Meet Aaron Hines | Fitness Business Owner | 3x Amazon Best Selling Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaron Hines and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaron, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Premier Performance Training is its commitment to personalized and individualized training programs, as well as, the community focus of our small group personal training.

A focus on individual client goals and needs, combined with the use of the latest research in orthopedic science and nutrition, sets Premier Performance Training apart.

Additionally, success may also be driven by experienced and certified trainers who are passionate about helping clients achieve their fitness goals.

This combination of personalization, expert knowledge, and client-focused service likely contributes significantly to the brand’s reputation and client satisfaction.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I run Premier Performance Training LLC, located in the heart of Williamson County. Brentwood TN to be exact and have been training in this area since 2013, but running my business for 8+ years.

It all started back in 2004 when I was introduced to a guy named Wayne Collier. Wayne was a bodybuilder in the late 80’s in Florida and had a passion for health and fitness. His son whose name was also Aaron, was on my high school football team. He was a freshman football player and at the time I was a rising Junior. Aaron was in pretty good shape, so I figured I would listen to whatever his dad had to tell me about fitness. We started lifting shortly after that and this is how I really got hooked working out. We would go to the Gold’s Gym in Bellevue TN 3-5 x week, make protein weight gainer shakes for post workout and just stay “Jacked” as the kids say. I was a decent athlete in high school but what really set me apart was the lifitng and conditioning I did at the gym on a weekly basis. I started to get stronger, put on muscle, and add a little bit of weight during my junior and senior year..

In high school, I struggled to gain weight despite consuming massive amounts of food. Mr. Collier, a mentor, helped me navigate this challenge, introducing me to diet changes that included protein shakes and more calorific meals. This guidance helped me increase from 170 to 210 pounds by the end of my senior year, though still not quite enough for competitive sports at higher levels.

I attended Lambuth University on a mixed academic and partial football scholarship, determined to be in peak physical condition. Training with Mr. Collier continued intensely, even as I balanced a demanding job. This period was crucial, teaching me discipline and the importance of prioritizing my goals over less important activities.

At university, I quickly became known as “Jebediah,” a nickname that stuck due to my distinctive appearance. My college years were marked by rigorous physical and academic challenges, culminating in passing both my strength and conditioning tests without the extra early morning sessions that were mandatory for those who didn’t meet their targets.

Post-college, the 2009 economic downturn made job hunting challenging. I started working in a grocery store, far from what I had studied but a job nonetheless. This experience, though initially seen as a setback, taught me invaluable business management skills.

I eventually pursued further education at Florida State University, gaining a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. My internship at Mayo Clinic provided me with a unique opportunity to learn from top medical professionals and solidify my knowledge in patient rehabilitation.

Transitioning back into the workforce, I juggled multiple jobs in health and fitness, from personal training to health coaching. Each role brought me closer to understanding what I truly wanted from my career. Despite the challenges and eventual setbacks at a training job that led to my dismissal, these experiences shaped my resolve and paved the way for entrepreneurship.

I founded Premier Performance Training LLC in Brentwood, TN, a culmination of all my experiences and learning. This venture not only allowed me to apply my knowledge but also to manage my work-life balance better, ultimately aligning my career with my passion for fitness and health. This journey, filled with both achievements and obstacles, underscored the importance of resilience and adaptability in both personal and professional growth.

When Premier Performance was born there were setbacks including rebranding, new marketing strategy, upgrading the website and etc. All of these came at a price, but I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of these challenges. I spent money and wasted money on things that I thought would move the needle forward in business but it led to setbacks and some failures along the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Welcome to Music City
Morning: Breakfast at Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro Village to fuel up with some of Nashville’s most beloved pancakes.
Midday: Visit the Parthenon in Centennial Park, a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, offering a taste of ancient history in the heart of the city.

Afternoon: Explore downtown Nashville. Walk down Broadway to see the famous honky-tonks, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, and see historic Ryman Auditorium.
Evening: Dinner at Hattie B’s for some Nashville hot chicken, followed by live music and drinks at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge or Robert’s Western World.

Day 2: Historical Nashville

Morning: Tour the Belle Meade Plantation and learn about Nashville’s history and the Southern antebellum architecture.
Afternoon: Lunch at The Loveless Cafe, famous for its biscuits and Southern comfort food. After lunch, head to the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens to enjoy the art and garden areas.
Evening: Dinner at The Catbird Seat, a unique dining experience where chefs prepare a multi-course meal right before you.

Day 3: Day Trip to Franklin

Morning: Drive to the charming town of Franklin, about 21 miles south of Nashville. Start with coffee and pastries at Frothy Monkey followed by a stroll around downtown Franklin.
Afternoon: Visit the shops and historic sites like the Lotz House and Carnton Plantation.

Evening: Catch a live performance at the Franklin Theatre and dine at Gray’s on Main, a restaurant known for its inventive Southern cuisine.

Day 4: Arts and Culture

Morning: Visit the Frist Art Museum to check out the traveling exhibitions

Afternoon: Lunch in Germantown at Rolf and Daughters .

Evening: Explore the art scene in the East Nashville neighborhood. Enjoy dinner at The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden for some of the best burgers and beers.

Day 5: Adventure Outdoors

Daylong: Take a day trip to the some of the top waterfalls (Fall Creek Falls) about 1 hr or so from Nashville. Enjoy hiking, scenic views, and possibly some wildlife sightings. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning natural backdrop.

Day 6: Explore Local Nashville

Morning: Brunch at Biscuit Love, followed by a visit to the 12 South neighborhood for some local shopping.
Afternoon: Visit the Johnny Cash Museum and then head to Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg for a tour and tasting.
Evening: Dinner at Pinewood Social where you can eat, bowl, or swim. Wind down with a cocktail by the poolside.

Day 7: Leisure and Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Marché Artisan Foods, known for its European-style dishes.
Afternoon: Last-minute shopping in The Gulch, where you can pick up unique Nashville souvenirs.
Evening: A farewell dinner at Kayne Prime, one of Nashville’s top steakhouses, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
Throughout the week, make sure to enjoy some live music, as Nashville is best known for its deep musical roots. This itinerary blends a taste of local flavor, culture, and the great outdoors, ensuring a memorable visit to Nashville!

These are only scratching the surface

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First Boss-Vince Graham

Mentors- Pat Rigsby, Justin Yule, Doug Spurling, Fred Zoller, and Rick Streb.

My wife Amanda and my sons- Lincoln and Stetson.

Mom and Dad and my brothers- Austin and Blake

Wayne Collier- taught me all about weight lifting at 16 years old

Website: https://www.premierperformancetrainer.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-hines-66566a69/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thepremierpt

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.hines.35

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@premierperformancetraining5117

Image Credits
These are all mine