For the unfortunate few who don’t know them, Cookeville Lifestyle Magazine is delighted to introduce E.J. Williams and Jerry Pugh. 

This power duo is revolutionizing fitness in the Upper Cumberland, and I chatted with E.J. and Jerry about how they’ve gotten here, the mission that drives all the pair does, and what’s next. 

On the path that led to careers in fitness via Workout Anytime, Williams stated, “Before stepping into the fitness industry, Jerry was a paramedic for 10 years and I spent over seven years in law enforcement. That career taught me discipline, service, and the importance of being both physically and mentally resilient. But what really inspired me to transition into fitness was seeing how movement, structure, and mindset could genuinely change lives, not just for first responders like myself, but for anyone. My partner Jerry and I shared that same passion, and we realized we could do more than just chase our own fitness goals. We could create spaces that help others reach theirs. That’s what pulled me in and keeps me driven every single day.”

Pugh added, “The most rewarding part of transforming lives through fitness is witnessing the deep personal growth that happens beyond the physical when you see someone gain confidence, reclaim their health, overcome limitations they thought were permanent, and begin showing up differently in every area of their life.  Its not just about pounds or muscle gained, its about helping people believe in themselves again and empowering them to take control of their future.”

While both Pugh and Williams live with a passion for the wellness of ALL, it’s obvious that Cookeville, and those who call it home, hold a special place in their hearts. 

Pugh stated, “It was extremely important to us to bring a great fitness and wellness facility to Cookeville.  We wanted to give everyone in this community a great place to work out, get healthier and socialize. We have a lot of friends that use our facility and making sure the experience they get is top notch is what drove us to build our flagship club here in Cookeville. A lot of people in this community are passionate about their health and we are proud to be a place where they can work on that.”

Williams chimed in, “Cookeville has been an amazing community to grow with. The energy here is grounded in strong values: family, wellness, and hard work. Owning a business in Cookeville means we’re not just operating a gym; we’re building real relationships and contributing to the overall health of the town. Whether it’s sponsoring events, supporting local causes, or simply cheering on our members as they hit personal milestones, we take pride in being embedded in the fabric of this community. The local support has been huge, and it inspires us to keep bringing the best to the area.” 

As longtime franchisees in the Workout Anytime system, E.J. and Jerry have carved out an identity as respected wellness industry leaders for Middle Tennessee. Now, with sights set on the biggest possible future, the pair is taking an exciting leap, one sure to expand their reach and positive influence far beyond the UC.

“Jerry and I have been franchisees within the Workout Anytime system for several years, with locations in places like Crossville, Cookeville, Homestead, Hermitage, etc. However, we recently took a major step forward. We officially purchased the Workout Anytime franchise system itself!

Jerry is now serving as the CEO of Workout Anytime, and I’ll be leading the charge in Brand and Facility Development across the entire brand.” Williams continued, “This move represents more than just growth, it’s a full-circle moment for us. We started as passionate gym owners who believed deeply in the mission of accessible, affordable fitness. Now, we’re in a position to shape the future of the brand we love, expanding our reach and influence in a way that stays true to our values. Our goal remains bold – to open up many more locations and make a meaningful impact on as many communities as possible. This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”

“We are just getting started,” Pugh elaborated. “I am looking forward to bringing fitness to many underserved areas all across the country, especially here in the southeast. Our goal over the next five years is to, along with our franchisees, open up another 200 locations. We will be very focused on finding like minded passionate franchise partners to take this journey with us and we could not be more excited.”

To conclude our interview, I asked E.J. and Jerry if there was anything else they would like to add. E.J.’s answer sums up the spirit and ethos of Workout Anytime and the incredible couple that is E.J. Williams and Jerry Pugh.

“I want people to know that this is more than just a business venture, it’s a mission. Jerry and I are building something with long-term impact. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but we’re just getting started. With now owning the franchise and expanding our reach, we’re focused on growth, yes, but also on staying rooted in our values.” Williams concluded, “Our story is about partnership, perseverance, and proving that, Together We Truly Are Better. That’s what drives us every day.”

– by Andrew Buckner, photos by Emily Armstrong