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Meet the team

Owned by a physical therapist and a physician who train here too, with certified trainers who know Tyler and know how bodies move.

A trainer coaching a member through a dumbbell row

The owners

Terry Bunker, PT, Owner at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

Terry Bunker

PT, Owner

Licensed Physical Therapist since 1980 · Titleist Certified Golf Fitness Instructor · NASM Certified Personal Trainer

Terry Bunker has been a licensed Physical Therapist since 1980. In addition, Terry is a Titleist Certified Golf Fitness Instructor, and a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Using his diverse background, he opened Physical Therapy Services in 1990 and has been caring for the people of Tyler and surrounding areas ever since.

Read more about Terry Bunker

He was born in Dallas and raised in Irving, Texas. He worked for two years in Columbus, Georgia, and seven years in Little Rock, Arkansas before coming to Tyler in 1989. Terry has been married for over 35 years and has two children. His hobbies include golfing, sailing, working on his farm, and hiking. He has acknowledged the declining fitness of adults and senior adults in today's society and his mission is to provide the people of Tyler with a different healthcare mode, a model focused on prevention, improvement of health, increased quality of life, and to reduce health care costs.

terrybunkerpt@gmail.com · pts-tyler.com (opens in a new tab)

David Ball, MD, Owner at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

David Ball

MD, Owner

Internal Medicine · Founder/CEO, 4-Ever Fit M.D. · Co-founder, Tri-Fit

David W. Ball, M.D. received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. His internship and Internal Medicine residency was completed at the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, TN.

Read more about David Ball

His primary focus is functional fitness and wellness. He is the founder/CEO of 4-Ever Fit M.D., a science-based Wellness Company. He is also the co-founder of Tri-Fit, a non-profit organization that promotes wellness through exercise, nutrition, and accountability relationships. He enjoys mountain biking, weight lifting, scuba, working on his farm and spending time with his family.

drdavidball.com (opens in a new tab)

The front desk

MiKenlie Jones, Office Manager at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

MiKenlie Jones

Office Manager

Hannah Garrison, Office Manager Assistant at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

Hannah Garrison

Office Manager Assistant

Our trainers

John Perry (JP), Trainer at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

John Perry (JP)

Trainer

NASM Certified Personal Trainer

John Perry (JP) is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer who has helped clients of all ages and fitness levels achieve their goals since 2005. His passion for powerlifting began at age 14 and grew until he set national bench press records.

Read more about John Perry (JP)

As a trainer, JP emphasizes a strong mindset, proper form, and balanced training to help clients reach their fitness and performance goals.

Miles Powell, Trainer at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

Miles Powell

Trainer

Originally from Carthage, TX, Miles ran track and cross country in high school. His decision to start weightlifting in early 2021 transformed his life, and he is passionate about sharing his love of fitness with others!

Kelly Hitchcock, Trainer at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

Kelly Hitchcock

Trainer

BCS (Behavioral Change Specialist) · NLP certified · SMART program facilitator

Kelly Hitchcock opened his first gym at the age of eighteen. He has been self-employed and involved in the fitness community for over 30 years.

Read more about Kelly Hitchcock

In 1993, Kelly and his wife Kim moved to Tyler, Texas, and opened KH Fitness. In 2018 they merged with Life Changing Fitness. In addition to training his clients, in 2010 Kelly received his BCS (Behavioral Change Specialist) along with his NLP (Neural Linguistic Programming) certification. He is also a SMART program facilitator (Drug and Alcohol Program.) Kelly firmly believes the future of health and fitness will focus more on the mind.

Jamie Robbins, Trainer at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

Jamie Robbins

Trainer

NETA Certified Personal Trainer · B.S. Kinesiology, UT Tyler

I am originally from Tyler and am married to Mark, and we have one son, Preston. I received my bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from UT Tyler and have been a NETA certified personal trainer for over 20 years.

Read more about Jamie Robbins

Upon graduation from UT Tyler, I worked for 5 years in the physical therapy environment as an Exercise tech and from there transitioned to personal training. I have experience working with clients who have a goal to increase flexibility, balance, strength, those that want to lose weight, build muscle, and those that want to be overall healthier. I also have experience with post physical therapy patients, and sport specific training. I offer nutrition guidelines, strength training, stretching, flexibility and balance training.

My focus when training a client is form. Without good form during a movement, there will be little to no progression and possible injury. I also focus on stretching as this is a key component to correct body mechanics. I look forward to guiding my clients on their journey of health and fitness!

Dewaldt Minnaar, Trainer at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

Dewaldt Minnaar

Trainer

National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer

Born and raised in the capital city of Pretoria, South Africa, Dewaldt was the first person in his family to receive colors to play Rugby for the provincial team at the age of 16. He also represented South Africa at age 17 in a rugby test match against Dubai.

Read more about Dewaldt Minnaar

He immigrated with his family to the United States in 2013 at which time he attended Tyler Junior College. He has a degree in Exercise Wellness, as well as his Bachelor's in Kinesiology from UT Tyler.

Some of Dewaldt's other achievements include two silver medals in 2016 in the Men's Classic Physique Division, at the Adela Garcia competition, a third-place trophy in 2018 at the Phil Heath Classic and second and fifth place in the Steve Kuclo Classic. In 2020, Dewaldt placed first in the Men's Classic Physique Open Division and second in the Men's Classic Physique Novice Division at the Rock's NPC Show of Champions.

"People's health is my passion. I am very honored when people put their trust in me. Our health is the most important commodity we have; therefore, I take it very seriously when someone puts their health and fitness in my hands."

Darla Perry, Trainer at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

Darla Perry

Trainer

Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer

I have been a personal trainer for over 20 years. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, regardless of fitness level.

Read more about Darla Perry

Whether you want to lose weight and tone up, prepare for a fitness competition, or just maintain strength and mobility, I will work alongside you to reach and surpass your goals. Being a mom of 3, I have a special passion for helping moms get back in shape, and realize that they are stronger and more capable than perhaps they realized. I believe that strength and discipline in the gym transfer to other areas of life, and often lead to a more empowered, intentional way of living.

Michael Goodwin, Trainer at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

Michael Goodwin

Trainer

ACE Certified Personal Trainer · M.A. Psychological Research

Michael is an ACE certified personal trainer who was born and raised in Tyler, TX. As a former athlete, Michael played football, basketball, baseball and ran track for Bishop Gorman.

Read more about Michael Goodwin

Michael went on to play two years of football at Trinity University before transferring to Texas State University where he served as a student assistant coach for the football team. While at Texas State, Michael also coached football at San Marcos Academy where he eventually assumed the strength and conditioning coaching role for 3 years. Michael would go on to earn a Master's degree in Psychological Research before moving home to pursue his passion of health and fitness.

Michael is an aspiring Ironman competitor, avid triathlete, and a yoga enthusiast. As a trainer, Michael employs a simple and smart approach to all clients looking to train without pain or discomfort while achieving client goals.

Karen Coats, Trainer at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

Karen Coats

Trainer

Cooper Clinic, Certified in Biomechanics of Resistance Training · Group Class Instructor at Woodcreek

My philosophy is strength training is the fountain of youth. I have 20 years of experience, and enjoy working with all ages and fitness levels.

Read more about Karen Coats

I believe proper nutrition and physical ability enhance our lives and increase our well being.

Brent Hooser, Trainer at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

Brent Hooser

Trainer

National Academy of Sports Medicine certified · Sifu (master teacher) in Kung Fu

Brent has been a personal trainer in Tyler since 2002. He is certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Read more about Brent Hooser

He has certifications in weight management, nutrition, flexibility, training and core training. He loves working with people of all ages, and loves to see the changes that take place physically, emotionally and mentally through physical training and healthy lifestyle choices. Brent is also a Sifu (master teacher) in Kung Fu and also teaches that, or can teach basic self-defense.

Vanessa Haddock, Trainer at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

Vanessa Haddock

Trainer

Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer · NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist · CPR & AED Certified · Trainer since 1999

My mission is to strive to improve the quality of life of my clients through weight training and functional fitness.

Read more about Vanessa Haddock

I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. I also attended Tyler Junior College where I was an Apache Belle and attended the University of Texas at Austin.

Liz McCown, Trainer at Life Changing Fitness in Tyler

Liz McCown

Trainer

National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer

I enjoy all aspects of living a healthy life and am eager to share my knowledge and experience with others.

Read more about Liz McCown

As a wife and mother of four, I understand the busyness of life. In your journey to a healthier life, I will help you balance efficient workouts, realistic nutrition, and living your life.

Find your
trainer

Start with a $125 Personal Fitness Evaluation, and Terry can recommend the right trainer for your goals.

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