Personal trainers are not a new concept, but GYMGUYZ took the familiar model and transformed it into something personal and accessible. By embracing a mobile format, the team shifted fitness from being a place you go to something that comes directly to you. Whether it’s easier for you to exercise at home, at work, or somewhere unexpected, GYMGUYZ trainers meet clients exactly where they are in their physical location and current stage of wellness.
GYMGUYZ operates as a methodical, intentional, and highly personalized approach to wellness, one designed to remove the most common barriers preventing people from taking control of their health. That intentionality, along with the commitment to making a positive impact on the community, is what drew Erin and Joel Castro to bring GYMGUYZ to Fayette County in March 2025.
Before opening GYMGUYZ, the couple was looking for a venture that aligned with their personal values while allowing for a practical division of strengths. Joel studied exercise physiology in college and worked as a personal trainer during those years before becoming a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Erin recognized that his technical expertise paired naturally with her business mindset. Together, they saw the opportunity to create something meaningful. “It just felt like a good fit,” Joel shared, noting that the GYMGUYZ model also gave him the flexibility he wanted both professionally and as a parent. With Erin taking charge of operations and Joel overseeing training and client services, the business became a family effort that the couple hoped would offer their children hands-on experience and an early understanding of entrepreneurship. And with that, GYMGUYZ Southwest Atlanta was born.
The GYMGUYZ team is composed of eight to twelve trainers at any given time. Each trainer brings a wide base of knowledge to the table, along with unique specialties that allow for a deeply customized approach to client care. Altogether, the team serves between 25 and 30 clients, though this number shifts depending on the time of year, the types of training packages clients choose, and community demand. What differentiates GYMGUYZ is their mission to serve individuals who may feel overlooked or intimidated by traditional gym environments. As Joel explained, “We fill a void. We fill a gap where you have a certain subset of the population who doesn’t like to go to the gym or is embarrassed or has anxiety or doesn’t know what to do.”
This gap extends across demographics. Stay-at-home parents benefit from training sessions that allow them to remain close to their children. Busy professionals appreciate the convenience of fitting a workout into their schedules without commuting. Teenage boys who might otherwise retreat to video games can become motivated when a trainer arrives at the door with customized plans and hands-on encouragement. Because each trainer has specialties, the GYMGUYZ team can pair clients with the right person, whether they need strength training, mobility support, functional fitness, weight loss guidance, or post-injury help.
The arrival of a new year brings the arrival of new resolutions, many centered around fitness or personal betterment. Technology offers endless self-guided resources, from YouTube workouts and fitness apps to AI-generated plans, but even the best digital tool cannot replicate the accountability that comes from someone physically showing up for you. “You can figure out what to do on your own,” Joel said. “But there’s nothing like personal trainers showing up at your door. They’re gonna hold you accountable.” That accountability often makes the difference between someone giving up after a few days and someone building a sustainable routine.
Another obstacle people face is confusion. Broad, generalized online routines may offer a starting point, but they rarely address the complexity of an individual’s body, injuries, preferences, or long-term goals. This is where the personal in personal training becomes crucial. “Personal training is personal,” Joel emphasized. “We work really hard to get to know the person, what they like and what they don’t like… We figure out what you’re going to be able to stay consistent with long-term.” And consistency is the cornerstone of meaningful change. For GYMGUYZ, it isn’t just about helping clients reach a goal. “We are after long-term, sustained lifestyle, fitness, and health changes,” Joel explained.
One advantage of the GYMGUYZ mobile model is the ability to work outdoors. Many traditional gyms confine movement to machines, walls, and flooring, but the GYMGUYZ experience breaks beyond those boundaries. Joel noted that the team “really loves working out outdoors” and wants to reconnect people with natural movement. “We really want to bring it back outside,” he said. “And the business model really allowed us to do that.” This freedom creates opportunities for clients to rediscover joy in movement through fresh air, sunlight, and varied terrain.
While most people already know the basics of wellness, the true magic of GYMGUYZ lies in the creativity their trainers bring. “We get creative. We show them movements they haven’t done before,” Joel said. This creative approach not only prevents workouts from becoming mundane but also broadens a client’s sense of capability. When someone discovers they can do something they never imagined, momentum builds.
For those who feel intimidated about starting a wellness journey, Joel offers reassurance rooted in compassion. “A lot of times people are not intimidated by the exercise or routine, but by what their idea of that is,” he said. Managing expectations is crucial. Trainers remind clients that the journey is theirs; they set the pace and define what feels comfortable. The trainer’s role is to guide and encourage, not dictate. “We think movement is human,” Joel added, emphasizing that celebrating small victories is essential for long-term motivation. “The first small victory, and an often overlooked one, is actually signing up and making the commitment.”
The first step in the GYMGUYZ process is a free, no-obligation assessment. A trainer visits the client’s home for an hour to discuss goals, lifestyle, medical considerations, and any physical limitations. This is followed by a body analysis, movement assessment, and fitness assessment. “This lets us understand where you are with fitness so we can fully customize and make it fun for you,” Joel said. “It’s up to you to decide whether you think you can do it on your own or if you want us to hold your hand for a bit or for a long time.”
For those ready to build or rebuild a truly personalized wellness routine, visit gymguyz.com/southwest-atlanta or call 404-882-1106 to get started.
"We are after long-term, sustained lifestyle, fitness, and health changes."