Hometown: I consider both New Jersey and Seattle home. New Jersey is where I grew up, and Seattle is where I really came into my own as an adult. I have New Jersey roots and Seattle soul.
When and why did you come to Austin?
I moved to Austin in January 2025 after spending 10 years in Seattle. I was ready for a change of pace and drawn to Austin’s vibrant energy, active lifestyle, and thriving fitness community. The city’s mix of movement, music, and sunshine felt like the perfect next chapter.
What is your background? How did you get into personal training?
I began my journey in movement through contemporary dance and ballet, starting formal training at age 19. During my undergraduate studies and professional career as a dancer and choreographer, I experienced the highs of performance—but also the lows of chronic pain and recurring injuries. I found myself stuck in a cycle that traditional training methods couldn’t fix.
Everything changed when I discovered corrective exercise, mobility work, and the power of strengthening the smaller stabilizing muscles. As I progressed into more traditional strength training, I finally broke free from that cycle. Now, at 32, I feel more balanced, powerful, and free in my body than I ever did in my 20s as a dancer. That transformation inspired me to become a personal trainer—so I can help others move out of pain and into their strongest, most confident selves.
Tell us about your current fitness goals and training.
Right now, my focus is on sustaining and gradually building my strength, mobility, and flexibility. I’m working toward moving more effortlessly through greater ranges of motion while also increasing my maximal strength and building lean muscle. It’s about striking that balance—being powerful, pain-free, and fluid in movement all at once.
What is the most common fitness myth you work through with your clients?
The most common fitness myth I work through with clients is that progression only means adding more weight. In reality, there are so many smarter and more effective ways to progress—like changing the tempo, increasing reps, introducing new variations, or decreasing stability to challenge the body in a new way. True progression also involves developing control, coordination, and strengthening the smaller stabilizing muscles—not just maxing out the barbell. Chasing numbers alone can be limiting (and boring). My job is to show clients that meaningful progress comes from intentional, well-rounded movement—not just lifting heavier.
What do you want your clients to take away from each training session with you?
I want my clients to leave each session feeling better—physically, mentally, and emotionally—than when they walked in. Whether it’s the natural boost from a good workout, the supportive connection of working with someone who truly sees them, or the powerful “aha” moments when mind, body, and movement align, every session is an opportunity to grow. My goal is to create a space where progress is felt, confidence is built, and people walk away feeling more connected to their bodies and themselves.
What sets you apart from other fitness professionals?
What sets me apart from other fitness professionals is the depth of my personal journey and my holistic approach to movement and healing. With a background in dance and firsthand experience overcoming pain, injury, and body image challenges, I deeply understand what it takes to transform both physically and mentally. I’ve been the person who was told, “you can’t”—and I’ve proven otherwise. That resilience shapes how I train and connect with clients. I specialize in helping people move out of pain, reclaim confidence in their bodies, and build strength from the inside out. I’m not just a coach—I’m a partner in their journey, and I’m committed to continuous growth so I can guide them further in theirs.
How do you, personally, define success?
To me, success means living in alignment with my values—showing up fully for myself and others, doing work that feels purposeful, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
Balance is about honoring all parts of my life—health, relationships, creativity, rest, and ambition—without letting one area constantly overshadow the others. It’s not about perfection, but about being present, intentional, and grounded in the process.
Favorite quote and who said it?
“When we move with intention, we remember we were never meant to be stiff, silent, or stuck.” – Brené Brown
Follow Danny on IG: @fitcoachdanny