Daniel Yakupka, CPT

As a child growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I participated in several sports including basketball, soccer and tennis, but the basketball was my passion. I start to play when I was 9 years old until reached the professional level in a team in Bs. As.,Argentina,when see every day my physical coach make me discover another passion so strong like the first one the FITNESS. For 9 years as fitness specialist I trained different kind of people, ages with a range 10-80 years old with different goals as well as exercise physiologist with post -rehabilitation clients. During the night Graduated as B.S in KINESIOLOGY in 1993, and after that finished and have a law degree as Business Attorney in 1999, Iworked some jobs but it no work, because most part of the time I was working in my passion the fitness and basketball, like personal trainer in a fitness center and as physical trainer in a pro -basketball team you got to have passion in very activity you perform in your life is everything more easy with that. At the end the 2001 married my wife and move to the U.S.A, because I came some many times on vacation and that make me fell in love with the country and his people. I feel this is my home, hard to tell when you came from another country, but I'm very proud to say I fell like here and I CALL HOME to the U.S.A.Istart to work in the restaurant business but it was not my thing, but the fitness was my passion and I'm not going to quit my desire for work as personal trainer and help people to reach his fitness goals. I am certified personal trainer, basketball and sports physical consultant. In U.S.A I start to work as personal trainer in one company in McLean, VIRGINIA with great success. I am certified personal trainer for American Council on Exercise, U.S.A, and CPR in the Red Cross; as well I have my certifications in Argentina. I am bilingual (English/Spanish). BELIVE IN YOURSELF THERE NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE TO DO, JUST YOU PUT YOUR LIMITS; YOU NEED TO SAY I CAN DO IT. LET START TO WORK TOGETHER!

Daniel is doing a great job within the limitations of my bad shoulder (rotator cuff), and is very conscious of doing exercises that don't stress it in the wrong way. He is also very flexible as my schedule is not always as predictable as I would prefer. Finally, he is very engaging and willing to answer questions. "All in all I feel I'm getting what I was looking for in a personal trainer...Thanks!"

Scott Graves - Fairfax, VA

Below Daniel explains how he got into the business of personal training, his overall approach with clients, his fitness philosophies and more.

A: I love help people, I HAVE BEEN IN FITNESS ALL MY LIFE, and have extended EXPERIENCE, knowlodge and PASSION for it. Like give to the people the motivation to reach their goals and make it fun and enjoyable at the same time.

A: My specialty is losing weight, muscle development, nutrition and adapting a healthy lifestyle. I believe the difference I in my training is that I listen to each client specific goals and look at their current lifestyles. I design each exercise and workout program to fit into their life with realistic expectations.

A: I think the biggest challenge is keeping the client motivated. Motivation is the key to achieve your fitness goals.

A: I change my workout routines every 4-6 weeks to keep things interesting for them, when a client start to show a lack of interest in the training we are doing, I will explain how the results they want will not happen if they are not committed 100%.

A: I ADVOCATE HEALTHY LIFESTYLES, besides the planning and goal setting; I recommend doing cardio which is great to keep your heart healthy. What are your strengths as trainer? Weaknesses? My strengths are patience with each client, close attention to proper form and my abilities to be versatile during a workout by using many different methods to accomplish the same goal. My weakness would be my frustration with someone who is willing to spend the money but not the physical effort to reach his personal goal.

A: Everyone thinks different about nutrition, for me ATKINS DIET is a potentially dangerous diet, because carbohydrates fuel the body most powerful and energy systems and low carb diets is a short term solution to weight loss in my opinion. What question do you come across most clients? How Increate lean muscle mass and burn fat, which the best workout to accomplish that.

A: I don't have any favorite author at the moment, like read a lot diffent authors as well.

 Q: Who has been your greatest success story?

A: Michael Jordan because he reached the top level of success as basketball player, great motivational leader and as business man he had a vision to be entrepreneur about any business you can imagine. At personal level I have had many clients who have reached their goals in 9 years I have been training.

A: Realize that making a lasting change in your body takes time and a lot of very hardwork, is very important STAY POSITIVE on what you can accomplish and there is no limit for success, the sky is the limit if you believe it, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.

A: I prefer one on one, because it is more personal and easier for both the trainer and client to focus and achieve our goals more quickly. Also small groups of 3 people the fitness program can be effective as well.

A: My personal goals for the future are as fitness professional keep helping people to reach his fitness and health goals, while doing this reach top level of success and support my family. Another goal is reach out to as many people as possible and share my passion for fitness and health.