Transform Your Life with Expert Coaching

From Assessment to Achievement – Personalized Fitness Led by Proven Expertise

Offering IN-person and online personal training.

MEET THE FOUNDER & CEO

Hi, I'm Danielle

A dedicated personal trainer with 19 years of experience committed to guiding individuals from diverse backgrounds on their fitness journeys. I specialize in creating tailored fitness programs that address the unique needs and goals of my clients. I work with women experiencing hormonal changes to alleviate symptoms through specialized fitness programs aimed at improving strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. For individuals diagnosed with low bone density and a higher risk of fractures, I help enhance bone strength through targeted resistance training and promote safe movement patterns to reduce fall risk. I support those undergoing orthopedic or other surgeries by facilitating rehabilitation and recovery while restoring function and strength post-surgery. My programs for those experiencing balance issues—often the elderly or individuals with neurological conditions—focus on improving core stability and coordination to reduce the risk of falls. For individuals looking to increase muscle mass and strength, I develop tailored strength training programs that focus on functional fitness for everyday activities. I provide inclusive fitness programs for adults with physical or cognitive disabilities, focusing on their unique abilities to improve overall fitness.

As a proud mother of four daughters, I enjoy spending my free time with them and have had the privilege of coaching them through their basketball program. This experience not only enriches my life but also informs my approach to fitness, emphasizing the importance of support, encouragement, and creating a positive environment for growth

Professional Experience

As an Elite/Master Athletic Trainer with a proven track record of delivering impactful results, I support individuals seeking to lose weight for health reasons by developing sustainable and healthy weight loss strategies that combine exercise with nutritional support. For those utilizing medication to assist in weight loss, I create exercise plans that support muscle growth while maintaining a calorie deficit and balancing weight loss with muscle preservation.

core strengths include exercise program design, youth-to-elderly training, onsite and virtual instruction, data analysis, and a strong ability to communicate and connect with diverse individuals through mentorship and coaching.

Elite Personal Trainer/Master Trainer: Oversee fitness training, education and coaching instruction across diverse populations

Perform wellness assessments evaluating health history, fitness practices and goals

With a Diploma in Exercise Physiology from the National Personal Training Institute of Massachusetts, I am passionate about making a positive impact in our community. Whether you’re transitioning from cardiac rehabilitation back to the gym, seeking to improve cognitive functioning through movement, or looking for guidance on a weight loss journey, you can trust that you’re in knowledgeable hands. Together, we'll work towards your goals, empowering you to achieve a healthier, more fulfilling Life. Together, we will strive to achieve your goals, empowering you to nurture a balanced and healthier version of yourself.

CERTIFICATIONS

NASM CTSP Certified Trainer of Special Populations

NASM- Pre/Post Natal

ACE PTC Personal Trainer

ACE Training Clients with Osteoarthritis Fitness Guide

ACE Lifestyle Fitness Coaching

ACE Kinetic Anatomy

ACE Senior Fitness Course

ACE Assessments for Seniors

ACE Nutrition for Seniors

ACE In-Home Training for Seniors

GMP Fitness Core Training Specialist

CPR/AED Certified

Exercise Etc. Complete Guide to Foam Rolling

TESTIMONIALS

"Loved everything so far"

Danielle has been my personal trainer for 8 years. We even met during Covid when Danielle created exercises we could do together on Facetime. I have arthritis in my hands and hips so it’s important to have a trainer who understands these limitations. Danielle listens to my concerns and creates an appropriate routine for each session depending on how I answer her question “How are you doing today?” The workout may change each time I see her. Now, working at Empwr in Needham, Danielle uses the wide variety of equipment to enhance each of my workout sessions and to meet my needs as a client. She is extremely knowledgeable and caring. I recommend her highly."

- Carol

"My life changed forever"

Danielle Pettigrew has been my Personal Trainer since 2015. I started seeing her after surviving a critical illness which left me with decreased strength and stamina. Danielle is amazing!!! My goals have changed at various points over the past 8 years, from stretching and rehab to strengthening to weight loss and toning, and Danielle has been the best coach, partner and cheerleader at every stage. She is very knowledgeable about anatomy and is proactive about avoiding or addressing injury. She has also been training my 16-year-old son/athlete 3x/wk before school for the past 2 years, and the fact that he never skips says it all! When Danielle switched our sessions from a local gym to EMPWR Fitness, I was thrilled. The facility is well-outfitted, bright and clean and it is big enough for each trainer to have their own space without feeling like a warehouse.

— Amy

"Highly recommend this"

Danielle Pettigrew, from EMPWR Fitness, is my Personal Trainer. I hired her for home training 17 years ago as I approached my 50th birthday. We have been together ever since!

Initially, Danielle came to my Needham home twice weekly for weight training and cardio exercises. When the Pandemic hit, we moved to virtual training.

Below are key features about Danielle’s training techniques.

1. She doesn’t encourage you to buy expensive high end equipment UNLESS you want to do so.

2. She helped me recover from random injuries or illnesses. All were unrelated to working out. Her ability to push me to my limit WITHOUT being a drill sergeant got me to be in the best shape of my life. That’s saying something at 66 years old.

3. She helped me find a balance in working out and allowing myself to rest. Danielle’s ability to tell me like it is, without insulting or destroying my confidence is epic.

4. Danielle’s biggest accomplishment in training me was getting me ready for my late in life wedding. My backless gown showed off my toned traps, if I do say so myself.

I highly recommend Danielle. She knows her personal training skills and anatomy/physiology. She’s funny and exceptionally smart. Finally, she’ll treat you like an equal. She trains high level CEO’s and young adults with special needs. They are the same to her. Simply people who want to reach a better physical level.

— Cindy

STILL NOT SURE?

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our services? You're in the right place!

Question 1: What types of clients do you work with?

I work with clients of all ages and fitness levels—including youth, adults, seniors, athletes, and those with specific health conditions. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or training at an elite level, I tailor programs to meet your unique needs.

Question 2: Do you offer virtual or in-person training?

Yes! I offer both in-person sessions (individual or group) and virtual training programs, making it easy to stay consistent wherever you are.

Question 3: What’s your experience working with seniors or people with injuries?

With over 19 years of experience, I specialize in training older adults and individuals recovering from injuries. My methods focus on safe movement, flexibility, balance, and strength building at any age.