We are DTS.
We strive to embody our core values and commit to the mindset we teach our students every day.
The Concept
Physical fitness is important, but it's not everything.
What good are massive pecs and bulging biceps if you continually overtrain and injure yourself? If you can run a six minute mile, but can't get a good night's sleep, are you really "healthy?" In addition to our focus on gym skills, we emphasize life skills and mindset because they're an important part of the bigger picture.
The Inception
13 years ago, CEO Kevin Darby was already an experienced fitness educator and the creator of innovative curriculum. The more time he spent in the fitness industry, however, the more he saw a gap in education. Students were leaving programs without the skills to apply what they had learned or the mindset to maintain their momentum.
As any Google search will reveal, there is no shortage of fitness information out there, but there is a shortage of insights and systems that teach you to apply what you have learned. Enter: DTS Fitness Education.
The Growth
Today, DTS is made up of a team of educators that are committed to the "Knowledge Applied" method. Ben McDonald came to Canada from the UK, where he was already a master trainer and expert in fitness education. His experience is matched by his energy and humor, which make for an incredibly engaging experience for the students.
Casey Zavaleta was a trainer and student of DTS before she joined the team. Bringing together a keen understanding of how the mind works and how the body performs, Casey has been key in continuing to bring mindset & habits to the foreground.
MEET THE TEAM
HEAD HONCHO
Kevin Darby
Kevin Darby is the founder and CEO of DTS Fitness Education and co-owner of Stretch to Win Canada.
After participating on the Canadian Military Pentathlon Team, Kevin began a long and successful career as a leader in the fitness industry and has been a head coach, personal trainer, wellness team leader for a 7500+ member police service.
Kevin has worked with general population clients as well as professional athletes in major sports leagues across North America. He was a member of an award winning research team lead by Dr. Stuart McGill and was the CanfitPro World Fitness Expo Canadian Fitness Presenter of the year in 2014.
What do you need to know about Kevin?
- Kevin is a family man above everything else.
- One of Kevin's core beliefs is knowledge is not power. It is the ability to APPLY knowledge that makes it powerful.
- Kevin believes that mindset is the most important factor in health, happiness and success.
LOGISTICS GURU
Connor Miyamoto
Connor Miyamoto manages the Operations and Logistics for DTS. He is also a personal trainer himself and is an assistant instructor on our courses.
He started his fitness career by pursuing hockey as a young athlete before eventually discovering his love for resistance training. Nowadays he loves working with individuals to become healthier and happier versions of themselves.
What do you need to know about Connor?
- Connor is from Montreal
- One of Connor's core beliefs is that fitness can unlock our true potential as human beings
- Connor thinks that personal trainers can make the world a better place, one session at a time
OPERATIONS
Candy Wong
Candy Wong manages Operations behind the scene to make sure things are running smoothly at DTS. You will often see her with her camera at live courses.
Candy is a personal trainer specializing in women's health since 2015 and runs her own online personal training business. Prior to her entry to the fitness industry, she was computer programmer in telecom for over a decade. She brings her organization and technical skills to DTS.
What do you need to know about Candy?
- Candy is an inline speed skater and former member of Team Canada at World Masters Championship
- You will often find her dancing on her roller skates and twisting people's arms to try her homemade cookies
- Candy loves filming and is always juggling several creative projects
Our Instructors
Matt Thatcher
DTS Kettlebell Coach
Matt believes in looking at all aspects of health including movement, nutrition, sleep, stress management and community. Matt believes health and should ultimately be as inclusive and inviting to everyone, bringing enrichment and opportunity to one's life.
Chris Fudge
DTS Barbell Strength
Chris has over 15 years of high -level practical experience in the field of personal training and strength and conditioning. Chris believes empathy and having a diverse skill set is what distinguishes great client results from poor results.
Casey Zavaleta
DTS How To Change A Behaviour
Casey began her career in Toronto FC's Department of High Performance where she developed cognitive programs to optimize the performance of youth and professional athletes.
As a trainer, she integrates her understanding of behavioral science with proven principles of training and nutrition to help clients learn how to make sustainable changes in their lives.
