Derrick Billups ✓

My Fitness Story: From an Engineer to a Coach
I started personal training over 12 years ago. I began my training in a small fitness boutique, which allowed to really focus and hone my skill set. I began to personal train clients at apartment complexes and then grew that to hotels and corporate buildings. I was the first in Nashville to provide this service and we expanded throughout the southeast. The name of that first company was City Fit Concierge.
For over Ten Years I have focused primarily on improving the multifamily fitness and wellness space. Over the last decade I have worked with over 75 different apartment communities to create customized fitness/wellness programs for their residents. I have been in the fitness industry for over 12 years. I have won a number of awards in the industry including 3 x Nashville personal trainer of the year from "Best of" Nashville Scene Magazine. I specialize in functional fitness training and pride myself in being adaptable to all fitness levels. I received my certification through National Academy Sports Medicine. I also have continued education in areas such as TRX training and myofascial release therapy.
Fitness has allowed me to redefine my purpose in life after playing college basketball. It allowed me to see different positive characteristics about myself that I would not have without entering into this field. My goal in the fitness industry is to help adjust as many mindsets as possible to help people achieve lifelong success.
My Fitness & Career Journey
A timeline of personal growth, professional change, and community impact
Starting Out & Gaining Traction
Started my fitness journey in February 2022 and began sharing my transformation on Instagram & TikTok, reaching around 100K followers in a few months. Made my first big mistake by following random online routines and an unsustainable calorie deficit.
Learning from Mistakes
Began my first bulk but made mistakes by lifting heavy without mastering proper form. I gave myself the time to learn and grow.
A Viral Cut & New Beginnings
Started a cut that went viral, with transformation videos reaching 8-10M views each. Launched my first digital product and decided to build something bigger and more structured, developing my own fitness and nutrition app, Forgée.
Rebuilding & Educating
Started a cleaner bulk after learning from past mistakes and began a new cut to reveal lean muscle. Committed to fighting misinformation by sharing evidence-based training and nutrition with my community.
My Philosophy
A message of empowerment, self-trust, and structured training
Building Muscle for Fat Loss
Building muscle is the best way to get rid of stubborn fat because it increases your metabolism and allows you to burn fat even at rest.
Fighting Misinformation
I openly share structured, research-based workouts instead of trendy routines that look good on camera but do little in real life.
Leaving Corporate for Passion
I left a highly paid career as an engineer to build a fitness business from scratch, convinced it was my calling.
The Importance of Relatability
I'm here for those who feel stuck because I was once that person. My goal is to show them that they have hope for change without having to wait a decade.
My Gallery
My journey captured in moments of strength and determination





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