Meet Kyle Truitt of Truitt Fitness - Heart of the Business
An interview with Kyle Truitt, Owner
Cover photo by Karl Yost Photography.
Pictured: Kyle Truitt of Truitt Fitness
How did your story Begin? What inspired you to take the leap into entrepreneurship?
My story started as a child, watching my parents stay active through sports, dance, coaching, hiking, and movement. That consistency made physical activity feel natural and normal to me, and it set the foundation for my lifelong love of movement. As an athlete, I’ve always felt the need to stay active, whether through sports, hiking, or just keeping my body moving. I fell in love with weightlifting in high school when I started training for football. Seeing my family make exercise a priority inspired me to make movement a lifelong habit.
My dad opened his personal training business, Posterior Chain, in 2007 after being diagnosed with diabetes. He committed fully to changing his lifestyle through strength and endurance training. Watching him transform his health and positively impact his community was incredibly inspiring, and it led me to become a personal trainer myself. While working multiple restaurant jobs, I enrolled in ISSA and earned my certification. By 2015, I was training clients at multiple gyms, including my dad’s gym, the Wellness Center, and other gyms around Dayton.
Over time, my entrepreneurial mindset took hold. In this industry, you have to put yourself out there and be visible within your local fitness community. After my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 and passed away within a year, I decided to take full ownership of the gym he started. Fast forward to 2025, and I’ve built a sustainable business through one-on-one and group training at Truitt Fitness, my rebranded gym. Partnering occasionally with schools and local organizations has also helped me grow as an entrepreneur and a business owner.
What do you love most about owning and running a business in Yellow Springs?
Living within a mile of my gym is a huge advantage. A short commute makes life easier, and being part of such a tight-knit community has been invaluable. Word-of-mouth referrals have played a major role in building my clientele and keeping my business thriving.
What products, services, or experiences of yours do people love most, and why are they special to you?
My personal training services are where I shine. I focus on applying scientific principles to each client, tailoring every movement to their abilities. I excel at modifying exercises to ensure everyone succeeds, whether someone is new to fitness or an experienced athlete. For instance, I can adjust a push-up so that everyone, from beginners to advanced trainees, stimulates the right muscles safely and effectively.
What makes this special to me is helping people overcome challenges, both physical and mental. I enjoy guiding them to reach their goals efficiently while ensuring the experience is accessible, supportive, and empowering.
What is the biggest challenge your business is facing right now, and how are you working through it?
Economics is always a challenge. I want to be fairly compensated for my expertise while keeping services affordable. I offer discounts on single and multiple sessions, both one-on-one and in groups. Another challenge is helping people overcome self-doubt. Many clients defeat themselves before even stepping into a gym because of preconceived ideas about their abilities. I work to help them understand that fitness is achievable at any level and that effective workouts can happen within their current capabilities.
“What I love most is that I can make a living helping people become the best version of themselves through education, guidance, and active engagement.“
When you’re not at your business, where is your favorite place to shop, eat, or unwind in Yellow Springs?
I love eating at Miguel’s Tacos, Current Cuisine, Mazu, Sala Brava, and Sunrise Cafe. For shopping, I enjoy Glen Garden Gifts, Stoney Creek, Rosie’s Healthy Grocery Store, and Smoking Octopus. I frequent these places for both essentials and treats.
Where do you call home, and how does that community influence the way you do business?
I live in Yellow Springs. Being part of this community has been essential to my business. Word-of-mouth referrals from past and current clients have helped me grow, and the close-knit nature of the town fosters a supportive environment for local entrepreneurs.
What are the top three things you love most about being a small business owner?
- Flexibility with my schedule
- Not having a boss to answer to
- Freedom to be creative and do things my way
What is the mission or heart behind your business—the “why” that keeps you going?
The heart of my business is promoting healthy living, both physically and mentally. Consistent exercise can positively impact so many areas of life. The mind and body are connected, and strengthening one inevitably strengthens the other. Watching clients gain confidence and achieve their fitness goals is incredibly rewarding. When people realize they can accomplish difficult things in the gym, it empowers them to take on challenges in their everyday lives with greater confidence.
What’s something else that people might not know about you or your business that you wish they did?
I am always in “business mode.” I am committed to helping people, and I’m always open to new clients. I adjust rates when necessary to ensure affordability because consistency is the most effective path to improvement. I do this for the love of helping people grow stronger, both physically and mentally.
In addition to running this small business, what other hats do you wear?
I have been playing drums in various bands and projects for the last 26 years, which is my main passion. Currently, I play drums for four bands: Mojo Power, iPUFF!, Tracy Perkins, Magic Static, and World House Choir. I also enjoy being outdoors; hiking, bike riding, and playing softball when the weather is nice. Taking my dogs to parks or open spaces where they can run freely is another favorite activity.
Can you share a favorite memory or moment with a customer or client that has stayed with you?
It’s hard to pick just one, but a few moments stand out:
- A client in his late 60s improved his cardiovascular endurance and strength, helping him feel confident as a dentist and grandfather. He completed a challenging hike and kayaking trip with much more ease than before.
- A long-time client in her 70s succeeded in jumping onto a 10-inch box for the first time ever.
- I’ve helped clients lose weight, crush strength goals, improve body composition, and support high school athletes in reaching state semifinals.
- I’ve prepared athletes transitioning to college for increased physical demands.
- I’ve trained people in wheelchairs to improve upper and lower body strength through customized home routines.
- I’ve educated kids and teens on safe, proper exercise techniques.
- I’ve helped countless people develop a healthy relationship with fitness, movement, and gym culture.
What I love most is that I can make a living helping people become the best version of themselves through education, guidance, and active engagement.
How many people does your business employ?
None. I currently own and operate the business myself.
How long have you been in business?
The gym was originally established in 2007, so it has been in operation for over 18 years.
For over 18 years, Truitt Fitness has been helping clients in Yellow Springs build strength, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement. Founded and operated by lifelong athlete and certified personal trainer Kyle Truitt, the gym offers one-on-one training, group sessions, and partnerships with local schools and organizations. Every program is tailored to meet individual needs, with a focus on safe, effective, and sustainable fitness.
What keeps Kyle motivated is simple: helping people achieve their goals, build confidence, and improve both their physical and mental well-being through consistent movement and exercise.
Visit truittfitness.com.
Heart of the Business cover photo by Karl Yost Photography.
Heart of the Business is presented by the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the vibrant stories and unique contributions of local member businesses throughout the village.
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