Meet Danielle Waleko

We recently connected with Danielle Waleko and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My journey to resilience began with challenges. As a child, I faced asthma and learning disabilities, but my parents’ unwavering support and encouragement empowered me to push beyond limits. They taught me to focus on possibilities, not obstacles. With their guidance, I discovered my strengths and developed a growth mindset.

Playing field hockey in college helped me build confidence and perseverance. After graduation, I faced a turning point: a DWI arrest at 26. I chose to seek help, confront my struggles, and transform my life. With an incredible support system, I’ve achieved 7 years of sobriety as of July 19th 2025.

My parents modeled resilience, and I’ve learned to apply it to my own life. Their lessons in perseverance, self-love, and growth have shaped me into the person I am today. I’m grateful for their influence and committed to paying it forward.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hola! I’m Danielle Waleko, a 32-year-old Montauk native turned Hampton’s fitness enthusiast. As a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, I thrive on helping individuals crush their goals and getting groups pumped up!

With over 10 years of experience, I’ve honed my passion for fitness and making people feel special. During COVID, I launched my personal training business, fitxdanielle, and started teaching online classes. I later collaborated with my girlfriend, Emily Tyson, owner of Sculpt by Emily Tyson, where I learned and taught her signature method and created my own HOT HIIT classes.

Now, I teach at three unique spaces: Sculpt by Emily Tyson, Posthouse in Sag Harbor, and The Lifted Method in East Hampton. Each location offers a distinct energy, and I love bringing my enthusiasm and expertise to each class.

Group fitness is my fiesta – high-energy, motivating, and laughter-filled. I focus on connecting individuals while prioritizing their form and self-care. Personal training allows me to witness growth, confidence-building, and empowerment – it’s truly rewarding.

I’m currently finalizing my stretching course certification, offering 1-hour and 30-minute sessions, bringing the massage table to you. My mantra? ‘You can, you will. BUST A MOVE! I’m so beyond grateful for the opportunity to help others forge ahead and shine. One day at a time with purpose.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Building confidence takes time. As a fitness professional, I’ve navigated self-doubt and uncertainty. To grow, I immersed myself in various experiences: teaching group classes, working with private clients, and seeking feedback. Being open to constructive criticism and knowing modifications for exercises were crucial. I prioritized education, studying the human body, and staying diverse in my skills. By doing so, I built trust with my clients and delivered effective sessions. My advice? Dive in, be receptive to feedback, and continuously learn. Know your craft, and you’ll earn the trust of those you work with. You also might not be for everyone and that is OK!

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past year, I’ve focused on self-care and balance. As someone in a people-centric career, I prioritize others’ needs. To maintain my well-being, I’ve made time for personal interests, slowing down, and savoring moments with loved ones. By doing something joyful daily and being present, I’m cultivating a more balanced life. It’s a work in progress as always.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @dwaleko