Episode #159: Mike Axler

Mike Axler is an Exercise Science professor and researcher with extensive experience in endurance sport, strength training and applied physiology. Earning his PhD in applied physiology from the University of Delaware in 2023, Axler currently teaches classes on the subject of anatomy & physiology and human nutrition as an assistant professor of exercise science at Jacksonville University. Arriving at JU in 2023, he spent 2019-2023 as a graduate research and teaching assistant at the University of Delaware while earning his doctorate. He also garnered coaching experience as a seasonal strength coach with the UDel football program in summer 2022. Prior to that, Axler spent time as a certified personal trainer at Retro Fitness in Winter Garden, FL from 2018-2019 and graduate assistant at the University of Central Florida from 2017-2018. Axler got his start in the exercise science field as a physical therapy aide and online trainer at Breakthru Physical Therapy in Mt. Laurel, NJ from 2016-2018.

Beyond the classroom, Axler is also an executive performance strategist and founder of Axler Concierge Coaching. Through his online coaching business, he combines evidence-based strategies with a concierge-level client experience, programming and consulting for a wide range of clients from youth athletes and older adults to professional athletes, busy entrepreneurs, and high-performing executives. Additionally, he is also the host of the Simple Science podcast, where he leads long-form conversations on the intersection of science, performance and human health with a wide range of guests in the health and fitness space.

Axler is no stranger to training in addition to his many research, teaching and coaching responsibilities. He is very active himself in the weight room and outside of it, competing in multiple endurance based events. To date he has competed in and successfully completed over 60 marathons and ultramarathons over the course of his racing career with the long-term goal of competing in a race in every state across the USA.