About Me

My name is Toni D. but my tribe calls me Takoda. I was born and raised on the south side of Somerville, New Jersey. I'm what the town calls a "Tracker." That's because of the side of town we lived on. I started playing soccer in the third or fourth grade. I continued to play until the fifth grade. In sixth grade I started playing basketball and loved it.  Throughout the years I played other sports as well. I stuck with basketball. In high school I was diagnosed with epilepsy. Later in college I suffered a seizure that ended my career as a college athlete. 

I struggled for years trying to figure out what I wanted to do for a living. So, after doing a lot of research, for a couple of years and calling different schools, I found one that fit me best ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association). ISSA gave me the knowledge I needed to become a Master Trainer. My certifications consist of Corrective Exercise Specialist, Exercise Therapy Specialist. I'm also a ISSA Certified Nutritionist. But the buck doesn't stop there. I'm also a Certified Genetics Based Program Designer, kickboxing instructor, Yoga Instructor and Indoor Cycling Instructor.

I enjoy being athletic, I like to go for long walks and short jog. I rock wall climb, I rollerblade and I've done my fair share of obstacle course racing. I spent 1 Year running different 5 K's every month. Some for fun and some to raise money and awareness, to causes that are near and dear to my heart.   I was diagnosed with Hashimoto disease and hypothyroidism. ISSA educated me well on the human body and how it works as well as the science behind fitness. I used my education along with research to help discover and easier way for me to lose weight while dealing with both diseases. If I hadn't taken the class to get certified as a personal trainer, I might have given up on trying to lose weight. I gained a lot of weight with these diseases, and it seemed like it happened over night.  After taking the class and better understanding my body and the science behind exercise, it was then I was able to create a workout for myself that was fun challenging and helpful.  

 I want to do all I can to help every client I work with from all walks of life reach their fitness goals. I will continue my education and keep learning new skills to better equip myself to be the best trainer I can be for myself and for you.