Today we’d like to introduce you to Danyale Thomas.
Danyale, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Danyale Thomas. I grew up in grew up in sunny South Dallas. I went to Charles Rice learning center, Pearl c. Anderson, The new Billy earl dade, and Lincoln high school. I want to skip to high school I was an all-around athlete. I played basketball, volleyball, ran track, cross country, and tennis, and I also played golf. Honestly in high school, I always felt like the underdog and that’s why I always strived and was hungry to always become a better athlete/ competitor. As a high school student, I also did have a lot going on away from school. I was under a lot of stress my mom was diagnosed well and was told she had lupus my sophomore year after that I see my mom literally lose all her weight and deteriorate in front of me. She was also in and out of the hospital. I was so scared I didn’t want to lose my mom. It got to the point where she kept having a conversation with me to make arrangements if she were to pass that was a mental barrier on me because honestly who wants to lose their mom. Also, my family was struggling we wasn’t the richest family in the world. I lived throughout high school with no running water. Like from my freshman year Until I went to college. I know that sounds crazy but it’s true like literally taking baths out of a cooler. Also, we didn’t have lights man I’m not complaining I’m grateful because those situations made me mentally strong. I graduated the year of 2018. Before I graduated, I was offered to run track and play basketball at a couple of schools. I chose to run collegiate track at Jarvis Christian college because my mom wasn’t getting any better and I wanted to be close to home. So, I went to school and ran track and I loved it. After my sophomore year, I wasn’t interested in my school’s track team because I didn’t feel as if I was growing as an athlete and becoming better. So, I was kicked off the team. After that, I continued to work out like I had a track meet coming up. That is when I realized that the gym was more to me it was my happy place. I kept going and mentally growing. I learned how to push myself and coach myself through the roughest times and the times when I wanted to give up. Some of my peers would be in the gym and they would see me working out passionately and consistent. One of my classmates asked me why won’t I help someone else get in shape. That kinda sparked a fire in my mind. After that, it was time for spring break and that’s when Covid hit. When Covid hit I came home and started my business. It’s all started When I posted a workout video on Instagram and I got a lot of support and I got a lot of new leads for clients. After that, I began training in a house. The word of mouth boosted my business even more. I kept training at the house for like 3 months and I moved into my first studio in Downtown Dallas. That’s where I would host my boot camp classes and also train my personal training clients it was a crazy transition for me. As time passed, I just kept going and growing. I feel like I found my calling/purpose that’s why I never and will never give up.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road honestly. It’s actually been a roller coaster after I started my business, I honestly lost everything multiple times. When I say that I mean I had to start from square one. One time I got scammed out of all the money that was in my bank account. Imagine how I felt and the crazy part about it was I lost all my money two days before rent for my studio was due. It was so crazy but I didn’t lose faith a good friend had my back and didn’t let me fall. After that, I started working to save money to get back on my feet. I did just that, kept training and working once I got back on my feet, I was ready to move into my own place. I found my place and was actually on my way to put a payment on it in between that I lost all the money that was for my place. Someone had a good Christmas on me. Man, no lie it truly hurt me because I worked and sacrificed for it but I realized how disciplined I became to get what I had lost. I was able to gain all that I lost in an even faster way and I was still able to move into my place. So that goes to tell you that you will lose but if you don’t give up you will find a way to maneuver and learn from that loss in order to ultimately win.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bodied by Dani?
Bodied by Dani is a healthy program that promotes and demonstrates a healthy lifestyle. My training Is an experience that’s designed for you to fall in love with molding yourself not only physically but also mentally. I’m the passionate trainer that will motivate you and push you every step of the way. I offer programs that are tailored to each of my client’s body goals. I specialize HIIT workouts and cross-training. What sets me apart from other trainers is that this is actually what I love to do. My goal is to help as many people as I can reach their physical goals. The BodiedbyDani experience is something you would not want to miss.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory was when I was in middle school playing basketball. My team only had nine players that was including the bench but we were able make it all the way to the playoffs. I remember the championship game I was able to make the game-winning point which was a three. Anybody that knows me knows that I was never the best shooter but the feeling I felt when the time was running out and I released that shot and how the crowd reacted was a feeling I will never forget.
Pricing:
- 16 (45 mins workout sessions) $250
- 20 (1 hr workout sessions) $300
- 4 (45 min workouts) $100
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_bodiedbydanii
- Facebook: @Danyale Thomas
Image Credits
@melvinwhoknows
@malikvisuals
@7.62wellz
