Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Stewart.
Hi Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Fitness has always been a central part of our lives, though our journeys began in different ways. From an early age, Darren knew a traditional desk job wasn’t for him. He entered college planning to pursue physical therapy, but his passion for fitness ultimately led him down a different path. For more than 10 years, he has built a career as a personal trainer, one he genuinely loves. While he enjoys challenging himself physically, what truly motivates him is seeing how a healthy, active lifestyle transforms clients’ lives. Whether it’s weight loss, increased energy, better sleep, or simply being able to keep up with their kids, improving quality of life is what fuels his passion.
Melissa’s fitness journey began in 2009, when she became intrigued by the industry through friends who were training for competitions. Watching their dramatic transformations through training and nutrition sparked both curiosity and admiration. In the beginning, the gym felt intimidating and overwhelming, and she wasn’t sure where to start. As she grew more comfortable and confident, that initial fear turned into a deep passion for fitness. In 2010, she began training for her first fitness competition and eventually made it to the stage.
Today, we train clients at a small studio near our home in Sugar Land under the name Fitness by Darren and Melissa. Our partnership brings together years of experience, complementary strengths, and shared values, all rooted in a mutual commitment to helping others reach their goals. Together, our story is one of perseverance, growth, and shared purpose. Through personal challenges, professional evolution, and a deep love for fitness, we continue to build a business focused on empowering others to live healthier, stronger lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most entrepreneurial journeys, ours has come with its share of challenges. Darren began his career largely on his own, focused on building his personal brand, Fitness by Darren, and growing his personal training clientele. As the business evolved, so did the obstacles, requiring constant adaptation and growth. In recent years, we took a major step forward by combining our brands and working side by side. This shift required moving from a solo mindset to a collaborative one, learning to understand different personalities, and intentionally bringing people together to create a strong, unified environment that supports continued growth.
Melissa’s journey required a different kind of perseverance. She faced significant health challenges after experiencing unexpected seizures that dramatically changed her life. For seven years, she was unable to live independently or drive, a season that tested her physically, emotionally, and mentally. Through the right medication and her faith in Christ, the seizures are now fully under control. Today, she is deeply grateful to feel like herself again and to live as a healthy, fully functioning adult, an experience that has shaped her perspective and the compassion she brings to our work.
Together, our individual challenges have strengthened our partnership, allowing us to build a business rooted not only in fitness, but in resilience, understanding, and a shared commitment to growth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Fitness by Darren & Melissa?
At Fitness by Darren and Melissa, our focus has always been on personalization, quality, and meaningful results. We believe the most effective progress comes from programs designed specifically for each individual. One-on-one personal training is at the core of what we do because it allows us to build real connections and give each client the attention they deserve. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we tailor every workout to meet unique needs, goals, and abilities.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with clients from all walks of life, from college athletes to older adults recovering from post-surgical rehabilitation. Helping each person become the best version of themselves is what brings us the greatest fulfillment.
Some of our proudest moments don’t come from personal achievements, but from our clients’ successes. Early on, one of our first clients returned after a year of training to share that her doctor had taken her off all blood pressure medication. Experiences like that left a lasting impact and became a recurring theme in our work. Since then, we’ve helped multiple clients come off heart and blood pressure medications and lower their A1C levels below diabetic ranges. For us, these milestones represent what fitness is truly about, building sustainable, healthy lifestyles that improve overall well-being.
What sets our approach apart is our attention to detail and commitment to professionalism. Effective training goes far beyond delivering a tough workout or looking fit. Organization, structure, and consistency play a critical role in long-term success. From online scheduling and monthly measurements to body scans, meal prep planning, and ongoing progress tracking, we strive to leave no stone unturned in supporting each client’s journey and helping them achieve lasting results.
Together, we operate out of a private, unique fitness studio in the Sugar Land area, where we’ve intentionally created a supportive, welcoming, and nurturing environment. We offer customized one-on-one personal training as well as small group training, all within the comfort of a private studio setting. Whether someone is just beginning their fitness journey or looking to take their training to the next level, we are committed to guiding, supporting, and empowering them every step of the way.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Despite being health and fitness professionals, we’re actually a lot like our clients—we definitely appreciate a great “cheat meal” every now and then!
During the week, we stay pretty dialed-in, pushing ourselves hard in our training and sticking closely to our meal prep. But once the weekend hits, we love to hit the “pause” button on calorie counting. Whether it’s heading out for a great Mexican feast or a big Italian dinner, we believe that enjoying good food is a huge part of a balanced, sustainable lifestyle. We’re all about working hard, but we’re also all about enjoying the rewards!
Pricing:
- 30 Minute Session – $60
- 45 Session – $75
- 1 Hour Session – $90
- Buddy Training Available – Contact for more details
Contact Info:
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- Website: https://fitnessbydm.com/
