Hidden Gems: Meet Terrell Smith of Savage Athletics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrell Smith.

Hi Terrell, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My journey started when I was just a young bull. Growing up in an underprivileged home surrounded by poverty and hardships, I learned pretty early on, how to create “safe spaces” for myself mentally and physically to see myself through the day-to-day challenges.

It was during these dark times that I found refuge in football, which provided me with a break from reality and hope for something better. This new hope ignited a passion within me that drove me to always do better and pushed me to strive to be the best version of myself. I learned in my role as a quarterback that I’m a natural-born leader with an unwavering spirit who refused to be a victim of my circumstance despite all odds.

My resilience and need to find a haven off the field, soon turned into my motivation as I began working out daily at home. I began to get stronger physically, of course, but mentally as well. Life started to make more sense and the obstacles didn’t seem so insurmountable. Working out, gave me a sense of calmness and understanding. This strength, mindset, and energy only continued to build and now manifests in my day-to-day work as I mentor and encourage others, no matter their situation. It led me to get into coaching young athletes who can relate and feed off that kind of energy, to turn it into motivation on the field. It has become a true joy in my life.

But, I wanted to help more people and expand my reach, so I became a personal trainer as well as a sports and conditioning coach and Nutritionist. That’s what began Savage Athletics. I now offer football coaching, personal training, and performance enhancement online and in-person, with plans of opening my gym shortly; a gym fueled by that very spirit that got me through my darkest times.

People have said they can feel the positive energy radiating from me and feed off that energy. They are pumped when they see me and ready for that work and I always look forward to helping them reach their goals and overcome their obstacles. For that, I thank God and the struggle that has led me to this place and I will continue to empower others as much as possible while being able to wake up every day doing what I love.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? Hell no, lol. But it’s okay because my entire life has been a bumpy road. I wouldn’t want it any other way. And when I moved to Nashville it got bumpier! But I learned over time that bumps in the road are nothing but obstacles and hurdles that make you stronger and wiser for your journey down the road. The last thing you want to do is feel sorry for yourself when the road gets bumpy.

One of my biggest obstacles has been migrating to social media and being more personable with my following base. It can be tricky as a fitness instructor and football coach because people. look to see what you are doing with clients, and what kind of workouts you do personally, and save content for later to try for themselves; they are just always looking for ideas and advice when it comes to fitness and nutrition.

So, I had to realize that if I wanted my brand to succeed online, I’d have to engage more and make connections with people on my platforms. For an introvert like me, that’s not always the easiest. I mean I have a switch and I can become the friendliest person in the room, but, being consistent and out there on social media platforms is something I still have to work at. I’m getting much better with it now though.

It was also quite a challenge for me to realize my worth enough to find the. confidence to leave my 9-5 and pursue my dreams full-time. Many will deem this idea as risky and too crazy to fathom, especially when there are mouths to feed and bills to pay but, when your heart knows what your purpose is and the universe keeps showing you signs that your passion will succeed, you know it’s worth the risk. You just have to jump.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am the owner and trainer at Savage Athletics. I specialize in elite training and sports conditioning as well as private football coaching for athletes. But, you don’t have to be an athlete to train like one.

I help find the Savage and you and get you in the best shape of your life. I am dedicated to my client’s growth and success, no matter their fitness goals, and work with them online, in-person, or hybrid. I provide rapid response consulting & support, customized meal plans & nutrition tracking, client performance monitoring & accountability, lifestyle & habit coaching, and more.

My workouts integrate technical movements, strength training, and high-intensity exercises into killer and rewarding result-driven programs, designed to take you outside your comfort level and guide you to your highest potential.

I train from a holistic standpoint, mind, & body from the inside out, and strive to make fitness, accessible and attainable for anyone wanting to improve their way of life. We are currently revamping the site and adding new programs to the app, so great things are soon to come. All levels of fitness are welcome.

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
When it comes to giving advice, I am still on a relatively new journey with taking the business to new heights, but I can confidently share one piece of wisdom – trust yourself without fail. Believe in your capacity for success and set seemingly impossible goals and then don’t let anything discourage you from achieving them. Self-doubt is like a boomerang; it’ll come right back at you in times of adversity.

One thing I wish I knew before embarking on my journey is to not be consumed with what others are doing and the comparative lifestyles on social media. Put on your blinders, focus on your path, and never worry about mirroring someone else’s journey.

This will enable you to remain motivated towards YOUR dreams, instead of stressing over how someone else’s success may appear to surpass yours. Take actions that are best for you, stay on the grind, be authentic in your brand and true to who YOU are, and you will succeed.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savageathleticstn
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savageathleticstn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@savageathletics
• Other: https://linktr.ee/savageathletics