Each morning when I wake up, I wake up inspired just thinking about my clients and members of the Tone and Strengthen family. I love what I do. I get to change people’s lives and set them on a healthy path. All the while working with some of the best people I have known. These members of my fitness classes always put a smile on my face. I am grateful that I could continue teaching the classes virtually when the pandemic hit. I couldn’t bear the thought of not spending time with these beautiful people. The clients who log on to my virtual classes and personal training make me excited to be there to teach the lesson or lead the training session in front of the camera. My clients pump me up for my work. My clients are a constant reminder of why I’m passionate about my mission to move people towards a healthier version of themselves.  

Today I am going to throw the spotlight on our tribe member Dina Toal. 

Dina was born and raised in Philadelphia and lives in Bucks County. She has been living in the Holland area for the past 20 years. She’s a human resource professional and working now as an HR Business Partner for Cenlar in Yardley.  She gets her motivation and strength from engaging with people and anticipating fun and new activity.  She was thrilled to find Tone and Strengthen with Coach Aesha during the pandemic.  She is a joy to have in my early morning classes. Keep reading to learn more about Dina.

Questions 1.  Give us a background of your wellness journey? How did you get started? What inspired you? 

Exercise and movement are an essential part of my life. When planning my overall week, the first thing I add to my calendar is my scheduled workouts and activities and hold to it. I have participated in group exercise classes for many years ranging from cardio, yoga, to TRX in addition to personal training. I also enjoy golf, pickleball, walking and swimming.  Several years back, I welcomed the eating methodology of a nutrition program into my life that has allowed me to maintain a healthy weight as I progress further along into my 50s!

Question 2. What are your current fitness and wellness goals? 

My overall wellness and fitness goals are to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.  At the beginning of the pandemic, like most things, I paused on exercising and now working to regain my strength and flexibility and maintain it long term. 

Question 3. What challenges do you face in keeping up with your fitness goals? 

It all comes down to planning and accountability.  Placing my workouts on my calendar in the beginning of the week so I plan around them versus fitting them into my schedule is key. I also find meal planning critical to healthy eating. 

Question 4. How did you find Coach Aesha and started working with her?  

I found Coach Aesha during the pandemic. I could no longer blame the pandemic for pausing on exercising so I registered for virtual exercise classes through Northampton Township Parks & Recreation, then joined her on-line virtual community. 

Question 5.  Tell us about your experience of working with Coach Aesha? 

I attend several of Coach Aesha’s classes each week and now belong to her virtual community.  She is very supportive and engaging during the classes and provides a very thorough description and benefit of the moves. She encourages you to work to your own personal limits and comfort level. And always recommends an alternative move for everyone to feel included. Her website and social media are very inspiring and informative and takes a holistic approach to wellness.

Question 6. How has Coach Aesha’s training helped you with your fitness journey?  

I am feeling stronger and stronger as the weeks go by!  And her yoga classes have helped maintain my flexibility which is especially needed as I continue to work from home during the pandemic. Plus I no longer feel guilty when my husband takes me on my weekly ice cream trip to the Zebra Striped Whale in Newtown!  I’m enjoying the journey!