We were lucky to catch up with Bailey Pepper recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bailey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the most transformative moments in my life, career, and business ventures was realizing that the traditional path wasn’t the only option. After passing my boards in July 2024, I started as a new graduate physical therapist in a clinic because I thought that was what I had to do. In school, we’re presented with a limited set of options—clinic, hospital, school, or rehab/nursing home—and I chose what felt most comfortable.

Not long after, I started feeling overwhelmed. To find some balance, I switched to part-time, thinking it would alleviate my stress. But instead, I was given the same caseload in fewer days, which only amplified the burnout. Within just nine months at my first job, I was struggling with panic attacks, overwhelming workloads, and questioning whether I had made the right career choice. I kept thinking, Why can everyone else handle this? Why can’t I? But deep down, I knew something had to change. My gut—and my heart—were telling me to get out and find my path.

With the support and encouragement of my amazing fiancé, I finally accepted that my career didn’t have to look “traditional.” I could create my own way.

I took time to reflect on what truly fulfilled me and started my own in-person coaching side hustle in Fall 2024. At first, I worked with family friends, then put myself out there by setting up vendor fair tables to share my name and business cards. Soon, I connected with a local community college’s outreach center, where I now offer free monthly events for students and the surrounding community.

But that was just the beginning.

At the start of this year, I joined Move Your Bones (MYB) as an online coach, working alongside Dr. Susie Spirlock (@dr.susie.squats on Instagram). Now, I provide 1:1 Rehab & Fitness Coaching to clients all over the world. Just two months into this new virtual adventure, I have an incredible roster of clients and can truly say I’m building something that feels like a dream come true.

Being surrounded by a team at MYB that shares my values and mindset has been invaluable. The continued support, encouragement, and mentorship have made a huge difference early in my career. More importantly, I now have the flexibility to live life on my terms—something that has been essential not just for my physical well-being, but especially for my mental health.

Taking a risk, trusting my gut, and betting on myself has paid off in ways I never could have imagined. And this is just the beginning—I can’t wait to see what else 2025 has in store.

Bailey, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Dr. Pepper, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, hybrid athlete, and rehab & fitness coach dedicated to helping people restore function and elevate their lives. My journey into this field started traditionally—I passed my boards in July 2024 and entered the clinic setting, thinking that was the path I had to take. But after experiencing burnout, overwhelming workloads, and the realization that my career could look however I wanted it to, I took a leap of faith. I left my first job after just nine months and started building something of my own.

Now, I provide 1:1 Rehab & Fitness Coaching online through Move Your Bones (MYB), working with clients worldwide to bridge the gap between rehab and performance. My mission is to empower individuals to move better, feel stronger, and take control of their health—without the fear of pain or setbacks. Whether it’s recovering from an injury, improving movement efficiency, or unlocking new levels of strength and endurance, I guide my clients through personalized, evidence-based coaching that meets them where they are and helps them get where they want to be.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend physical therapy and strength training in a way that’s both effective and sustainable. I’ve lived through the frustration of injuries, the mental toll of feeling “stuck,” and the challenge of finding a balanced approach to movement. My approach isn’t just about rehab—it’s about giving people the tools to thrive long-term.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the freedom I’ve created—not just for myself, but for my clients. I want people to know they don’t have to settle for discomfort, pain, or limitations. There’s always a way forward, and I’m here to help them find it.

At the end of the day, my brand is about more than just physical therapy or fitness—it’s about taking ownership of your body, your movement, and your life. And I can’t wait to keep helping people do just that.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my career came when I transitioned from running my own business entirely solo to joining Move Your Bones (MYB) as an online coach.

When I first left the clinic, I was determined to build something of my own. I started coaching in person, working with family friends, attending vendor fairs, and eventually hosting community events. At the same time, I was trying to grow my online coaching presence. While I loved the work itself, I quickly realized how isolating and overwhelming it could be to figure everything out on my own—managing marketing, programming, client acquisition, and all the behind-the-scenes work while still trying to provide the best possible care.

That’s when I got the opportunity to work with Dr. Susie Spirlock and Move Your Bones. Saying yes to that opportunity was a game-changer. It allowed me to pivot in a way that balanced my business instead of feeling like I was constantly trying to keep up. Now, I work exclusively online with MYB, which provides me with a steady roster of clients, mentorship, and a supportive team. At the same time, I still get to run my own in-person events and coaching through my small business, focusing on community outreach and hands-on work.

This shift gave me the best of both worlds—the stability and collaboration I needed while still maintaining the independence and flexibility I value so much. Looking back, it was exactly the pivot I needed to build a career that truly aligns with me.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe the most important factor for success in this field is authenticity—both in how you show up for clients and how you live what you teach.

At the end of the day, people don’t just buy into a program or a treatment plan—they buy into you. If you’re not practicing what you preach, it shows. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be real. Clients are more likely to trust the process when they see you navigating your own journey—modifying when needed, pushing when appropriate, and embracing movement as a tool rather than something to fear.

It’s also crucial to work for the person, not the system. Too often in traditional rehab and fitness spaces, people get boxed into protocols or facility standards that don’t account for their unique needs. Success in this field means being adaptable, listening to the individual in front of you, and helping them feel empowered in their movement—not afraid of it.

Ultimately, the ability to connect, communicate, and lead by example is what makes the difference between being a knowledgeable coach and being a truly impactful one.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @dr.pepper.dpt
• Facebook: Dr. Pepper’s Performance & Rehab
• Other: email: [email protected]