Great Lakes Sports Performance is a premier training facility located on the Stunning Saint Clair River, specializing in comprehensive athletic development and sports medicine services.

Great Lakes Sports Performance was founded by Dr. Michael MacPherson with three core goals: to provide student-athletes with college-level speed and strength training, to offer families a fun and engaging way to improve their fitness and body awareness, and to help individuals overcome pain.

Dr. Michael MacPherson, Phd, cscs

I’m Dr. Michael MacPherson, and my passion is helping others live happier, healthier, and pain-free lives. For the past two decades, I’ve worked with athletes at all levels including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. I focus on improving athleticism, strength, and flexibility.

At Great Lakes Sports Performance, I design custom exercise programs that enhance strength, build stability, and reduce pain. I’ve helped dozens of student-athletes earn scholarships, recover from injuries, and develop the mindset needed for success. More recently, my focus has expanded to first responders, helping them overcome pain and optimize performance. It is a great feeling help our police officers and fire fighters.

If you're ready to move better, feel stronger, and live without pain—let’s get started!

Samuel Groom, CSCS

I am a dedicated personal trainer and coach, committed to helping others unlock their full potential through purposeful movement and thoughtful load selection. My fitness journey began at 16 when I decided to take control of my own physical development. After graduating from DeWitt High School, I earned a degree in Applied Exercise Science from Northern Michigan University, which deepened my understanding of health and exercise and strengthened my commitment to supporting others in optimizing their performance. I hold a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification, which enhances my ability to evaluate movement, design programs, and coach individuals effectively.

Having suffered several injuries along the way, I learned a great deal through trial and error, which led me to explore some unconventional methods of improving my performance and recovery. This journey eventually brought me to Beactivated by Douglas Heel, where I became a Level 1 and 2 practitioner. This experience expanded my understanding of how the body moves, functions, and compensates. I am also currently attending the Lakewood School of Therapeutic Massage, where I am working toward becoming a licensed massage therapist. This training has been instrumental in shaping my approach, allowing me to identify compensation patterns as well as understanding how to activate the nervous system and in-turn optimize muscle firing sequences for better performance and recovery.

Fitness has allowed me to experience activities like mountain biking, skiing, boxing, frisbee golf, hunting, and more, in ways I never thought possible for myself. My goal is to help others find joy in their bodies and achieve things they once thought were out of reach. I aim to inspire clients to walk away from each session feeling empowered, confident, and equipped with the knowledge and tools to continue their journey of growth—both with and without me.