Arlan Carroll is an aerospace engineer–turned fitness professional who now runs AC Fitness and Sports Training and serves as director of training at Palm Beach Personal Fitness in Jupiter, Florida. He trains a wide range of clients from youth athletes (ages 10–13) to adults in their 80s and 90s—with a focus on strength, longevity, and helping people “get their life back” through smart, individualized programming.
Coaching Philosophy & Approach
“Never stop learning, never stop lifting, never stop living.”
Arlan’s approach has evolved from a “every workout must be brutal” mindset to a more nuanced, person-first model. He emphasizes:
Individualization: “Each person is unique. Each individual is their own athlete.”
Consistency over chaos: He asks clients for 2–3 sessions per week, on-time arrival, trust, and steady effort—rather than living in the gym.
Life-first training: The work in the gym should make life outside the gym easier, not dominate it.
Long-term thinking: Goals are written down, chipped away at, and adjusted as life and priorities evolve.
He’s especially focused on rebuilding confidence in clients who’ve been injured or inactive, often starting from “ground zero” and progressing safely to barbell work and beyond
“The gym and working with me should help their life outside of here.”
One of Arlan’s most memorable coaching moments was when he worked with a client in his late 50s or early 60s. The client had a serious back injury, gained some weight, and was initially afraid to touch a barbell. With careful guidance and rebuilding, the client was able to return to doing back squats. He shared with Arlan, “My back doesn’t hurt. I feel great… I really feel like you’ve given me my life back.” Seeing that same client later enjoy running around and playing with his grandchild is exactly why Arlan loves coaching and doing what he does.
“You really want to build that relationship, build that trust between each other, and really have open conversations…”
For Arlan, the most valuable advice for both coaches and clients is quite simple: “Never stop learning, never stop lifting, never stop living.” He truly believes in the importance of lifelong education, maintaining strength and fitness, and integrating training into everyday life through hobbies, sports, and travel. His approach thoughtfully combines scientific understanding, empathy, and a touch of detective work to uncover the true obstacles people face, and then he creates adaptable, long-term plans that grow with life’s changes.
Connect with Arlan
Website: https://www.actraining.fit/
Instagram: @arlancarroll
Training location: Jupiter, Florida (AC Fitness and Sports Training / Palm Beach Personal Fitness)
