Mike Israetel Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Books, YouTube

Mike Israetel, a talented American fitness expert, bodybuilder, and sports scientist, is widely recognized for his expertise in strength training, nutrition, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

As a co-founder of Renaissance Periodization and a respected educator, he has inspired countless individuals with his science-based approach to fitness and performance.

Profile

• Full Name: Michael Israetel
• Stage Name: Dr. Mike Israetel
• Born: May 30, 1984
• Age: 41 years old
• Birthplace: Moscow, Russia
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American Sports Scientist, Bodybuilder, Fitness Coach, YouTuber, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
• Height: 5 feet 6 inches
• Parents: Yelena Israetel, Alexander Israetel
• Siblings: Sonia Israetel
• Spouse: Dr. Christle Guevarra
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $3–4.5 million

Early Life and Education

Mike Israetel, a talented fitness expert, was born on May 30, 1984, in Moscow, Russia, to his parents, Yelena and Alexander Israetel. At age seven, in June 1991, he and his family, including his sister Sonia, immigrated to the United States, settling in the Detroit area.

Raised in a Jewish household, Mike attended the Jewish Community Center in Oak Park and Hillel Day School in Farmington Hills, Michigan, where his cultural roots and disciplined upbringing shaped his work ethic. His early passion for fitness emerged in high school, where he began lifting weights to improve his wrestling performance. This sparked a lifelong dedication to strength training.

Mike pursued his academic interests at the University of Michigan for his undergraduate degree, followed by a master’s in Exercise Science at Appalachian State University. He later earned a Ph.D. in Sport Physiology from East Tennessee State University under Dr. Michael Stone, focusing on athletic performance and hypertrophy. His ethnicity is Jewish, and he identifies culturally with his Jewish heritage, though his religious practices are not publicly detailed.

Career

Mike Israetel, a fitness expert, has built a multifaceted career blending academic expertise, competitive athletics, and entrepreneurship. He co-founded Renaissance Periodization (RP Strength), a science-based fitness and nutrition coaching platform that has guided thousands, including Olympians and CrossFit champions, to achieve their goals. His work with RP emphasizes evidence-based training and diet protocols, earning him a reputation as a leading voice in sports science.

Mike has authored several influential books, including The Renaissance Diet 2.0, Scientific Principles of Hypertrophy Training, and Recovering from Training, which are considered essential reading for fitness professionals and enthusiasts.

A competitive bodybuilder, Mike has participated in events like the NPC Masters Nationals, showcasing his physique at 5’6″ and approximately 237.6 lbs during competition prep. He is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, promoted by coach Josh Vogel in November 2024, and has integrated strength training with BJJ, producing instructional content like Strength Training for Grappling for BJJ Fanatics.

Previously, he served as a professor of Exercise Science at Temple University, Lehman College, and the University of Central Missouri, teaching courses on nutrition and sports science. Mike also worked as a sports nutrition consultant for the U.S. Olympic Training Site in Johnson City, Tennessee, and has spoken at global conferences, including the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid.

His YouTube channel, with over a million subscribers, and his Instagram, with 1.3 million followers, amplify his reach, offering practical fitness advice to a global audience.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @drmikeisraetel
• Twitter Handle: @misraetel
• YouTube: Renaissance Periodization
• Facebook: Renaissance Periodization

Personal Life

Mike Israetel, a talented fitness expert, and his wife, Dr. Christle Guevarra, a specialist in Family Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Obesity Medicine. The couple married on May 18, 2022, and frequently share their mutual passion for fitness on social media, with Christle wishing Mike a happy birthday on Instagram, confirming his birthdate.

They have no children, and Mike has clarified that Jared Feather, often rumored to be his son, is a close friend and colleague, not a biological relative. Mike enjoys dining with family at places like the Golden Bowl in Oak Park, Michigan, but keeps personal details private, focusing public attention on his fitness journey.

His hobbies include weightlifting, reading, playing video games, and traveling. Mike’s charismatic, no-nonsense approach and cultural Jewish identity add depth to his public persona, making him relatable to his audience.

Net Worth

Mike Israetel, a talented fitness expert, has an estimated net worth of $3–4.5 million. His wealth stems from multiple streams, including his role as co-founder and Chief Content Officer of Renaissance Periodization, which provides coaching services and digital products. Additional income comes from his YouTube channel, book sales, speaking engagements, and fitness coaching.