He can be seen everyday at UT's recreational center, better known as the TRECS. 

Depending on the time of day, he will be doing one of three things: working as a fitness floor supervisor, working up a sweat, or doing his favorite-- being a personal trainer.

Wyatt Thornhill, a personal trainer employed by RecSports, is usually at the TRECS facility for around eight hours a day, providing encouragement and hope for many UT students. Personal training by certified student trainers is offered to any UT staff or student for a small fee. 

As a child, Thornhill knew what it felt like to have little self-confidence.  At 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 236 pounds at age 12, he struggled to become healthy and fit. He claims that getting in shape after being obese was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.  His only regret is that he went through it alone.

Thornhill explained losing weight was a difficult battle for him and better information would have helped.

I would like to help others experience that same sense of accomplishment and increased self-confidence and self-worth as I did. Wyatt Thornhill, RecSports personal trainer

"I would like to help others experience that same sense of accomplishment and increased self-confidence and self-worth as I did," Thornhill said. 

He said there is a lot of wrong information, especially on the Web, and he would like to be a part of the movement to stop the spread of this bad information which can lead to wasted time and injuries.  

Lauren Maloney, a senior at UT, is one of his clients. She is quick to say Thornhill's workout, while not a fun or easy, is very rewarding. 

"He puts us through hell and back!" she said.

Maloney enjoys working out with Thornhill because it gives her an edge she wouldn't have on her own.

"I like having someone tell me what to do so I can't just slack off and quit," Maloney said.  "He takes his job seriously, and I really can tell that he wants his clients to be satisfied."

lsa McEwan, a sophomore at UT and also a certified personal trainer, has worked out with Thornhill as well.  She said he is precise, accurate and time conscious.

"Wyatt is aware of the skills a person has and individualizes every workout to best fit his clients," McEwan said.

After graduating in December 2008, Thornhill has a job waiting in Nashville.  He will be employed as a personal trainer and bodyguard for a country singer on tour. 

One day, he has hopes of owning his own personal training studio in Nashville.