Mike Rashid is a multifaceted personality, recognized as a power bodybuilder, author, entrepreneur, former boxer, and online fitness guru hailing from the United States. His journey into fitness began at a young age, influenced by his father's emphasis on physical activity. As a child, Mike and his brothers were engaged in activities like chopping wood, swimming, sprinting in sand, hiking, and doing pull-ups.
In his late twenties, Mike transitioned his focus towards fitness and power-bodybuilding, eventually becoming a WBFF Pro. This led him to launch his fitness video channel, where he shares his insights on fitness, spirituality, and entrepreneurship.
Training Philosophy and Principles
Mike Rashid's training philosophy is centered on balancing strength and endurance, which he considers fundamental to his program. He emphasizes that squats are the cornerstone for any athlete, regardless of their sport. Mike incorporates powerlifting principles to progressively increase intensity, aiming for a neural response that translates to enhanced strength. Simultaneously, he utilizes bodybuilding-style rep ranges to promote muscle hypertrophy.
While Mike frequently varies his workouts, certain exercises remain constant. These include the Standing Barbell Military Press, performed for 7 sets with progressive weight increases up to the fifth set, followed by a reduction in weight for the final two sets. Another staple is the Barbell Upright Row, supersetted with a Resistance Band Row. This is done for 5 sets, with progressive weight increases up to the fourth set, and then a significant weight decrease for the fifth set.
Mike also regularly visits saunas for detoxification, linking this practice to fitness by noting that reduced stress leads to lower cortisol levels, a hormone that can be catabolic. His approach to training aims to boost strength and functionality, ensuring his body operates optimally for extended periods.
Mike Rashid's Workout Routine Breakdown
Mike Rashid's workout routine typically involves heavy lifting and daily cardio, complemented by activities like swimming, hiking, and wood chopping. His focus remains on enhancing strength and functionality.
Chest Workout
For chest development, Mike Rashid performs four exercises, with an average of 4 sets and 8-12 repetitions for each:
- Barbell bench press (4 sets, 6-10 reps)
- Incline bench machine (4 sets, 8-12 reps)
- Incline dumbbell press (4 sets, 8-12 reps)
- Bodyweight pushup (5 sets to failure)
Back Workout
His back routine includes four exercises:
- Weighted pull-up with chains (4 sets, 8-10 reps)
- Seated cable row with rope (4 sets, 8-12 reps)
- Plate loaded incline T-bar row (4 sets, 8-12 reps)
- Seated close grip pulldown (4 sets, 10-12 reps)
Shoulder Workout
Mike hits his shoulders with six different exercises:
- Double rep barbell clean (4 sets, 5 reps)
- Barbell upright row (4 sets, 8-10 reps)
- Dumbbell lateral raise (4 sets, 12 reps)
- Bent over reverse fly (3 sets, 15 reps)
- Superset with dumbbell shrug (3 sets, 20 reps)
- Single-arm dumbbell press (3 sets to failure)
Leg Workout
For his legs, Mike performs five exercises:
- Barbell squat (5 sets, 6-12 reps)
- Single leg press (4 sets, 10-12 reps)
- Hack squat (4 sets, 8-10 reps)
- Dumbbell stiff leg deadlift (4 sets, 12 reps)
- Seated leg extension (3 sets to failure)
Cardio Workout
When not engaged in other routines, Mike dedicates time to various cardio exercises, including treadmill work.
Diet and Nutrition
Mike Rashid's dietary habits have evolved significantly over the years. He has experimented with eating once a day (OMAD) and has minimized animal protein intake. His approach emphasizes reducing processed foods and prioritizing whole-food choices. Mike believes that reducing food intake can lead to clearer thinking, referencing ancestral eating patterns. He views food as a potential health hazard in the United States, citing heart disease from overconsumption of unhealthy items.
Mike's current diet includes:
- Breakfast: Oatmeal
- Lunch: Salad, Sweet potatoes
- Dinner: Oven-baked vegetables
He consumes approximately 3000 Kcal per day, focusing on protein and healthy fats from sources like almonds, pistachios, and peanuts. Mike also complements his diet with supplements.
While Mike has followed a vegan diet for two years, he reintroduced fish and some beef, noting his preference for meat and the need for satiation, especially when traveling and consuming too many carbohydrates on a vegan diet. He acknowledges that his OMAD approach works well for him, partly because he is not a "foodie." However, he advises against strict adherence to the OMAD regime for everyone, stressing that individual goals and needs vary.
Mindfulness and Spirituality
Mike attributes a significant positive shift in his life to the practice of mindfulness. He states that missing days of mindfulness practice leads to a noticeable difference, making him feel as though he is "vibrating on higher frequencies." He recommends mindfulness for its ability to reduce stress, make challenges seem more manageable, and increase overall awareness and pleasantness in life.
Entrepreneurship and Career
Born on March 18, 1982, in Brooklyn, New York, Mike Rashid has built a net worth of $5 million through his ventures, including Ambrosia Collective, Trifecta Nutrition, and Interstellar Media. He is also known for his involvement with Iron Addicts gym, co-founded with CT Fletcher, Ahmed Dawoud, and Pedro Rodriguez.
Beyond fitness, Mike had an early interest in rap music. He developed a friendship with music producer Ernest Dion Wilson (No I.D.) and was once invited to perform at an event featuring Kanye West and Jay-Z. However, legal issues prevented him from traveling, ending that potential opportunity. He later reconnected with music production, collaborating with Amir Perry.
Mike also has experience as a group home manager, where he encountered situations that deeply affected him, including parents failing to attend meetings for children in their care. This led him to consider adopting some of the children.
Personal Life
Mike Rashid is in a relationship with Narmin Assria, who is also a fitness enthusiast. He is also a dedicated father, despite his busy schedule as a businessman and entrepreneur.
Regarding his passion for cars, Mike acknowledges them as a personal indulgence rather than investments. His dream car is a new Rolls Royce Phantom.
Supplements and Recommendations
Mike Rashid utilizes a supplement stack to support his fitness goals, which typically includes:
- Fat Burner
- BCAA
- Pre-Workout
- Multivitamin
While specific brands are not detailed, the general categories are known to aid in muscle growth, recovery, and energy levels.