, Rome, and Seoul.
Making Maui Home
I called the San Francisco area home for 24 years, and I loved it. But I always had a life goal: to live somewhere I could wear shorts every day. In late 2016, an opportunity to cover for another trainer brought me to Maui, and I instantly fell in love.
Moving to a new state without an established client base is incredibly challenging. Thankfully, my Wingmaster course helped fill my schedule as I built my client base in Makawao.
What This Means for You
Since 1999, my entire career has focused on helping people feel and move better physically. While Gyrotonic training is my primary tool, I utilize all the resources at my disposal to help you, the client, achieve your goals. This is work I truly love; I enjoy being a “body engineer” or mechanic – I like to fix things!
So, if you’re experiencing:
- A persistent nagging pain or soreness
- A desire to golf more (or surf, or play pickleball), but your body is holding you back
- Discomfort that just doesn’t feel right
- A need for continued support after physical therapy, now that insurance coverage has ended
I’m here to help.
Experience Mike’s Expert Guidance: Your Free 30-Minute Demo.
Discover How Personalized Movement Training Can Transform Your Life.
Book your FREE 30 minute demo TODAY.
GYROTONIC, GYROTONER and GYROKINESIS are registered trademarks of Gyrotonic Sales Corp and are used with their permission.