Profile: Coastal Strength and Fitness’s Gary Deagle

When Gary Deagle dashed off to college, he didn’t work out at all. When he returned home, he was searching for something he could put his heart into. He started working out again—adding some muscle and gaining some confidence along the way. That led to a job as a trainer at Gold’s Gym.

That was 10 years ago.

Recognizing that he wanted to branch out, Deagle left Gold’s with another trainer and started Your Time Fitness. Within four years, the pair grew their gym to three locations in Hampton Roads. But Deagle felt like something was still amiss; that personal touch, the bigger impact that comes with individual training. He decided to follow that passion and open Coastal Strength and Fitness, which offers more group training with an emphasis on helping those within the community.

My fitness philosophy is…

…against the grain. It’s a more habit-based approach. So if people can get into the gym three times [per week] and work on changing one thing in their diet at a time, they have a better chance at sustainable results.

My clients would say that I’m…

…very observant and have a broad sense of humor.

When I’m not in the gym, you can find me…

…hanging out with my dog and wife, walking my dog, doing outdoor activities and paddle boarding.

The movie that inspires me is…

…Forrest Gump.

On my workout playlist, you’ll find… 

…mostly hip-hop. Hardcore rap speaks to me when I’m working out. I like older stuff like NWA, Ludacris, Nelly and Outkast.

The clients that inspire me are… 

…the people who have to build up the courage to step through the doors. That gets me the most excited.

You should embrace a lifestyle of fitness because… 

…then you have no limitations. If you’re healthy, you’re not achy and injured. You can play sports and can have more energy throughout your day.