NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For fitness coach Tyler Gooch, the journey into personal training wasn’t sparked by a single dramatic moment, but instead by a collection of experiences — from the intimidating weight rooms, to pivotal friendships and a father who shaped his understanding of health long before he realized it himself.
Gooch, who works today as an online coach with clients spanning from Sydney to London and everywhere in between. However, the spark that ultimately built his career began long before he ever thought about coaching professionally.
“It goes back to college when I really first started getting into the gym,” he said, but even before that, he credits his father, an athlete and lifelong fitness enthusiast, who laid the foundation since the beginning. “I was lucky enough to have my father be very involved with teaching me the ins and outs of the gym,” he said. His father took the time to teach Tyler the entire gym, from every machine, the proper way to move, and what each exercise should feel like.
Those early lessons took place in an “old school bodybuilding gym with guys yelling at each other,” a setting Gooch remembers vividly. But when he left home for the University of Tennessee, confidence didn’t follow him quite as easily.
“I was just 18 and was pretty scared of the gym,” he admitted. “I knew nobody and I think that isolation allowed me not being able to walk through the door for some reason.”
At UT, he eventually found his rhythm, thanks to a chance encounter that changed everything. Gooch met his friend Luke, an Australian student visiting Tennessee for the “American experience.”
“He dragged me in [the gym] consistently every single day and that helped me get into the rhythm of getting into the gym solo,” Gooch said. “When I started seeing changes is when I started feeling more confidence.” That confience created a belief system that he could do this as a career.
“When I got to Nashville I wanted to work in a career that I enjoy and that’s when I opened up my applications for coaching,” he said. Almost two years later, he’s built a loyal roster of clients, though he admits the business wasn’t always a straight-line.
About a month into coaching, things initially fell into place for him. Clients were coming in and momentum was building. But once the new year hit, that progress stalled, and the influx of clients slowed dramatically, creating a serious challenge. Even today, he says the online coaching world remains an uphill climb; attracting clients is difficult, but securing them is deeply rewarding.
Gooch mainly coaches men, particularly those who mirror his younger self.
“My ideal client is someone who was me at one point,” he said. “Someone who is maybe skinny, lacking some confidence and has no idea with direction in the gym.”
He also works with weight-loss clients, but his strength lies in muscle building. “I like to stick with what I know the best and that’s building muscle and putting some serious size on in a short period of time.”
Although his coaching is primarily online, he still trains with those local to Nashville. “If you are in Nashville, I try to meet you get a lift in my gym together.” And while many trainers focus only on workouts, Gooch emphasizes what happens beyond the gym.
“My coaching is somewhat life and fitness coach,” he explained. “I don’t like to just be a fitness coach for these guys I’d like to be someone they can lean on if they need it. I know that when I was getting into my journey, I was going through some rough patches and having someone offer others perspectives really helped.”
Gooch trains daily at Carbon Performance.
“I go to the gym at 5:30 every morning,” he said. “I love love love the carbon equipment. It’s fantastic.”
Outside the gym, he’s eager to get back on the hiking trails now that the heat has faded. “We’re approaching hiking season finally which is awesome,” he said. “We’re about to take some trips here soon to the Smokies and maybe hit Mount LeConte.”
When it comes to nutrition, once again, his dad is a major influence.
“I try to stick to Whole Foods the best I can,” he said. “I use apps and I cook everything as well. So no takeout, no sodas… trying to stay active and clean at the same time.”
If he does splurge? “I’m a huge huge fan of pasta, something Italian would get me.”
Gooch’s father, he says, shaped nearly everything about how he lives today. From fitness to nutrition, he has his number one fan always inspiring him.
“My dad was a star football player in high school and then he went to play for the University of Richmond,” he shared. “He was also a triathlete and incredibly athletic.”
Growing up with him meant unusual breakfasts and strict nutritional rules.
“I wouldn’t have your typical like eggs and bacon with my dad around,” he laughed. “If I was making something like mac & cheese, he’d would remind me ‘You are what you eat, just remember that.’”
At the time, Gooch rolled his eyes, but now?
“I’m very fortunate for it,” he said. “At the time I thought it was so annoying, but now I get it.”
Gooch says he’s committed not just to his own growth but to building community.
“I’m actually in the business of networking,” he said. “I’m just looking to meet as many people as I can and make friends along the way.”
And as for his future in fitness? Gooch is staying open and is hoping you start your journey with him. Follow him on Instagram or fill out an application to get started today.
Tyler and his dad will be cheering you on along the way.
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