NASHVILLE, TN — In the heart of Williamson County, Payton Turner Grubbs stands out for one major reason— she’s been exactly where many of her clients are now.

“I didn’t grow up as a huge athlete,” Payton says. “I swam competitively, but I wasn’t out there dominating sports year-round.”

It wasn’t until after college when the reality of post-grad life and a family vacation left her winded and uncomfortable. That was the moment she had a wake-up call. “I remember being out of breath and thinking, ‘I’m too young for this,’” she shares. That moment marked the beginning of her health transformation.

What followed wasn’t a crash diet or overnight change. Payton took a slow and steady approach, losing nearly 70 pounds over a few years by teaching herself how to strength train, eat better, and truly care for her body.

“I just fell in love with fitness,” she says. “Not just the workouts, but the way it made me feel stronger, healthier, more capable.”

Her journey eventually led her out of the her teaching classroom, where she’d spent five years teaching fourth grade, and into  a new role. A role that still involved teaching, in a completely different setting.

Now a certified personal trainer in Williamson County, Payton splits her time between the Fairview Recreation Center and Leiper’s Fork Recreation Center, both part of Williamson County Parks & Recreation.

While Payton trains a variety of clients, the majority of her clientele consists of women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond.

“They’re often brand new to the gym or coming back after years away,” she explains. “A lot of them come to me saying, ‘My balance is off,’ or ‘My bone scan wasn’t great.’”

What Payton loves most is helping those clients not only build strength but confidence too. “It’s incredible to see someone go from needing me by their side to showing up on their own. That’s the real win.”

And that attention to personal detail is what makes Payton’s style so effective.

Both recreation centers where Payton works are part of a larger network of WCPR facilities that offer much more than just weights and treadmills.

“There’s everything from pickleball and pottery to senior field trips, kids camps, and group fitness classes,” she says. “I teach kickboxing classes, but we also have yoga, Pilates, strength, and cycle classes.”

When weather allows, Payton often takes her clients outdoors. “We’ve got soccer fields, tracks, and bleachers,” she says. “There’s something really energizing about doing circuits outside.”

Payton doesn’t just talk the talk, she lives it. She and her husband love hiking and golfing, and her passion for fitness has even inspired her parents to take charge of their own health.

“They both take my kickboxing classes and train with me one-on-one,” she says. “They’ve even started going on hiking vacations. I’m so proud of how active they’ve become.

What sets Payton apart is her relatability. She knows what it feels like to walk into a gym intimidated and unsure.

“That wasn’t that long ago for me,” she says. “So when someone says they’re nervous, or they don’t know what to do, I can say, ‘I’ve been there too.’” Her background in teaching also makes her an expert at adapting on the fly. “If someone comes in and says their knee hurts or they fell last week, I know how to change the plan immediately. Teaching taught me that.”

When asked about the success stories that motivate her, one client immediately comes to mind.

“She trains with me five days a week and is a full-time caregiver to her husband who has Parkinson’s. She’s gotten so much stronger and it’s made such a difference in how she cares for him. That’s the kind of impact that gives my work meaning.”

Payton proves that you don’t have to start as an athlete to become a powerhouse in fitness. Her story is one of self-discipline, empathy, and real transformation. Whether you’re just starting your health journey or looking for a trainer who truly gets it, Payton’s the kind of coach who meets you exactly where you are, and walks beside you every step of the way.

If you’re interested in working with Payton, you can find her on Instagram or email her directly at paytonturner1852@gmail.com.

Author: Tala Shatara