National Fitness Hall of Fame

Michael was born in 1949 in Los Angeles, CA.  He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.  He was a weight loss expert who transformed the bodies of thousands of clients, including numerous celebrities, over the last 30 years through his own customized "blueprinting" technique.

In the early 1980's, Michael started "6 Week Body Makeover" in San Francisco and it became an immediate success.  He later moved to Los Angeles and became part of the "expert" team of the hit ABC reality series, "Extreme Makeover," where he helped participants attain their ideal weight.  In 2000, Michael and Provida Life Sciences developed "Michael Thurmond's 6-Week Body Makeover" infomercial and product.  It became one of the highest performing infomercials since its inception.  With regular appearances on Home Shopping Network, Michael heard from people all over the country who told him "I did the program and it really works!  I now have the body I always dreamed of."

Michael's company was honored with a Congressional medal for his "Mind, Body, Action" program, which aimed to help battle childhood obesity by motivating kids to exercise regularly and to develop healthy eating habits.  Michael will be remembered for his generosity, compassion and gentle spirit.  He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.