Today we’d like to introduce you to Autymn Du Vall
Hi Autymn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sixteen years ago I used to weigh over 200 pounds, with a 5’3” small frame. I was not only embarrassed of how I looked, but about everything—my life felt like it was spiraling. I hid in my house, drowning in shame and food because I couldn’t face the world. I was a recovering addict who turned to alcohol and food once I quit drugs. I couldn’t face myself or the things I had done. I was constantly sick, my weight kept increasing, I was stuck in the repetition of eating junk and drinking alcohol to quell the self-hatred which only exacerbated my feelings and situation, and my only coping mechanism was more eating and drinking. I felt trapped.
One day, I just… couldn’t anymore. I was sick of the excuses, sick of feeling worthless, sick of the victim mindset. So, I made a decision—no grand epiphany, no ‘lightbulb moment,’ just a quiet decision that I had to start changing things, or I would lose myself completely. But damn, it was hard. I didn’t know what to do. What should I eat? How do I exercise? What if I fail? I didn’t have other coping mechanisms. I was terrified to go to the gym. Walking into the gym was a battle—I felt like people laughed, pointed, said things under their breath. Every step felt like it wasn’t worth it, but staying the same was worse.
So I kept going. I didn’t have a clear path or some foolproof plan—I was just trying. I researched, experimented, and learned as I went. Little by little, things started to shift. Walking turned into running. Running turned into races. The weight started coming off, but more importantly, I began to feel alive again. I wasn’t just surviving anymore—I was fighting for my life, and for once, I was winning.
I didn’t wake up one day suddenly ‘fixed.’ It took time, and even now, there are days where I look in the mirror and remember that dark place. But I fought my way out. I found strength I never knew I had, not just in my body, but in my mind. I became a coach, started teaching bootcamp, lifting weights, and finding purpose in helping others find their way too.
And now, Texan Tough Athletic Club, is third gym, I have opened. I know what it’s like to feel lost. I know what it’s like to feel like there’s no way out, like the world is closing in on you. I built this gym for people like me—the ones who are struggling, the ones who don’t think they can do it, the ones who need a place where they can be real and grow. This isn’t just a gym—it’s a place to find yourself but with the help of those of us who have been there.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Embarking on the journey of establishing my gym was a leap of faith, especially as a full-time single mother of three. Investing every bit of my life savings into this venture meant that failure was not an option. With 12 years of prior business ownership under my belt, I possessed the tools and knowledge to steer this endeavor toward success. However, balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with the responsibilities of single parenthood has been a formidable challenge. The path has been anything but smooth, requiring meticulous time management, unwavering determination, and the constant juggling of priorities. Yet, these very challenges have fortified my resilience and deepened my appreciation for the journey. I stand proud of the thriving community we’ve built within the gym and the example I’ve set for my children—that with perseverance, passion and will, one can overcome any obstacle.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Texan Tough Athletic Club?
We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our clients through a comprehensive approach that encompasses nutrition education, movement coaching, and mindset transformation. Our mission is to cultivate a community of happy, healthy, and hardworking Texans who aspire to maintain their vitality and strength well into their 90s.
Our Services:
Nutrition Education: We provide balanced, sustainable nutrition guidance tailored to individual needs, ensuring that our clients develop healthy eating habits that support their long-term well-being.
Movement Coaching: Our focus is on pain-free strength and movement, emphasizing proper techniques to prevent injuries during exercises.
Mindset Coaching: Integrated into all our programs, we help clients develop a resilient mindset, empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve their personal health goals.
What Sets Us Apart:
Our holistic approach distinguishes us from others in the industry. By combining nutrition, movement, and mindset coaching, we address the whole person, not just isolated aspects of health. This comprehensive methodology ensures that our clients receive well-rounded support on their journey to improved health.
Brand Pride:
We take immense pride in our commitment to quality. From the expertise of our coaches to the personalized programs we offer, every element of our service reflects our dedication to excellence. Our clients’ successes and transformations are a testament to the effectiveness of our approach and the passion we bring to our work.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My three sons have been integral to the gym’s journey. From a young age, they immersed themselves in the gym environment, assisting with tasks such as mowing the grass, cleaning floors, and painting walls. The gym has been a central part of our family life, hosting birthday parties and serving as a place where they accompanied me during 5 am morning sessions when childcare was unavailable. Their involvement and understanding have been invaluable.
More recently, my fiancé has provided exceptional support during the foundational stages of establishing Texan Tough Athletic Club. Balancing wedding planning with building a business is challenging, yet his patience and dedication—both at home and within the business—have been crucial to our success.
Mentorship:
A pivotal figure in my coaching journey is Peter Brasovan, co-founder of Myriad Health + Fitness and a mentor with Two-Brain Business. His guidance and belief in my potential as a coach have been instrumental in shaping my path, leading to the opening of my third gym. Also, Geoff Pitluck, my influential first trainer who told me I was trainer material from the moment we met. He was right.
Pricing:
- 70/ session for personal training
- 169/month for group training
- 99/month nutrition coaching
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.texantoughathleticclub.com
- Instagram: texantough_athleticclub
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563101072418
