Meet Michael: Boston Fitness Pro, Community Builder, and Pride Champion

This month we’re spotlighting a fitness leader who brings authenticity, energy, and fierce love to everything he does: Michael James. From empowering workouts at EverybodyFights to community-driven initiatives, Michael is redefining what it means to show up in the gym and in life.

We caught up with Michael to talk about his journey, what Pride means in the world of fitness, and how we can all show up with more heart.

Q&A with Michael James

1. Tell us a little about your journey into fitness. What inspired you to become a trainer?

I really found fitness in college, during a time when I was figuring out who I was. It gave me a sense of autonomy, strength, and clarity when a lot of other things felt uncertain. Fitness became more than just movement—it became a way to reconnect with myself and build confidence from the inside out.

I went to school for education, and over time I realized training incorporates so much of what I learned in school about teaching. I became passionate about helping others feel that same sense of power and ownership in their bodies that I felt. It’s not just about leading workouts—it’s about helping people come home to themselves.

2. How has your identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community shaped your approach to fitness?

As a queer person, I’ve always been aware of how important it is to feel safe and welcome in a space—especially one as vulnerable as the gym. I lead with empathy because I know what it feels like to second-guess if you belong. My approach to fitness is less about perfection and more about presence, being in your body and coming as you are. I try to model authenticity so others feel permission to do the same. When people feel like they can show up exactly as they are, that’s when real growth happens.

3. What do you love most about the community at EverybodyFights?

There’s a deep sense of mutual respect and care here. We all come from different walks of life, but we all are the same when we are punching a bag, or running a sprint, or squatting a heavy KB. It’s rare to find a community that pushes you while holding you, but that’s what EverybodyFights is. It’s not just a gym. I like to say it’s a space where people feel connected, empowered, and seen. And we have a ton of fun.

4. You're hosting the Love Unites event during Pride Month. What can people expect from this experience?

Expect heart. Expect movement. Expect to feel something beyond the workout. Love Unites is about honoring all the ways we show up—queer, allies, questioning, proud—and creating a space to party and have fun. You can expect to move, to dance, to be reminded of what Pride was and what it is today, and you can expect to party.

5. What does Pride mean to you in the context of fitness and wellness?

Pride, in the context of fitness and wellness, is about taking up space—physically, emotionally, and unapologetically. It’s about showing up in a room and not having to question whether you belong. For so many LGBTQ+ people, the gym hasn’t always felt like a safe or affirming place. Pride is about rewriting that experience.

To me, it means creating spaces where people can be seen not just for how they move, but for who they are. It means leading with vulnerability so others feel permission to show up authentically too. Pride is powerful, not just because of the celebration—but because of the courage it takes to be visible, especially in spaces where we haven’t always been welcomed.

6. How can people show up for the LGBTQ+ community in fitness—not just during Pride, but year-round?

By doing the work—listening, learning, advocating, and building spaces that feel safe and welcoming at every level. Learn about the queer rights movement, Stonewall, Sylvia Rivera, Harvey Milk, the AIDS crisis. Listen to Black trans voices. Be vulnerable (vulnerability is the bridge between humans leading us to greater connection). Create feedback loops. Check your blind spots. Speak even if your voice shakes. We all have influence, no matter our role, and we all have a responsibility to use it with intention.

7. Anything else you'd like to share?

I believe vulnerability is the foundation of real strength. When we allow ourselves to be seen, we give others permission to do the same. That’s how we build trust. That’s how we build community. I’ll never stop showing up authentically in this space, and my hope is that every person who walks into our gym feels like they can do the same—whoever they are, however they identify, and wherever they’re at in their journey.

Join the Celebration

Michael and Conner Gilliland are bringing you Love Unites this Friday and trust us, you don’t want to miss it. It’s more than a workout; it’s a celebration of identity, strength, and community.

🗓 Event: Love Unites: A PRIDE Celebration Supporting BAGLY Foundation

📍 Location: Big Night Live 📆 Date & Time: Friday, June 13, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM

🎟 Tickets: $25 - Click here to register

Let’s move, celebrate, and uplift together.

Follow @fitscenebos for more Pride events, LGBTQ+-owned studio highlights, and powerful stories from our community all month long.