Mike Manning is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, coach, and the owner of Black Iron Athletics in Frisco, TX. A wrestler and powerlifter in high school, Mike began personal training as a teenager and continued coaching through two combat tours overseas. He has been coaching professionally since 2012 and holds certifications including USA Weightlifting Level 1, CrossFit Level 2, Certified Personal Trainer, and CrossFit Gymnastics.

After a decade running Black Iron as a CrossFit affiliate, Mike stepped away from the brand to sharpen the gym's mission — helping everyday people find their identity as athletes through movement, nutrition, and community.

As head coach and programmer, Mike's specialties include Olympic weightlifting and strength & conditioning programming. He believes that the barbell is one of the most powerful tools for transforming not just the body, but the mind — building discipline, resilience, and confidence that carry over into every area of life.

When he's not coaching or programming workouts, he's home with his wife and two sons.

Certifications

USA Weightlifting Level 1
CrossFit Level 2
Certified Personal Trainer
CrossFit Gymnastics