Meet Holly Cleckler | Doctor of Physical Therapy & Personal Trainer

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

Hi Holly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I didn’t originally set out to start my own business. After graduating from physical therapy school, I envisioned a career in an outpatient sports ortho clinic, believing that would be my lifelong path. However, once I began working, I realized the clinic setting often limited my ability to guide patients through their complete recovery. Around the same time, I began what I initially considered a fitness side hustle, working with both fitness and physical therapy clients outside of my corporate job. When the pandemic hit the following year, I transitioned to seeing clients independently. I shifted to providing concierge services, then found a shared gym space to rent, and now—five years later—I’ve opened my own private training gym in Coconut Grove.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart is my unique combination of a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a private training facility where I work with clients one-on-one. I firmly believe that building muscle is a fundamental aspect of healthcare, and that strength training and longevity are inseparable. Many traditional physical therapy clinics rely on passive modalities that often fail to address the root of the problem, while many trainers lack the educational background and expertise that I bring. Moreover, I have a genuine passion for movement and working with people, which fuels my commitment to this field.

I’m especially excited about my Muscle Mamiis small group training classes for women, as they offer something truly different. Most fitness classes focus on cardio and often have 20-30 participants, lacking the structure of a strategic muscle-building program. In contrast, I guide five women through a progressive strength training regimen designed for tangible results. It’s a supportive and engaging community.

My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. I’ve pursued various business ideas—Your Movement Program, Yoga Booty Body, Morning Routine Tribe, and more—that didn’t unfold as planned. I even sought guidance from two different business coaches. But when the opportunity to open my private training gym finally came, it felt like a natural alignment of my skills and passions.

I want to spread the message that building muscle and moving your body daily are crucial for your health, mental well-being, and longevity. And there’s no better time to start than today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d begin the day with a peaceful morning walk along the beach, followed by attending VOUS Church in the Design District. After that, we might head to my gym or Elev8tion for a workout session. For lunch, we’d enjoy a healthy meal at Pura Vida or Carrot Express, and then spend a few leisurely hours by the pool. In the evening, we could stroll into the Grove for dinner at Meraki. There’s something truly special about days that start with movement and spiritual nourishment, include time soaking up the sun, and end with delicious food and great company.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom always believed that I would eventually open my own physical therapy practice. At the time, it seemed like a distant possibility—one I didn’t fully envision for myself, though the potential lingered in the back of my mind. Throughout college, I worked in a gym and fell in love with the environment, even imagining one day having a gym of my own. Yet, that dream felt enormous and out of reach. This year, when the opportunity finally presented itself, my husband offered unwavering support and faith in my vision, making what once seemed like a lofty dream a reality.

Website: https://dochollyfit.com

Instagram: dochollyfit and musclemamiis

Youtube: https://YouTube.com/dochollyhealth