Terrell Tinsley
Expert in Lasting Change & Personal Growth

You’re not broken, and you don’t need to fit into anyone else’s box. Change is possible when you’re seen as a whole person—not just a list of struggles. My approach is simple: how you do one thing is how you do everything. When you shift your patterns in one part of life, you’ll see ripples everywhere else.
If you’re ready to break out of old cycles and build lasting habits, you’re in the right place. No judgment. Just honest support, practical tools, and a coach who’s here for you—not just your problems.
Curious where to start? Take the Readiness for Change Quiz and see what’s possible.
I’m Terrell, a behavioral change coach who believes real growth happens when you’re coached as a whole person. My work is grounded in empathy, honesty, and the understanding that lasting change goes deeper than surface-level solutions.
I’m not here to “fix” you. I’m here to help you see your strengths, spot your patterns, and build the flexibility, wisdom, and resilience needed for true transformation. If you’re showing up—even imperfectly—you’re already on the right track.
Explore more behavior change resources for Richmond & Mechanicsville.
Right at the heart of my brand, you’ll find a logo with three icons side by side: the owl, the fox, and the phoenix. I chose these because real, lasting change takes more than just willpower—it takes wisdom, flexibility, and the ability to bounce back. These symbols are here to remind you: you’ve got what it takes, and you’re not in this alone.
Setbacks are part of any journey, and that’s where the phoenix comes in. This symbol is all about getting back up, dusting yourself off, and finding strength in the lessons you learn along the way. Resilience isn’t about never falling down—it’s about always finding a way to rise again, even stronger than before.
Every change starts with a bit of honest self-reflection. The owl is all about tuning in, asking yourself the tough questions, and being open to what you find—even if it’s uncomfortable. You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need to be willing to notice your patterns and learn as you go.
Let’s be real: progress is rarely a straight line. The fox reminds us that it’s okay to switch things up, try a new approach, or pivot when something isn’t working. Adaptability is about staying open, getting creative, and giving yourself permission to keep experimenting until you find what fits.
Coaching the person, not the problem. Your readiness sets our pace. Every session ends with one doable next step, a micro‑habit to test, and clear accountability—because how you do one thing is how you do everything.
"While taking a break from running due to a sports injury, I decided to train with Terrell to gain strength.
Terrell really took the time to listen to my needs and goals as well as concerns about reinjury.
He proved knowledgeable, caring, and extremely motivating.
Our sessions left me feeling stronger and sometimes breathless in a good way.
The workouts were fun, fast moving, and really effective.
I am so glad I signed up with such a great individual who catered to my limitations."
"Terrell is one of the best trainers.
He is able to strike the balance between pushing someone and being compassionate.
He listens to the client and is always checking in to maintain client accountability.
He leads by example and pushes the client to be the best version of themself.
He listens to the clients needs and is always making adjustments to workouts and Marcos to gain the best results.
I would highly recommend Terrell for any type of client from novice to experienced."
"I started working with Terrell back in March and since that time he has helped me with my stamina, balance, and weight.
He realized I had mobility limitations and developed a program that I could stick with.
I had previously tried a trainer but that person was too pushy.
Terrell is stern and will push you but he also listens. When I started I would walk in with a cane and now I use the cane much less and my mobility has greatly improved.
He has also helped me to understand how what I eat may affect my situation. I love to give him a hard time but really appreciate what he has done for me."
"Title: Shoulder to Shoulder
Once upon a time, in the town of Mechanicsville nestled in the picturesque countryside, there lived a remarkable personal trainer named Terrell. His dedication and passion for helping others achieve their fitness goals were unparalleled. Among his many clients was a determined individual named Storm, who had recently undergone extensive shoulder surgery.
My shoulder had been a constant source of pain and discomfort. After the surgery, I was left feeling helpless, my dreams of an active lifestyle seemingly shattered. However, fate had a different plan in store for me, as Terrell entered my life like a beacon of hope.
From the moment I walked into Terrell's office, a sense of reassurance washed over me. Terrell's warm smile and genuine concern for my well-being made me feel understood and supported. With every conversation, it became clear that Terrell possessed not only the expertise but also the empathy necessary to aid me on the road to recovery.
Terrell's training sessions were nothing short of transformative. He devised a customized program that targeted my weakened shoulder, focusing on gentle exercises and movements that would gradually rebuild strength and mobility. He patiently explained each exercise, providing detailed instructions and demonstrating the proper form to prevent any further injury.
But Terrell's assistance extended beyond my physical training. He understood the emotional toll that surgeries and setbacks could take on a person's spirit. During moments when doubt crept into my mind, Terrell offered unwavering encouragement, reminding me that progress takes time and setbacks were merely stepping stones toward success."
A message to one of the membership directors.
Hi Andrea - Thanks so much for reaching out. I've had a great experience at the gym. Everything is working well. The one feedback that I'd give is Terrell has been fantastic to work with so far. His approach to Personal Training is exactly what I was looking for and I look forward to working with him each week now.
I'll let you know if I have any questions or issues. Just positives right now!
I've had numerous sessions with Terrell as a Behavior Specialist.
He has a creative and intuitive manner, as well as compassion and understanding.
Terrell's knowledge and experience helped me to discover and utilize specific tools to build a plan to grow in discipline and productivity.
I will always be grateful for his partnership/teaching.
Terrell is an excellent trainer.
He is supportive, laughs with (at) our craziness.
He has supported me losing 75lbs over the past 6 months.
Thank you
You can email me, send a DM, or take the free Readiness for Change Quiz. I’ll follow up to see if coaching is a fit, then we’ll book your first session.
Both. Most clients work with me virtually, but in-person is available in Mechanicsville, VA.
Everything is tailored—no cookie-cutter plans. I focus on your goals, habits, and readiness for change.
Most clients work with me for 2–3 months, meeting weekly. The timeline depends on your needs and progress.
You can reschedule up to 12 hours before your session. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable, but I’m flexible when possible.