About Us

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Our mission is to forge stronger, healthier humans through integrated bodywork, movement, and training, delivered by a collaborative team of wellness professionals. We unite skilled practitioners in massage therapy, strength and conditioning, and martial arts to help our community facilitate their wellness journey. We aim to empower you by helping you move better, recover faster, and become more resilient. 

Michael Petresky founded Balanced Forge to bring together the disciplines that have shaped his own lifelong pursuit of health, performance, and resilience. He has trained continuously in martial arts, fitness, strength training, bodybuilding, and sport conditioning since 2004, building a foundation rooted in both real-world experience and formal education.

He earned his first personal training certification in 2010 through PTA Global (now NASM) while studying Applied Physiology and Kinesiology with a specialization in Fitness and Wellness at the University of Florida’s College of Health and Human Performance. In 2011, he began coaching through Kaizen Fitness Systems, helping clients align training, recovery, and nutrition with their personal goals.

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Michael has competed in local, state, and national tournaments since 2005. His athletic background informs Balanced Forge’s performance-driven yet sustainable approach where strength, conditioning, and skill development are balanced with recovery and long-term health.

Now pursuing licensure in massage therapy, Michael is expanding Balanced Forge’s integrated model of care by combining intelligent training with effective bodywork. This allows clients to not only build strength and capacity, but also improve recovery, manage stress, prevent injury, and stay consistent in their practice.

Studio Location TBD. Coming Soon.