In our first episode of Beyond The Adjustment, Dr. Scott Jutte sits down with Aireann Todd, owner of New Scene Fitness, to discuss her unique, client-focused approach to personal training. Unlike the drill-sergeant mentality of many trainers, Aireann emphasizes movement, nutrition, and individualized coaching to help clients of all ages achieve sustainable health goals. Tune in to hear her insights on fitness, nutrition, and the power of small, lasting changes!
Dr. Scott: Welcome to Beyond The Adjustment! My guest today is Aireann Todd, the owner and creator of New Scene Fitness.
Aireann: Yes, that’s correct.
Dr. Scott: I first heard about you through several of my patients. We share some common clients, and I kept hearing great things about you. What stood out to me was how different your approach is compared to many trainers.
In my 34 years in healthcare, I’ve seen a lot of trainers unintentionally injure people because they push a one-size-fits-all, military-style approach. But my patients who work with you say you listen, take your time, and set personalized goals. That’s refreshing because movement is such a key part of health. So tell us, how did your journey in fitness begin?
Aireann: Thanks for having me! Honestly, I’ve been running my entire life. I love hiking, biking—anything outdoors. For years, I was unknowingly doing personal training, just helping friends with their fitness goals. They’d ask for advice on losing weight, getting into running, or just becoming more active, and I’d naturally guide them.
At the time, I was working long days in a job I found unfulfilling. After 11 years of selling ink on paper, I burned out and knew I needed a change. Fitness felt like the natural next step, where I could truly add value to people’s lives by helping them get healthier.
Dr. Scott: That makes sense. I think most of us in healthcare feel a calling to help others. Where did you do your formal training?
Aireann: I took a big leap and left my job to study with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Their program is thorough, so I spent months studying before taking my certification exam. I also earned a Nutrition Coach certification because fitness and nutrition go hand in hand.
Dr. Scott: Absolutely! Proper nutrition fuels the body, and without it, everything breaks down—especially in endurance sports like running, which I know you’re passionate about. And recovery is just as important.
Aireann: 100%. When you’re running long distances—30 miles or more—you have to learn what your body can tolerate. What can you eat while running? How do you sustain energy? It’s a learning process, and it’s different for everyone.
Dr. Scott: Wait—did you just say 30 miles? Are we talking about one run or over a few weeks?
Aireann: One run! I’ve done a few ultramarathons, which are a little over 30 miles. They’re intense, but I love them.
Dr. Scott: That’s incredible. Let’s shift to your approach to training because my patients always rave about you. There are a lot of trainers out there—what makes your approach different?
Aireann: I take a holistic approach. Nutrition is a big part of every consultation. Some clients take my advice, some don’t, but I always emphasize how crucial it is.
We also talk about stress, sleep, and overall lifestyle. Then, I tailor their training to their specific goals. Some want to improve mobility, others want to gain strength, and some just want to age well. I incorporate what they want, but I also sneak in what they need.
Dr. Scott: Sneak it in? What do you mean?
Aireann: A lot of people come in saying, “I want to work on my core,” but what they really mean is, “I want six-pack abs.” What they don’t realize is that the core isn’t just abs—it’s everything from the collarbone to mid-thigh, all the way around.
A strong core is essential for everything—standing up, walking, even getting off the couch. If your core is weak, your back suffers, and injuries become more likely. So, I focus on strengthening the full core, not just the front abs.
Dr. Scott: That’s critical. I see it all the time—people are out of balance. They overtrain certain muscles and neglect others. Guys in college would do chest exercises all day but never train their back, leading to imbalances and injuries.
Aireann: Exactly! Another key difference in my training is that I’m not a drill sergeant. Some clients come in nervous, shaking, thinking they’re about to be yelled at and pushed beyond their limits. That’s not my style.
I challenge my clients, but I listen to them. If something doesn’t feel right, we adjust. I never want anyone to get injured. If they come in with an injury, we work around it. If I see something beyond my expertise, I refer them out.
Dr. Scott: That’s a responsible approach. “No pain, no gain” is one of the worst myths in fitness. Pain is your body telling you something is wrong. Soreness is different—that’s growth—but actual pain should never be ignored.
Aireann: Absolutely. My goal is to build my clients up, not break them down.
Dr. Scott: What age range have you worked with?
Aireann: I’ve worked with all ages. I used to run a kids’ running club, and I’ve trained clients well into their 70s. It’s never too late to start moving and improving your health.
Dr. Scott: That’s fantastic. I love seeing older individuals take that leap of faith and invest in their health. It’s never too late to feel better.
Aireann: Exactly. One thing I always tell my clients is that real change takes time. Four sessions won’t be enough to reach their goals. I set realistic expectations from the start.
Dr. Scott: That’s great because many people expect quick fixes. They take 30 years to get out of shape and expect to reverse it in three months. It takes consistency and patience.
Aireann: A big part of my job is encouragement—helping people see their progress and stay motivated. If they’re in it for the wrong reasons, their motivation fades quickly. That’s why I work with them to find their “why.”
Dr. Scott: Exactly. If they’re not doing it for themselves, it won’t last. That’s why so many people drop off after their New Year’s resolutions.
Aireann: Right! People set extreme goals, like going to the gym six days a week while only eating lettuce and water. That’s not sustainable. Small, realistic changes are what actually work.
Dr. Scott: That’s why crash diets fail. You have to build healthy habits over time. And nutrition is key. Do you create meal plans for clients?
Aireann: No, I legally can’t write meal plans unless I’m a registered dietitian. But I do help clients understand their current habits and make gradual changes.
For example, if someone drinks six sodas a day, I don’t tell them to quit cold turkey. I suggest reducing to three sodas a day and swapping the other three for water. Small, manageable steps lead to lasting change.
Dr. Scott: Exactly. Once people start feeling better, they naturally want to make more changes.
Aireann: Yes! And I don’t believe in total deprivation. I encourage clients to have a “celebration meal” once a week. If you love chocolate cake, have it—but plan for it. Over time, they’ll naturally crave it less.
Dr. Scott: That’s smart. You don’t want guilt associated with food because the stress of guilt is often worse than the food itself.
Aireann: Exactly. It’s about balance.
Dr. Scott: Before we wrap up, do you have any upcoming events or promotions?
Aireann: Yes! In February, I’m offering two 30-minute nutrition coaching sessions for $50. These can be done in person, via FaceTime, or over the phone—whatever works best.
Dr. Scott: That’s a great deal! And before I forget, congratulations on being voted Dickson County’s #1 Trainer! I saw the banner at the Y today.
Aireann: Thank you! It still feels surreal, but I love what I do.
Dr. Scott: That’s what it’s all about—loving what you do. Thanks for joining me today!