We were lucky to catch up with Darren Stewart recently and have shared our conversation below.

Darren, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

Melissa Krause hands down receives this award. While many individuals in the fitness industry excel at the technical aspects of training, few possess strong business acumen. Melissa took me under her wing, teaching me essential skills in organization and business management. The professionalism she instilled in me was instrumental in carrying me to where I am today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My passion for health and activity has been lifelong. My goal has always been to help people achieve wellness—a drive that initially led me toward medicine. However, I realized I wanted to help people before they became unwell, which is what ultimately led me to personal training.

​My focus is 1-on-1 personal training with clients of all types. Whether you’re just looking to lose weight or you’re an elite athlete (I trained a client who earned a full-ride scholarship to the #1 women’s fencing team at Notre Dame), I tailor my approach to your needs.

​The core problem I solve is helping you find the right workout routine for your current fitness level and creating a clear, systematic plan to progress toward your long-term goals.

​I believe the most important quality I offer is that I practice what I preach. While many trainers eventually slack off, I am constantly pursuing my own fitness goals. Three years ago, I picked up running again and am currently working to break a 3-hour marathon and qualify for Boston. I bring that same drive for constant self-improvement to every client I work with.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Absolutely, without a doubt! Nothing is more rewarding than when clients return to tell me they’ve been taken off medications or that chronic conditions they once had are gone. I truly believe we face a significant health and wellness problem in our country, and I am driven to be part of the solution.

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

The most important quality is, as I mentioned earlier, practicing what you preach. A trainer is essentially a walking billboard for the healthy lifestyle they promote. Just as you wouldn’t go to a dentist with bad teeth, clients look for a trainer who embodies wellness. This doesn’t mean being an elite athlete or a bodybuilder, but rather demonstrating day-in and day-out a commitment to living the healthiest lifestyle possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fitnessbydm.com
• Instagram: @fitness_by_darren
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ByUCDc5Xf/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fitness_by_darren?si=Fo7LL6IYVUGu5zKr