Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruby Pachall.
Ruby, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I actually got started in the fitness industry in a pretty personal way. I was a runner most of my life—competing in track and cross country all through school—but like a lot of people, once I got into my 20s, life got busy with work and school and fitness started to slip away. I became fairly sedentary, and even though I knew I didn’t feel my best, I didn’t really know where to start to change that, so I just kept putting it off.
Everything shifted when my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away just a few months later. That experience was my wake-up call—the moment I realized I needed to take control of my own health. I hired a trainer and fell back in love with movement—especially running and strength training. Over the next couple of years, that transformation changed not only my body but also my mindset and confidence.
I realized what I felt most called to do was help other women experience that same sense of empowerment and self-belief. Initially, I thought I wanted to become a registered dietitian, but I quickly discovered my passion was really in personal training—helping people move, feel, and live better from the inside out. After getting certified and spending about three years gaining experience, I decided to take the leap and start my own business.
Because I knew nutrition and mindset are such huge parts of the puzzle, I went on to complete a health coaching program about five years ago that focused on the psychology behind behavioral change. That gave me the tools to not just design great workouts, but to truly support clients in creating lasting habits that build confidence and transform their lives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an entrepreneur definitely isn’t always easy. There are highs and lows, and sometimes things happen that are completely out of your control—like COVID or shifts in the economy. When people are uncertain about their finances, services like personal training or health coaching can sometimes feel like a luxury, so I’ve had to learn how to adapt, stay resilient, and continue finding ways to serve people in meaningful, accessible ways.
About five years ago, I made the decision to expand beyond in-person training and start offering online personal training and health coaching. That pivot ended up being one of the best things I could have done. It not only helped me sustain my business during unpredictable times but also allowed me to connect with clients far beyond my local community.
I’ve been able to work with people from all over the country—each with different backgrounds, challenges, and goals—which keeps my work exciting and fresh. It’s also taught me how to truly meet people where they are on their journey, whether that means adjusting to their home equipment, lifestyle, or mindset. Every challenge has pushed me to grow as a coach and as a business owner, and I’ve learned that flexibility, creativity, and empathy are just as important as knowledge and skill in this industry.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in women’s fitness, body recomposition, and weight loss. My approach is very individualized—no two clients receive the same plan. Each person’s workouts and dietary guidance are completely customized based on their goals, abilities, lifestyle, and any injuries or limitations they may have.
I really believe in meeting people where they are and helping them build from there. My coaching style is more about encouragement than intimidation—I’m definitely more of an uplifter than a drill sergeant. I want every woman I work with to feel supported, capable, and confident. At the same time, I remind them that they can do hard things and achieve more than they often think possible. Watching that mindset shift—when someone realizes how strong and capable they truly are—is the most rewarding part of what I do.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think we’re going to continue seeing a major shift away from the traditional big-box gym model. People are craving more personalized, flexible, and connected experiences, which is why online training and private boutique-style gyms are becoming so popular. We’ve already seen this trend grow since COVID, and I think it’s only going to continue.
AI is also starting to play a bigger role in fitness, and while that can be helpful for self-motivated individuals, there’s still no substitute for working with an experienced coach who truly understands you as a person. Technology can’t replace human connection, accountability, or the ability to design a plan that fits your life, your goals, and your unique circumstances. At the end of the day, fitness is personal—and having someone who believes in you and helps you stay consistent will always be the most powerful tool there is.
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