September 20, 2021

Meet Our Team

Mario Esho

Intake Manager Since May 2017

Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI

What Got you into Fitness?

I grew up being bullied and afraid of everything. I was overweight and consistently picked on. I decided that after being picked on in 10th grade, enough was enough. If I could take away why everyone made fun of me, then they had to stop, right? Well, I took up strength training and I became what I wanted to be, fit. Shortly after, I realized that it was more about stress relief for me and not about physical appearance. 😀

Who Is Your Biggest Inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is the love of my life, Martha. Martha is so knowledgable, intelligent, strong, and hard working. She has taught me so much the past few years and I am so thankful to have her be a part of my life.

What’s Your Guilty Pleasure?

My guilty pleasure? Honestly, I have so many that it would take me ages to get through them all. To name one, I would say Jet’s Pizza. I can genuinely say that I could eat Jet’s for every meal for ages!

Favorite Quote:

“Life is thickly sown with thorns, and I know no other remedy than to pass quickly through them. The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us.” – Voltaire

What Does Family Mean To You?

Family, that’s a strong word. For me, it means a sense of security, to have someone whom you trust enough to count on for anything, someone who is capable of sharing your problems. Blood does not define family, I love to stress that. Have you ever heard someone say “Blood is thicker than water.”? Well, the actual quote is as follows, “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb”. Essentially, blood shed in battle bonds soldiers much more than simple genetics.

Proudest Accomplishment

For me I look at accomplishments as blessings that I was lucky enough to have a chance to be involved in, so I guess you could say I’m more gracious than I am proud. I’m just as proud to wake up and take on the day as I am for what others would define as “big” achievements. Having this outlook has allowed me to be present in every moment and cherish all aspects of life as it passes each day.

What would You Sing In Karaoke?

ANYTHING! I will sing my heart out… even though I am terrible, haha. 🙂

If You Had To Eat One Meal The Rest Of Your Life?

This is a question that has plagued mankind for centuries. I literally love all food, so asking me this is like asking me to choose between the red pill or the blue pill in the Matrix, hahaha. I guess for now I will say chicken fettuccine alfredo. 🙂

About the Author:

Mike Stack

Michael Stack is the founder & CEO of Applied Fitness Solutions and Frontline Fitness Pros. He is a faculty lecturer for the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology. He is also the creator and the host of the Wellness Paradox Podcast, produced in conjunction with University of Michigan.

Michael is an exercise physiologist by training and a health entrepreneur, health educator, and fitness industry advocate by trade. He is dedicated to enhancing the standard of practice of, and advocating for, fitness and wellness professionals to ensure they become an essential constituent in the healthcare delivery system.

With a career spanning over three decades in fitness, health, and wellness Michael has a deep knowledge of exercise physiology, health/wellness coaching, lifestyle interventions to mitigate chronic disease and leadership. He is credentialed through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as an Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP), Exercise is Medicine practitioner (ASCM-EIM), and a Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (ACSM-PAPHS). Michael is a National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and a CDC Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Lifestyle Coach.

Michael received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology in 2004 and is currently a Master’s of Public Health (MPH) candidate at University of Michigan, with a specific concentration in health behavior and health education.

Michael is a board of directors’ member for the Physical Activity Alliance and Michigan Fitness Clubs Association. He sits on the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology Alumni Board of Governors. Michael is an expert curriculum reviewer for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Finally, he is a member of the executive leadership team for American Heart Association’s Heart Walk.

Michael lectures nationally for several health/fitness certification and continuing educations, including; IHRSA, the Medical Fitness Association, the National Strength & Conditioning Association, and SCW Fitness.