We are DTS.

We strive to embody our core values and commit to the mindset we teach our students every day.

LEARN FROM US

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.

 

EXPLORE OUR COURSES

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. 
EDUCATOR ROCKSTAR

Ben McDonald


Ben McDonald is the lead instructor for the DTS Striking course.

He has an extensive and varied sporting background including fencing, board diving, and various forms of Mixed Martial Arts.

Ben has trained a wide array of people including beginners, premiership footballers, national champions in boxing, and elite level athletes.

Ben has taught for the largest health and fitness training provider in Europe. He has developed multiple qualifications, presented internationally, and is considered UK’s leading expert in Power Club training. Ben was awarded the 2013 award for International Presenting and Work in the Health and Fitness Industry.

 

What do you need to know about Ben?

- Ben is by far the funniest member of the team. His energy is infectious!
- One of Ben's core beliefs is that fitness should be INCLUSIVE, not exclusive. 
- Ben is 100% committed to every single student that walks in the door for a course. You can feel how much he cares. 
HABITS CHAMPION

Casey Zavaleta


Casey Zavaleta is the content developer of the DTS How to Change a Behaviour program. 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.

What do you need to know about Casey?

- Casey's energy is calm and present. 
- One of Casey's core beliefs is that health is a journey of discovery. It is her mission to inspire others take the next step on their journey. 
- Casey wants everyone to know that all bodies, no matter their size, shape, or fitness level are worthy of acceptance. 
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

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.