NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Whether he’s coaching one-on-one clients at Orangetheory Midtown or guiding athletes through high-energy sessions at Outlaw Training Club, Gary Smith’s approach blends science, motivation, and a contagious enthusiasm that keeps clients coming back. His days are filled with crafting personalized workouts, sharing nutrition tips, and helping people not just reach their fitness goals, but truly transform their lifestyles—one rep, one habit, and one breakthrough at a time.
Growing up in Memphis, Gary was always active in school sports playing baseball, basketball, and football. After graduating high school. he attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he maintained a lean physique but soon discovered a deeper interest in fitness beyond just athletics.
Despite initially pursuing a business and sport management degree, Gary found himself drawn less to a traditional classroom path and more to what fitness taught him about discipline, motivation, and goal-setting. “The gym became my classroom,” he says. “It helped me push through tough times in school and shaped how I approach life.” After graduation, Gary gained real-world coaching experience at a physical therapy and performance center in Memphis.
Enrolling at the University of Tennessee, Gary initially identified as a regular student, weighing a lean 140 pounds, but after time spent at the gym on campus, he noticed his body starting to change. Gary gained 20 pounds of muscle, a turning point that revealed to him the power of disciplined training and nutrition. He admits that his fitness journey wasn’t always linear, he lost and regained weight multiple times, but these experiences taught him valuable lessons about consistency, patience, and long-term commitment.
Fitness also became an unexpected source of motivation during difficult academic periods. “College wasn’t easy for me,” Gary shares. “I struggled to find the right career path and switched majors a couple of times. The discipline I learned in the gym helped me push through school challenges and kept me focused.”
Upon graduation, armed with degrees in sport management and business, Gary did not immediately land a traditional job. Instead, he returned home to Memphis and took an internship at a physical therapy and performance center owned by a family friend. This was Gary’s first formal coaching role, where he worked alongside therapists to provide performance coaching for athletes. Though he lacked certification at the time, Gary relied on practical knowledge and mentorship to guide his clients.
“This role was a huge learning experience,” he recalls. “I was still figuring things out, but it gave me the confidence and foundation I needed to take the next step.”
Motivated by the desire to help more people, Gary launched an online coaching business while still in Memphis. He recognized the potential of digital platforms to reach clients beyond his immediate location. “It was a struggle at first,” he admits. “Building clientele from home wasn’t easy, but I stayed consistent and kept improving.” In mid-2022, Gary moved to Nashville to grow his business further. He secured a position at Street Fitness gym, gaining experience in personal training and group fitness, which helped him refine his coaching style and deepen his knowledge beyond bodybuilding to overall health and wellness.
Now based in Nashville, Gary works as a fitness coach at Orangetheory Midtown and personal trainer at Outlaw Training Club. Keep reading to find out what he has learned along the way.
One of the biggest shifts in Gary’s journey was his growing fascination with nutrition. Early on, he focused primarily on lifting and gaining muscle, but over time he realized that what you eat plays a crucial role in achieving fitness goals. “Helping clients understand calories, macros, and sustainable eating habits became a key part of my coaching,” Gary shares. “You can’t out-train a poor diet, so education is critical.” Beyond diet, he emphasizes the importance of habits and lifestyle change. “It’s not about quick fixes,” he says. “It’s about building routines that stick, so fitness and health become a natural part of your daily life.” He encourages clients to view fitness as a holistic journey, incorporating exercise, nutrition, recovery, and mental well-being.
If you’re ready to take your fitness journey to the next level, Gary is the coach who can help you get there. With a mix of expert guidance, personalized programs, and unwavering support, he doesn’t just train bodies, he transforms habits, builds confidence, and makes every session feel achievable and energizing. Whether your goal is to build strength, lose weight, or simply feel better in your own skin, Gary’s approach meets you where you are and helps you push toward your full potential. Follow him on Instagram or fill out his online coaching form.
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