Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Clayton.
Nick, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have a personal training studio here in Mt Juliet where I see clients 1-1 and semi-private (groups of 2-3).
Long version of the story… I grew up in NJ and earned my BA in Corporate Health Promotion, went to grad school at the U of Florida for my MS in Exercise and Sport Science, started personal training at Gainesville Health and Fitness (winner of numerous national awards), then took a job as Assistant Director of Fitness running the fitness programs (managing weight rooms, overseeing group fitness, running special events, starting a personal training program, etc) at the U of Florida Department of Rec Sports. I had a strong fitness background at that point, but the Rec Sports job was management heavy. That lead me to pursuing/earning my MBA.
I worked at UF from ’04-08 before taking a job as Director of Sports Performance at TMI Sports Medicine in Arlington, TX. TMI is owned by Dr. Meister, team doc of the Texas Rangers (MLB) – it was his private orthopedic practice and sports physical therapy. He brought me in to start and run a sports performance program where I trained professional baseball players, youth and college athletes, and everyday post-rehab clients (patients who were there for physical therapy and wanted to continue working out with an emphasis on injury prevention and overall health). I was there from ’08-11.
From there, I took a job at the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The NSCA was founded in 1978, is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit dedicated to advancing strength and conditioning research and education through cutting-edge publications, certifications, and continuing education. I worked as a Program Manager overseeing the Personal Training Program, which entailed everything from creating educational content, organizing conferences and events, presenting across the country (as well as Europe and Asia), and assisting other departments relative to personal training (certification, membership, marketing, etc). While there, I delivered over 100 presentations including exam preparation symposia – helping new trainers get certified. 2011-2019.
After NSCA, I took a job as the Chief Operating Officer at the Painfree Performance Specialist Certification (PPSC). The PPSC is a for-profit fitness-education certificate company teaching personal trainers how to work with clients to improve strength and fitness while reducing injury risk, with a focus on longevity. For PPSC, it’s not corrective exercise, it teaching/coaching/modifying workouts so clients get stronger and more resilient. I did that for 1 year before Covid shut us down (we were 100% in person).
At this point, I had moved to CA with my fiance (now wife). I started an online personal training business and was doing local educational events with gyms in addition to misc consulting roles. I was in CA from ’19-22.
My wife and I had our son, Rowan in 2022 – we didn’t want to stay in CA and wanted to be closer to home (my family is in NJ, her family is in Chicago). She got a job here in Nashville (working with Abbvie/Botox) and we decided to move.
So in 2022, we moved here about 6 weeks before Rowan was born – it was quite a few first months;) We rented in Nolensville that first year and I was doing online personal training and working remotely with IDEA Health & Fitness (business development, content development). We finally settled down here in Mt Juliet about 2 years ago and I realized that while I enjoy working with clients online, I really missed the in-person aspect of personal training, so I started my studio earlier this year.
Like I said, the long version…. The one thing I didn’t mention is that throughout my career, in all my roles, I’ve always trained in person clients either part time or full time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a relatively smooth road for me. I’ve either been recruited or connected to each “formal” job I’ve held starting at TMI Sports Medicine. The bumps came when our son was born, it made it really difficult to find a job in the area – I want to be around for my son and help out getting him to daycare and spending time with him in the afternoons; so my available hours to work can make my personal training job difficult (most clients want to train early morning or evenings – I’m mostly available from 8:30-4:30 M-F). Another bump – I’ve always picked up clients through referrals and word of mouth. Moving to a new state/city and having a young son make it hard to get out there and promote my services, so I’ve spent a lot of time this summer learning about website development, SEO, marketing, social media, etc. A challenge, but it’s been enjoyable.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Elevate Fitness Mt Juliet?
Private Personal Training for Real People Who Want to Feel and Move Better – that’s what my business is all about.
At Elevate Fitness MJ, I offer a private, high-level personal training experience designed for adults who value health, strength, and longevity over quick fixes or trends. My studio is built for men and women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who want to train smarter — not harder — with expert coaching that delivers lasting results without pain or injury.
As for services, I offer 1-1 training in 30, 45, and 60 minute sessions. I also offer semi-private (groups of 2-3) where each person has their own custom program with shared time (and reduced cost). Clients can train with me once a month or 5 days per week, and for all clients, regardless of how many days per week they train with me, get a full program based on their needs, goals, time/resources. To clarify, I have a number a number of clients who train 2 times/wk here with me and follow their own individualized program using my app – some clients will go a gym or do additional home workouts on their own, follow a cardio program, or just have additional mobility-focused workouts to perform. It’s all part of the overall program.
Clients come to Elevate Fitness for many reasons: some have been working out but aren’t seeing progress, others are dealing with shoulder, hip, or back pain, and some are returning to exercise after years away. Regardless of background, every program is individualized, progressive, and adaptable — focused on improving mobility, stability, and total-body strength.
What sets me apart is my experience and approach. With over 25 years in the industry and advanced credentials in exercise science and corrective movement, I specialize in helping clients move better, feel stronger, and regain confidence in their bodies. Many have worked with trainers before but say the difference at Elevate Fitness is clear: expert coaching that meets you where you are, challenges you appropriately, and leaves you feeling better after every session.
At its core, Elevate Fitness is about progress, empathy, and results — helping real people stay strong, active, and pain-free for life.
Lastly, Elevate is all me, no employees. I was looking at opening a larger commercial personal training studio or opening a fitness franchise, but being new to the area I didn’t think that was the best idea. I wanted to start something from the ground up and establish myself in the local community before going bigger and bringing on more trainers. I want every client I work with to feel a personal connection – and learn to love the process of improving their health.
What makes you happy?
Seeing my clients faces light up when they start doing something they never thought possible.
For example
“I can’t squat because it hurts my back” – but after we improve mobility, core, and technique – they love squatting.
Clients that deal with chronic shoulder issues but leave a session getting a great workout with the shoulders actually feeling better.
Or one of my favorites – those clients who have never really worked out before consistently – they tried and failed and hated going to the gym… When they learn how to select the right exercises, with the right coaching and progressions, they fall in love with fitness.
Why? It gives me a sense of doing something meaningful, knowing that I’m the best part of someone’s day and knowing that I might be adding quality years to a persons life.
Pricing:
- 30 min sessions: $45
- 45 min session: $75
- 60 min session: $90
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elevatefitnessmj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/njcfit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatefitnessmj
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-clayton/
