Portrait of Mike Bernknopf, Scottsdale-based personal trainer and health coach using lab-based training

no gym experience required

Helping everyday people gain strength and move better

Our greatest motivation is to help clients feel results, not just see them. We focus on finding and addressing root issues and not just seeking a cosmetic change. We approach clients with care and compassion, working one-on-one to help them meet their health goals.

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EXPLORE TRAINING

15+

Years Experience

500+

Clients Coached

Nationally Recognized by Women's Health & Other News Outlets

✔ 15+ Years Experience | 500+ Clients Coached | Featured in Women’s Health and Various News Outlets

Book Your Free Fitness Consultation

Whether you’re new to training or looking for expert guidance, we’ll connect to discuss your goals and needs.

1:1 Personal Consultation

We'll assess biometrics, key movement patterns, mobility, strength imbalances, and health/fitness goals to establish your starting point and areas for improvement.

Review Your Custom Health Plan

We’ll dive into your movement history, lifestyle, and specific goals to create a roadmap for your success.

Start Training for Longevity

We’ll train in all planes of motion for lasting strength with a science-backed plan tailored to you, in person or online.

Track Progress & Adjust Monthly

We will monitor progress and make necessary adjustments and accountability to ensure you continue building strength, confidence, and resilience for life.

a simple 5 step process

Your Personalized Path to Strength, Health & Confidence

empathize

We meet you where you are. No unrealistic expectations, just real guidance.

Our Values Set Us Apart from the Rest

Most programs hand you a plan and hope for the best. We do things differently.

At Underpin, our 4-part model means you get a personalized experience built on real support, real knowledge, and real results.

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Educate

We teach you the “why” behind your training, so you stay strong for life.

Energize

You’re not alone. We hold you accountable with expert support and motivation.

Elevate

More than workouts. We build strength, confidence, and long-term resilience.

Mike Bernknopf guiding a client over 50 through a personalized strength training session focused on longevity

Ear icon representing underpin's value model, empathize

Ear icon representing underpin's value model, educate

Ear icon representing underpin's value model, energize

Ear icon representing underpin's value model, elevate

Mike guiding a small group through a functional fitness routine designed to reduce stress and burnout

Our training services

Building a Higher Standard for Fitness

In-Person Training

Scottsdale, AZ

One-on-one or small group training provides hands-on coaching, real-time feedback, and tailored workouts to improve strength, mobility, and injury prevention

Starting At $100/hr

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Virtual
Training

Train from Anywhere

Stay on track no matter where you are with expert coaching, customized workouts, and ongoing support, all from the convenience of your home or gym.

$200/month

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Expert Coaching

Any Experience Level

Build Lasting Strength

enhance mobility

in-person or online

backed by science

Real Results. Real People.

every transformation tells a story

See More Real Results

Bryan Washkewicz

My favorite training spot in the Valley. Mike B is well-equipped for a range of fitness related goals: diet, strength, weight loss, etc.

Randy Sell

Twenty years I nearly died from a serious car accident. I was told to limit exercise and as a result, gained 40 pounds slowly over 20 years. Four months ago I met Mike Bernknopf and started an exercise and 'healthy' eating regimen. He set up a successful program which gradually helped me lose weight, build up my strength/endurance, and eat healthy foods. Fast forward to today: I have lost 32 pounds and feel healthier than any time since my accident 20 years ago. I now know how to eat and have set up a lifestyle that I can live by for the rest of my life. All the credit goes to Mike Bernknopf. During these past 4 months Mike was always there for me, encouraging me when I did something well, pushing me to work harder than I thought I was capable of during my exercise sessions, and checking with me between workouts to remind me to do the right things. Did I always like what I heard? No, but Mike told me what I needed to hear to get the results I wanted? "Absolutely". Thank you Mike for getting me back to the healthy person I was 20 years ago. My energy level is far higher than four months ago. My wife of 31 years can't believe how healthy and happy I am. She is convinced I have added several productive years to my life. I wholeheartedly endorse Mike Bernknopf to anyone looking to make a similar change in their life. Thanks Mike!!

Olivia Judkowitz

I love being active and taking on a challenge when it's presented to me. Right now being a student in college, I have made little time and have lacked the motivation to keep an active lifestyle. Adapting to the college lifestyle and being far away from home took a toll on my eating habits and physical well-being. Finally, I realized that I needed to change my unhealthy lifestyle but I didn't know where to begin. As fate would have it, I met my trainer Mike Bernknopf who truly inspired me. He knew exactly what I needed and where to begin. He started me with a great nutrition plan that was easy for me to follow, as well as a challenging fitness program that I enjoy doing on a regular basis. With the push and motivation Mike has given me, I'm in the best shape I have ever been in. I have lost 16 pounds and dropped two dress sizes in only two months. I feel healthier because of my better eating habits, and because of this I am happier with the way I look and feel. I could not have accomplished any of this without Mike who got me to reach my goals and more. Thank you Mike for all you have done, I couldn't have done it without you.

Courtney Butchard

My name is Courtney and I was 22 in the top left photo. I had just started graduate school and felt like I had no time for anything. I was stressed, had bad eating habits, and did not exercise at all. I was very unhappy with where I had gotten myself, considering I had been a dancer throughout the majority of my life, and always competing. I slowly began to incorporate the gym into my schedule, and tweaked my diet here and there, but was still unsuccessful at losing weight by myself. It got to the point where I needed to set a large goal for myself and just go for it. I reached out to my friend Mike Bernknopf to be my trainer in my journey to reach my self-established goal of entering a bikini competition. My goal wasn't to win first place. All I wanted was a large motivation to lose weight and I didn't want to be the fat girl on stage. And then it began. Mike B was there for me my entire journey. We met 3 times a week; he monitored my cardio, and provided me with weekly meal plans as my body changed and we approached the competition date. It was tough, but he held me accountable just like I had wanted him to. He was there when others didn't think I could do it. He answered my questions, and even did further research when needed. Because of him, I have now stepped on stage twice now with each time being more in shape than the last. I am not done either. Through working with Mike B, I have established a new lifestyle. I always work out, eat clean, drink plenty of water, and take my supplements. I love the new me and I plan to continue to strive to be better, and of course, continue to compete! I LOVE how I feel when I train! I am now 25 and plan to keep this body in tip-top shape! Thank you Mike!!

Chris Cleary

I loved every minute of it. I was referred to Mike Bernknopf by one of his former clients who had seen great results. My buddy and I met with Mike and were convinced from the initial meeting that we would have success. Mike shows a lot of passion about his work and loves to watch his clients succeed and meet their goals. Not to mention, he is also a full time student, pursuing his M.D., which is indicative of his passion for this industry. I come from an athletic background, and wanted to get back in shape like I had been in the past. I had let myself slide since school, and Mike was the reason I was able to get myself out of the slump. He took into account all the injuries that had plagued me in the past. Any recurring symptoms that popped up did not nullify any of the work I put in with Mike. Rather, he would adapt to my needs and the work would continue. Mike was very calculated in his plans for our progression. He began by transforming our diet, and provided us with a recommended complete meal plan. We started training 4 days a week, and although it was extremely challenging, we walked out of the studio every day with a great sense of accomplishment. Mike started on a cardio/fat burning phase which lasted about 3 months. In that time, I lost about 25 pounds and 6.5% body fat. In the next phase, Mike wanted us to build mass again, so we focused more on heavy lifting. The final stage was a combination. Mike's ability to change his focus and adapt a workout to our goals was unbelievable. It showed that he takes his craft very seriously, and is very intelligent when it comes to training and the human body. Overall, Mike was the best trainer I have ever had throughout my life, whether through my many sports teams or just as an extracurricular activity. Mike Bernknopf is well worth the time, and will get you your results- I have pictures to prove it!! My experience not only improved my physical appearance, but I began to feel much better about myself. Every day you leave the gym you will have accomplished something, because Mike will always challenge you with a new and exciting workout. MIKE is an unbelievable trainer and I would recommend him to anyone, in fact, I wish he would just step it up and move to Boston to continue to train me.

Devin DeFendis Age 33

I started working out with Mike when I was 20 years old—stuck in a cycle of poor eating habits and low confidence. Fast forward to today at 33, and I can honestly say I’m the strongest, healthiest, and most confident I’ve ever been thanks to Mike’s guidance over the years.
In total, I’ve lost 35 pounds since we started, but more importantly, I’ve completely transformed my body composition. I’ve gained lean muscle, built real strength, and learned how to properly fuel my body—not just to look better, but to feelbetter every day.

Mike’s deep knowledge of nutrition, supplements, and health has been a total game changer. Mike has taught me how to eat for my goals and understand what my body actually needs. I felt like I had control over my health for the first time.

Mike’s supplement guidance has also been incredibly helpful. I had no idea how much of a difference targeted support could make—things like sleep quality and inflammation, improved just by following your recommendations.

When I started working out with Mike, I was intimidated by strength training. I didn’t know what proper form looked like, how to build a program, or how to track progress in a meaningful way. Mike broke it all down. I now know my way around the gym, and I love how strong I’ve become. Hitting personal bests in my deadlift, squat, and bench is something I never thought I’d care about—and now it’s one of my favorite parts of training.

What makes Mike stand out the most is how deeply he cares. He shows up consistently with support, accountability, and genuine belief in me—even when I doubted myself. That kind of support has made a lasting impact on my life, both physically and mentally.

Looking back on the last 13 years, I barely recognize the person I used to be. He didn’t just change my body—he helped shape the mindset, confidence, and habits I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

Alex Ostrow, Age 33

I am thrilled with the physical transformation my personal trainer, Mike, has helped me achieve. Through Mike's expert guidance in strength training, I lost 111 pounds and, remarkably, ended up with very little loose skin thanks to his focus on building muscle properly throughout my journey. Mike’s attention to detail during our sessions ensures that I train safely and effectively, and it’s this dedication that keeps me coming back week after week, month after month, and year after year. His approach is rooted in positive reinforcement—he’s never pushy or judgmental, which makes every session a supportive and empowering experience. Mike’s extensive knowledge of the human body allows him to adapt exercises as needed, ensuring they’re tailored to my needs and abilities. He’s not just my trainer; he’s the reason I’ve been able to achieve and maintain my results with confidence and strength.

Sean Howard, Age 41

In 2020 I had a liver transplant at the Mayo Clinic due to Crohn’s disease since I was 15 and that turned into Primary sclerosing cholangitis over the years. I was also diagnosed with arthritis at age 15. With both autoimmune diseases I was prescribed a lot of different antibiotics and medications for years and the damage of all that caused my bile ducts to block up. After my transplant I weighed 170 pounds and I was still pretty weak. I came to Mike in 2022 to help gain strength and get my gut healed up with the correct vitamins and workouts. Before I came to see Mike my upper body was pretty hunched over with all the pain I was in. After a carefully created strength training program. My mobility increased and my posture immensely improved. Mike is different from a lot of trainers he not only cares about your health and progress but cares about you. He treats me like I’ve been a close friend for years!!

Mary Little, Age 43

Mike didn’t just teach me how to train—he taught me how to transform. For years, I was trapped in a cycle of endless cardio, leaving me injured, discouraged and no closer to the person I wanted to be. But Mike changed everything. He introduced me to the power of strength training and showed me the right way to do it—turning my fear of failure into a source of strength. The daunting process has become an empowering journey. Since working with him, I’ve lost 75 pounds, dropping from a size 22/24 to a roomy size 14, and gained muscle and tone that reflect so much more than a number on the scale. By no means am I done! But the most significant transformation was internal: I discovered a confidence I never knew I had. I’ve gone from avoiding life to embracing it—laughing, playing and thriving alongside my 11-year-old daughter, who’s now taking a interest in fitness because she sees how it’s changed my outlook on life. When I first walked into Mike’s studio, I felt like I didn’t belong. I broke down sobbing, overwhelmed by years of failure and doubt, and at 46 years old, completely ashamed of my weight. But Mike saw me—not my insecurities—and made me believe in myself. He facilitated a complete mindset shift. Even after two long-needed Achilles surgeries, I was back training in the studio just four days post-op because his whole-person approach taught me how to persevere. Because of him, I’m living a happier, healthier life. Mike doesn’t just build stronger bodies; he builds stronger lives, and I’m proof of that.

Paul Jouas, Age 63

I am 64 years old and have been training with Mike for over 2 years, and during that time I have learned what I believe makes him the most effective personal trainer I have ever worked with. He has been instrumental in me not only feeling and looking younger but also being able to do more physically than I was able to do in my early 50s. Mike's demeanor is consistently encouraging, positive and motivating in ways that push me beyond what I would do on my own, by performing a variety of customized workout routines that enable continuous progress while avoiding overtraining or injury. He is also very patient and insightful with explaining the proper mechanics, as well as providing alternative exercises, to ensure that we mitigate risks of injury due to underlying issues I have (i.e., prone to aggravating my knees or rotator cuffs). I was able to backpack in Europe for 3 weeks in the fall of 2023 and will be doing another backpacking trip for 6 weeks later this year. I would never consider myself capable of doing these types of physically demanding vacations prior to training with Mike. I highly recommend spending time with Mike so he can also support you with achieving whatever fitness and well-being goals you have.