Certifications
- CrossFit Level 1
- American Council on Exercise, Personal Trainer
- CPR/AED
Bio
Growing up in Nevada and New England, Dana was always involved in organized sports—football, wrestling, and track. While never the star athlete, he excelled at practice and especially enjoyed the conditioning that others seemed to dread. After moving to Chicago to pursue his doctorate, though, a knee injury and the demands of graduate school (including sleepless nights, literary theory, and a bit too much drinking) led him to step away from fitness, which soon affected his health.
By 2005, Dana knew he needed a change. He started working his way back into shape at a traditional gym. But in 2009, during a long honeymoon kayak trip with Melissa diLeonardo (Hardware’s yoga coach and the Chicago Reader’s Best Personal Trainer of 2013), Dana realized he’d have to level up his fitness to keep pace with her for years to come. Some research led both Dana and Melissa to a gym where he rediscovered his passion for fitness. Six years later, Dana is a part-time personal trainer, a full-time dad, and the happiest he’s ever been.
As a coach, Dana is dedicated to helping people find their ideal balance between challenge and sustainability—pushing harder than ever before while having a great time. A proud member of Hardware’s smart, diverse, and vibrant community, Dana is honored by the opportunity to help keep you stronger and healthier.
Email: dana@hardwarestrength.com