(NASHVILLE, Tenn) — For many fitness professionals, their journey into the industry begins with a defining story, a moment that sparked a lifelong passion for health and wellness. For Nashville trainer Devan Walker, the path was less about a single life-altering event and more about focusing in on what came naturally.
“I played volleyball in college,” Devan recalls. “After graduation, I wanted to stay involved in health and wellness, so I started working out regularly. One day, a trainer approached me and said, ‘Hey, you’re really good at pushing yourself — have you thought about becoming a personal trainer?’ That conversation kind of changed everything.”
From there, fitness became more than just a hobby. What began as personal discipline evolved into a passion for helping others move, grow, and thrive. “It just came really naturally to me,” she says. “It doesn’t take energy out of me, it gives me energy.”
While Devan started as a personal trainer, her heart found its rhythm in group fitness. After several years coaching at Burn Boot Camp, she gained the ability to lead large groups, sometimes up to 60 people at once, each with different goals and skill sets.
“At Burn Boot Camp, I learned how to divide my energy to meet everyone where they’re at,” she explains. She know leads fitness classes at solidcore and Barry’s Nashville.
“That experience shaped how I lead my classes now, where I really try to make every person in the room feel seen.”
Her approach? Lead with enthusiasm and authenticity. “I love what I teach and I think people can feel that. I meet people physically and mentally where they are and help guide them toward being a little bit better than when they walked in.”
For Devan, group fitness isn’t just about sweat and strength, it’s about connection
“People who are seeking community really thrive in group fitness,” she says. “It’s so empowering to look around and realize, ‘We did this hard thing together.’ You can push yourself further when you’re surrounded by others who are doing the same.”
That sense of community is something Devan carries beyond the studio as well. She’s approachable, down-to-earth, and believes in keeping things casual. “Most people just reach out through Instagram,” she laughs. “I don’t have a website, I just like to keep it real and lighthearted.”
When she’s not leading classes, Devan’s passion for wellness continues outdoors. You’ll often find her hiking at Percy Warner Park, paddle-boarding at Percy Priest or Old Hickory, or taking classes herself at solidcore or Barry’s several times a week.
“I try to practice what I preach,” she says. “Movement is a non-negotiable for me, it’s how I reset.”
She’s also big on nutrition (and isn’t afraid to keep it interesting). “Right now, I’m on a huge pickled egg kick,” she laughs. “My friends think it’s so weird, but I love it. Gotta get that protein somehow!”
Devan’s Spicy Pickled Eggs Recipe: 🥚🌶️
12 large eggs
1 cup water
1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar work best)
1 tablespoon pickling salt
2 jalapeños, sliced
4–6 cloves garlic, peeled
½ tablespoon black peppercorns
½ tablespoon mustard seeds
½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
Boil the Eggs:
Place 12 eggs in a pot of boiling water and cook for 7 minutes.
Cool & Peel:
Transfer the eggs immediately into an ice bath and let them sit for 5 minutes to stop the cooking process. Peel the eggs carefully.
Make the Brine:
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar, and 1 tablespoon pickling salt. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
Prep the Jar:
In a large mason jar, layer in the sliced jalapeños, garlic, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Combine:
Add the peeled eggs to the jar, then pour in the cooled brine mixture until the eggs are fully submerged.
Pickle:
Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before enjoying.
(Pro tip: The longer they sit, the better they taste!)
Slice over avocado toast for a spicy kick
Chop into a salad or grain bowl
Eat straight from the jar when you need a protein punch
Outside of fitness and whipping up some deviled eggs, Devan expresses her creativity through art and mural work. Originally from Jackson, Tennessee, she’s painted several large-scale murals around her hometown, including pieces for 731 Hemp and Caddy’s Sports Club.
“I love art because it’s such a personal form of expression,” she says. “It’s subjective and freeing. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, it’s just for you.”
Whether she’s leading a class, painting a wall, or exploring the outdoors, Devan’s mission to help people feel seen.
“I want everyone to feel like they’re here for a purpose,” she says. “That they matter, they can do hard things, and they belong in whatever space I create for them.”
You can catch Devan leading classes at solidcore and Barry’s Nashville, or connect with her on Instagram to learn more.
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