Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Finley.
Hi Chad, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been active for as long as I can remember. I started playing sports when I was little, and even back then, I knew I wanted to do something in the health and fitness world. Sports have always been a big part of my life—but so have injuries. Over the past ten years, I’ve had four knee surgeries, each one teaching me something new about perseverance, recovery, and how the human body works.
My career started as a physical therapy tech, a job I loved and held for more than twenty years. I worked in all kinds of settings—from outpatient clinics to inpatient rehab—and those experiences deepened my appreciation for helping people heal and regain their strength.
When I first went to college, I actually planned to become a dentist. I completed all the prerequisites, but I never got into dental school. It was disappointing, but it didn’t stop me. I went back to community college to improve my GPA and give it another shot. During that time, I met a friend who told me she was studying Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Memphis. The moment she described her program, I thought, That sounds exactly like me. The next semester, I applied—and got in.
Those years at Memphis shaped my career path. After graduating, I became a personal trainer in the early 2000s and worked at several small studios and gyms. The hardest part was having to find my own clients—personal training can be expensive, and not everyone can afford it. But I stuck with it because I loved seeing people get stronger and more confident. Eventually, I went back to the University of Memphis to earn my master’s degree in Health Promotion, thinking maybe I was ready to move on from personal training.
Then life threw me a surprise. A mutual contact connected me with Dr. Kalra, who was looking for a personal trainer. We hit it off right away—our philosophies about exercise and health just clicked. He and his wife wanted to train for something I had never tackled before: hiking Pikes Peak. Most of my clients had goals like losing weight, building muscle, or recovering from injuries. This was something completely new. But I love a challenge, and I love learning. So, for a few months, I trained them both, and they ended up conquering that mountain without any issues. That experience reminded me why I do what I do.
Helping people live healthier, longer lives is what drives me. Living in one of the most unhealthy cities in the country, I feel a deep responsibility to make a difference—one person, one workout at a time.
I’ve had my share of setbacks: injuries, career detours, rejections from schools I thought were part of my plan. But every time, something better has come along. I’ve learned that your path doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours. No matter how long it takes, keep moving forward, one step at a time, and never look back.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been an easy road, but every challenge has shaped me into who i am today. I’ve faced setbacks in school, work, health, and within my family. When my sister passed away in 2017, i was in the middle of pursuing my masters degree, and just two years later, i went through a divorce. It felt like i couldn’t catch a break.
But through it all, my faith never wavered. I kept praying for God to lead me in the right direction, trusting that His timing is perfect, even when I couldn’t see the plan. God teaches patience- not by giving answers right away, but by guiding us through the waiting.
Now, after 25 years of perseverance, I finally feel like I’m walking the path i was meant to take. The obstacles, the detours, and the pain all had a purpose. Every turn on this road has brought me closer to where I’m supposed to be- and I’m grateful for the strength and faith that carried me here.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been a personal trainer for over 25 years, on and off, and I’ve always known that helping people reach their full potential is my true passion. I’ve wanted to make this my full-time career for a long time but hadn’t found the right opportunity—until now.
For me, personal training goes far beyond losing weight or building muscle. It’s about creating lasting lifestyle changes—developing discipline, consistency, and the mindset to push past limitations and achieve your goals.
What sets me apart is my dedication to lifelong learning, my refusal to give up, and my commitment to being as well-rounded as possible. I don’t focus on just one area of fitness. Instead, I work with people from all walks of life—those with specific conditions, challenges, or unique goals—to help them move better, feel stronger, and live healthier lives.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My family, friends, and church family have been my biggest supporters. I can’t just name one or two. It took all of them to support me to where i am today. They are all unique and brought different things to the table to help me grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wellnessclinicmemphis.com
