Toni Darby
ISSA Master Trainer

About Me

 

Meet Toni “Takoda” D.

Hi, I’m Toni D., but my tribe calls me Takoda.
I was born and raised on the south side of Somerville, New Jersey, in a neighborhood known as The Track—that’s where the nickname Tracker comes from.

My Journey Through Sports

I discovered my love for athletics in grade school, starting with soccer and then falling in love with basketball in sixth grade.
Basketball became my passion, but in high school I was diagnosed with epilepsy.
Later, while playing in college, a seizure ended my career as a college athlete.

Finding My Purpose

For years, I searched for the right career path. After research and calls to different schools, I found my fit with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
ISSA gave me the education and science-based training to become a Master Trainer and to earn multiple advanced certifications.

Professional Credentials

  • ISSA Master Trainer – Proven competence in personal training and expertise in five additional areas of specialization

  • ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer – Deep knowledge in muscle mechanics, flexibility, and cardiovascular dynamics

  • ISSA Certified Nutritionist – Real-world, sustainable nutrition planning

  • ISSA Genetics-Based Program Designer – Personalized programs based on your genetics

  • ISSA Corrective Exercise Specialist – Assess and correct movement deficiencies and muscle imbalances

  • ISSA Specialist in Exercise Therapy – Safe, adaptive programs for medical recovery and chronic conditions

  • ISSA Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor – Personalized, high-energy cycling classes

  • ISSA Certified Yoga Instructor – Stress relief, balance, strength, and recovery

  • ISSA Certified Kickboxing Instructor – Mind-body focused, calorie-burning kickboxing sessions

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Alongside my professional growth, I faced my own health battles with Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism.
Using my ISSA education, I learned the science behind exercise and nutrition, creating programs that helped me overcome these challenges—and now I use that knowledge to help my clients do the same.