Dissident Spotlight: Micah Bittner

What made you first get into fitness?

My father is definitely responsible for me getting into fitness. It started with him letting me take a few karate classes. This led to backyard baseball, and eventually being trained as a master fitness trainer and nutritionist while serving in the Army.

What motivates you to show up every day?

My primary motivation is seeing how far I can push myself, but I have a secondary reason and that is my sobriety. I struggled with addiction for several years and training is what helps me stay focused on remaining sober.

What are your health and fitness goals for the future?

My overall goal is to compete in the IFBB. However, that's a long-term goal. For now, my goal is to find a coach, get in even better shape and compete in my first competition as soon as possible.

What is your favorite exercise?

That's definitely a toss up between deadlifts and bent over rows. There's just something about pulling a lot of weight that excites and motivates me. Plus, having a strong back is important in my line of work.

What made you choose Dissident Gym Wear and how do you relate to the DISSIDENT brand's message?

Dissident found me in September 2015. I did not know very much about the brand at the time, other than I had to be a part of it. Fast-forward to the present, and I can say, without a doubt, that the DISSIDENT message is a driving force in why I get up every day. It motivates me to push myself farther, train harder, and help others achieve sobriety.

What is your favorite Dissident piece?

I love my old-school Tune Out. It was my first piece and I wear it with pride.

What is your proudest fitness achievement?

My proudest fitness achievement would have to be ruck marching 26.2 miles in under six hours and 30 minutes with 75 lbs on my back — or the day I broke 400 lbs in the deadlift.

What is your advice to anyone seeking to improve their health and fitness lifestyle?

My advice is simple — it's a daily task that will push you, it will get boring, but if you "trust the process," you'll look back in a year and see just how far you've come. I believe that most people fail at fitness because they approach it from a sprinters’ mentality — when it is a marathon. Results require time and consistency. I remind myself of a woman who I watched train for five years. When she started, she weighed almost 500 pounds and could barely walk for five minutes on a treadmill. She showed up every day at 5 a.m. for five years and still trains today I'm sure. She dropped over 350 lbs. So, on the days I feel like taking it easy, or skipping my training, I remind myself that she never quit and neither can I.

What is your favorite quote?

"The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, side-stepping responsibility, and pushing their luck!" — Anonymous

"People will question all of the good things they hear about you, but believe all of the bad without a second thought."