About
Penance Gym
Our team of fitness and nutrition professionals are invested in your health. We make every decision with our members’ well-being in mind. Achieve your goals with us!
The Team
Clint Cox
Owner and Strength & Conditioning Coach at Penance Gym
A native son of Fayette County, raised on a family farm and active in athletics throughout his youth, Clint developed a deep connection to physically demanding activities early on. His passion for health and fitness led him to begin his professional training career in 2010, and in 2013, he founded Penance Gym. Originally focused on supporting athletes, Clint soon recognized a greater need for strength and fitness training among adults, prompting a shift in the gym’s mission.
At Penance Gym, we believe in simplicity and sustainability. Our training philosophy centers on enhancing strength, stability, and endurance with exercises that improve everyday life.
I have found a natural affinity for rehabilitating lower back issues, helping many achieve pain relief and regain their functional strength.
When I’m not coaching, I’m likely tending to our budding homestead, caring for our longhorn cattle, pigs, turkeys, and chickens, or enjoying outdoor adventures with my family. Whether it’s camping, kayaking, or just playing sports, it’s all about living a life full of activity and enjoying our health.
Theresa Young
General manager
fitness and nutrition coach
When I was a child, I wasn’t encouraged to participate in sports or be physically active. I didn’t grow up learning how to be healthy or fit. I spent the majority of my time with books, music and art.
When my oldest son was diagnosed with Autism in 2008, I watched firsthand as a change in nutrition made drastic improvements in his health and his life. As a young mother watching that change, I realized how much more of an impact the smallest adjustments can make for the greatest improvements – and it helped me to focus on creating a healthier life for my family.
I became a Personal Trainer in 2022 after a string of consultations with women who were perfect for Penance Gym. But none of them enrolled because we couldn’t remove the one barrier that was most important to them – we didn’t have a female trainer. I had one goal when I became a personal trainer – that every woman should feel safe and welcome at Penance.
When I was a child, I felt a calling to help people who were like me.
Today, the definition of that statement has changed. People like me didn’t grow up playing sports, but came to value the role of strength in their life. People like me didn’t grow up with good nutrition in our homes, but came to value the health that comes from nutrient-dense foods. People like me didn’t have role models for building healthy habits, but came to value the peace that comes from chasing their own goals.
My goal has also shifted. While I’m still fiercely loyal to our female clients (feel free to ask me why in person), I want to leave people better than I found them. Nothing fills my cup more than watching someone break through a mental barrier that was holding them back, or reaching a challenging goal they set for themselves.
At heart, I’m still the same girl I always was. You’re more likely to find me curled up with a good book, cooking for my family, or working on some fiber-craft while my husband completes his trail race. Because I learned that exercise doesn’t change who you are. It just helps you to enjoy your life a little better.
Take the first step.
We can’t wait to meet you
Chat with a coach at our gym to learn more about what program will fit your goals.