Meet Dr. T. Ph.d. | The Prodigy of Sport Psychology

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. T. Ph.d. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. T., what makes you happy? Why?
What makes me happiest is helping others achieve their personal best, both physically and mentally. There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in watching someone transform, not just in terms of fitness, but in how they carry themselves and approach life with newfound confidence. As a personal trainer and exercise psychologist, I love guiding clients through that journey of self-discovery and achievement. Seeing people overcome obstacles, realize their potential, and live healthier, more vibrant lives brings me immense joy. Additionally, spending time with my family, especially my daughter Gracelyn and my wife Kelly, is a constant source of happiness—they remind me of the importance of balance, love, and well-being.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, GoTarryn! Health & Fitness, is not just about physical training—it’s about fostering a holistic approach to health and well-being. What sets me apart is my focus on exercise psychology, specifically using self-determination theory to help clients not only achieve their fitness goals but also understand the mental aspects of motivation and behavior change. With over 25 years of experience, I’ve learned that true success comes when clients develop the intrinsic motivation to sustain healthy habits long-term.

What I’m most proud of is the personalized, in-home service I offer. I work closely with each client, adapting their training to their individual needs and lifestyle. This is more than just showing up for a workout—it’s about building relationships, understanding the unique challenges each person faces, and guiding them towards both physical and mental strength. I also love that my brand emphasizes longevity and vibrant health as we age, which I’ve shared in presentations like the one based on Dr. Peter Attia’s book Outlive.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy, though. Starting a business, especially in the highly competitive fitness industry, came with its share of challenges. Early on, there were moments of doubt, particularly as I tried to differentiate myself from the crowd. But I stayed true to my values and my unique approach, which combined fitness with psychology. My PhD dissertation, which focused on millennials and their self-determination in reaching personal training goals, was a significant turning point. It helped me create action plans that resonated with clients, trainers, and ultimately, my business.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that my story is one of resilience and passion. I believe in creating sustainable, long-lasting health for my clients and teaching them that fitness is more than just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and, in many ways, spiritual. GoTarryn! Health & Fitness is a reflection of my commitment to helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives, and I’m excited about what’s next.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Exploring Peachtree City We’d start the first day with a golf cart ride around the scenic paths of Peachtree City, soaking in the beautiful surroundings and stopping at Drake Field by Lake Peachtree for a peaceful morning walk. For lunch, I’d take them to Due South Southern Cuisine, where they could enjoy some classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits. Afterward, we’d head over to Line Creek Brewing Co. for some local craft beer and live music to end the day on a fun note.

Day 2: Day Trip to Atlanta On the second day, we’d take a day trip into Atlanta to explore some of the city’s highlights. We’d start with a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for a nature-filled morning, followed by lunch at Krog Street Market for a variety of amazing food options. Afterward, we’d visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world. In the evening, we’d check out Ponce City Market for dinner and rooftop drinks with incredible views of the Atlanta skyline.

Day 3: Hiking and Adventure For some outdoor adventure, I’d take them to Sweetwater Creek State Park. We’d spend the day hiking the trails and enjoying the views of the historic mill ruins and the beautiful river. Afterward, we’d refuel with a hearty meal at The Hil, a farm-to-table restaurant in nearby Serenbe, where we could savor fresh, locally sourced dishes.

Day 4: Relaxation in Serenbe Speaking of Serenbe, we’d dedicate a full day to exploring this wellness community just outside of Atlanta. We’d enjoy a leisurely morning stroll through the village, followed by a yoga or wellness class. For lunch, we’d stop at The Farmhouse at Serenbe to indulge in more farm-to-table dining. The rest of the day would be spent relaxing, perhaps with a spa visit or exploring the art galleries and shops.

Day 5: Peachtree City Fun Back in Peachtree City, we’d spend a day enjoying local spots. We could visit The Avenue Peachtree City for shopping, followed by a lakeside picnic at Huddleston Pond Park. For dinner, we’d check out Grinds & Wines, a local favorite known for its eclectic menu and great wine selection. If the timing’s right, we’d finish the evening with an outdoor concert at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater.

Day 6: Chill Day and Farewell For the last day, we’d keep it low-key with a leisurely brunch at Flying Biscuit Café, known for its Southern-inspired breakfast fare. Afterward, we’d take one final golf cart ride around town, stopping at our favorite spots along the way. To wrap up the trip, we’d have a relaxing dinner at Ted’s Montana Grill for some hearty bison burgers and a farewell toast.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe a huge part of my success to the support and encouragement I’ve received from many people. First and foremost, my best friend, Dr. Craig Fievet, has been my biggest cheerleader, always believing in me and pushing me to strive for more. His unwavering love and support give me the strength to continue growing personally and professionally.

I also want to give credit to my parents, Timothy & In Ye Hoff, who constantly remind me of why I do what I do. They inspire me to stay active and engaged in life, always seeking new challenges and adventures.

In terms of mentorship, my collaboration with Clinton Maclin has been invaluable. His expertise and work ethic have greatly influenced the way I approach personal training. Additionally, I have to recognize my partnership with Darren Joel and Mac Kahl as we explore new business ventures together—our synergy has been amazing, and I’m excited about where we’re headed.

Lastly, my journey wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the impact of education on my life. My PhD studies in performance psychology at Grand Canyon University shaped my understanding of self-determination and human motivation, which has become the cornerstone of my approach to training. Books like Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia have reinforced my philosophy of promoting vibrant health and longevity, and I’m grateful to be able to share that knowledge with others.

Website: http://www.DrTPhD.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotarryn

Linkedin: https://www.linked.com/in/drtphd

Twitter: https://x.com/GoTarryn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoTarryn

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gotarryn-atlanta

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Gotarryn