MICHAEL NEWCOMB (HE/HIM)

Bio

Michael grew up as the awkward, chubby, effeminate kid who dreaded gym class, especially dodgeball day. Sports were never his thing, and he never thought of himself as an athlete. But as an adult, he discovered he had a talent for individual sports all along. Growing up in Rochester, NY, he learned to ski early on and still loves both snow skiing and waterskiing. He also took up tennis and captained his high school team. However, as a young adult, his gym time focused more on “looking good” than on fitness itself. He took up running and even completed a few marathons, but found the commitment too intense to sustain.

Feeling stuck in his fitness journey, Michael took the advice of Coach Ryan and tried out Hardware. Despite some initial insecurities, he developed a new relationship with fitness, focusing not just on appearance but on building strength, learning new skills, and feeling healthy. He realized he could do things he once dreaded in gym class—like rope climbs! But what truly kept him coming back was the supportive and inspiring community at Hardware.

Outside the gym, Michael is passionate about his work and family. He holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and serves as a professor at Northwestern University, where he directs the THRIVE Center, a research initiative dedicated to eliminating health disparities impacting LGBTQ youth. Mentoring young scientists is one of his favorite parts of his job, and coaching at Hardware allows him to combine his love of teaching and fitness.

Michael and his husband have lived in Andersonville for nearly a decade. They enjoy exploring the neighborhood’s restaurants, bars, and breweries, traveling the world, spending time with friends, or relaxing at home with their dog, Murphy.