Check Out Mitchell Thompson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mitchell Thompson

Mitchell, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been in the fitness industry for over a decade, starting as a one-on-one personal trainer. Over the years, I realized the limitations of traditional personal training—both in terms of reach and affordability. While I loved working closely with clients, I knew that individual training sessions weren’t accessible to the average person due to cost and scheduling constraints. That realization led me to develop Combat Cardio, a unique gym concept that blends high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with boxing and kickboxing in a circuit-based format.

Unlike commercial gyms, Combat Cardio is designed to bring the benefits of personal training to more people without the premium price tag. Members get unlimited access to trainer-led workouts in an open-gym format, ensuring they receive real-time coaching, support, and guidance without paying per session. My sister, Tiana, and I are hands-on in the gym every day, ensuring that each member gets the attention they need to hit their fitness goals.

The journey to opening Combat Cardio wasn’t easy. I was once on track to become a general manager at a national fitness franchise, but due to internal politics and false allegations, I was unjustly pushed out. Instead of pursuing legal action, I channeled my energy into telling my story through a documentary, which gained traction online and ultimately exposed the situation. That experience didn’t just fuel my desire to run a gym—it pushed me to create something even better. This was back in August of 2020, for context.

Another pivotal moment came when I was diagnosed with what doctors believed was Crohn’s disease in 2023. It was a deeply challenging time, both physically and mentally, but overcoming that battle reshaped my approach to health and fitness. It gave me a deeper level of integrity and understanding, making me a better trainer and coach. That experience solidified my commitment to helping others transform their lives, just as I had to do for myself.

Since opening Combat Cardio in Gladstone, MO, just three months ago, we’ve already seen incredible transformations. Multiple members have lost over 20 pounds in just a few weeks, and seeing people achieve real, life-changing results has been the most rewarding part of this journey.

Looking ahead, my vision is to scale Combat Cardio to multiple locations, making high-quality, trainer-led fitness more accessible. Health and fitness aren’t as complicated as they’re often made out to be—you just need the right environment, the right information, and the right support system. That’s exactly what we’re building, and I can’t wait to help even more people become their healthiest, strongest selves.

Crohn’s Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFP3tb3DaJI
9Round Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NTO39vWzP4

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to building Combat Cardio has been anything but smooth, but every challenge along the way has shaped me into a stronger entrepreneur and trainer.

After my unjust firing in 2020, I returned to personal training and health consulting, but I was also searching for a more stable career path—especially with the goal of starting a family with my fiancée. I landed a marketing lead position at a real estate firm, but the long daily commute became nearly impossible due to my Crohn’s disease. That was a pivotal moment for me. I realized I needed a career that aligned with both my passions and my physical well-being. So, I transitioned into freelance marketing while continuing to train clients, which reignited my entrepreneurial mindset. Eventually, an opportunity arose that led to the opening of Combat Cardio.

One of the biggest challenges was dealing with my Crohn’s disease in 2023. It wasn’t just a health battle; it was a complete life shift. There were moments when I felt like I was at my lowest, physically and mentally. But through it all, my fiancée was my rock. She supported me in ways no one else could—working a full-time job while also tending to me, caring for me at my sickest moments, and making sure I had everything I needed to fight through it. Those months were some of the hardest, but her unwavering love and strength helped pull me through. She is truly a superhero, and I cannot wait to marry her.

Once the gym was open, the biggest challenge was managing everything on my own. I wasn’t just the head trainer—I was also handling marketing, content creation, video editing, financials, client relationships, workout programming, and operational procedures. On top of that, I was in the gym 12 hours a day, training every single member myself. It felt like I was drowning in responsibilities.

The turning point came when my sister, Tiana, joined as my number two. Her presence not only lightened the workload but also strengthened the brand by giving members another knowledgeable trainer to rely on. Having her in the gym allowed me to focus on the bigger picture—improving operations, refining the member experience, and scaling the business.

These struggles, while overwhelming at times, were necessary. They forced me to refine my vision and create a gym that truly delivers results. The hardships sharpened my business acumen, made me a more effective trainer, and ultimately led to a better product. The pressure was intense, but it was necessary to create something great.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At my core, I’m a mix of trainer, coach, and business owner, but my work extends beyond just running Combat Cardio. I’m also an author, having published five books—including two children’s books and my most recent health book, which every Combat Cardio member receives as part of their membership. My mission is to provide people with not just a great workout but the education and tools to sustain a healthy lifestyle for the long term.

I specialize in posture correction and nutrition, two key foundations that make my training approach effective. Over the years, I’ve worked with hundreds of in-person clients and reached thousands more online, helping them correct imbalances, fuel their bodies properly, and build sustainable habits.

What sets me apart is my educative style of training. I don’t just tell my clients what to do—I teach them why they should do it. By understanding the principles behind their training and nutrition, my clients develop self-sustaining skills that empower them to take control of their health. My goal is to turn every member into their own personal trainer in a way that lasts beyond just their time in the gym.

What I’m most proud of is the impact Combat Cardio has had on our members. Seeing people transform—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—has been the most rewarding part of this journey. When someone becomes a healthier version of themselves, it improves every aspect of their life. They become better parents, siblings, coworkers, and friends. That’s what drives me every day.

What makes Combat Cardio truly unique is the combination of affordability, accessibility, and effectiveness. We provide a premium personal training experience at a fraction of the cost—giving people the guidance of a trainer without the per-session price tag. Our open-gym, HIIT-style boxing and kickboxing workouts are designed for maximum results in minimal time, making it easy for anyone to fit fitness into their lifestyle. And beyond just workouts, we offer personalized support in nutrition, posture correction, and overall health coaching.

Most importantly, Combat Cardio is built around a tight-knit, supportive community, and we’re just getting started. If you’re local, we’d love for you to come experience it for yourself and be part of something truly special!

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is The Truth. Living in truth is my motto in life—because when you’re LIT (Living In Truth), you prioritize what’s right over simply being right. This means having the willingness to be wrong, to challenge your own beliefs, and to constantly seek growth and understanding.

Truth is the foundation for everything—whether it’s in health, business, or personal relationships. In my work, I don’t just teach people what to do; I teach them the why behind it. I want my clients to be armed with real, effective knowledge that empowers them to make lasting changes, not just temporary fixes.

Living in truth also means operating with integrity, being honest with myself and others, and never compromising my values for convenience. That principle has guided me through every challenge I’ve faced, from career setbacks to health struggles, and it’s what fuels me to keep pushing forward.

At the end of the day, when you’re LIT—Living In Truth—you live with clarity, purpose, and the ability to grow into the best version of yourself.

Pricing:

• Our monthly fee is cheaper than a single session from most personal trainers, however don’t worry about pricing right now. Come check us out and get a FREE workout before committing to anything. Try before you buy!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.combatcardiokc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitch.tomson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566528771669
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SelfSustainedTraining