MEET THE (818)

Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher, once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”  When you walk through the doors of Tru Fit Bootcamp, you take that step and embark on a journey towards a better version of you, no matter what your fitness level and goal is.  Their motto:  Visualize.  Believe.  Achieve.

Their newest member, Ruben Pizano, lost 10 pounds of fat and gained about 5 pounds of muscles within three months of joining the gym and going to their Formula 104 Burn and Build classes—30 minute express classes focusing on bodyweight exercises.  Veteran member Christian Ylagan lost more than 25 lbs, shedding at least 10% body fat since he joined in 2017.

“Tru Fit Bootcamp came to me unexpectedly on St. Patrick’s Day of 2017 during the Friends and Family day.  I then decided to join the Fat Furnace Challenge and the results were unbelievable!”, shares Mr. Ylagan of his experience with Tru Fit, “I am not talking about weight loss, but also getting stronger and better in a lot of things.  Not to mention, having a better mindset, confidence, lifestyle choices, and perspective in life.  I can say that joining TruFit Bootcamp is one of the best things that I have done for myself.”

Tru Fit Bootcamp offers an all-inclusive strength and conditioning program focusing on three key aspects: mental fitness, nutrition, and the workout.  Their formula combines all these elements to help newcomers and members alike reach their goals and transform into the best possible versions of themselves.  Before attending any workout session, new and prospective members go through a group orientation as well as a consultation with one of the coaches to ensure the program is tailored to each individual’s needs: your mindset, nutrition, and overall health is taken into account.

The heart of Tru Fit Bootcamp is owner and head coach, Ditanyon Demps, an innovator with a vision and a passion for fitness as well as helping others achieve their fitness goals.  In 2000, his success with helping his college roommate lose over 40 lbs in three months inspired him to pursue his dream of helping others achieve the same fitness success.  Coach D, as he is known around the gym, spent almost two decades developing the Tru Fit formula and program, based on his experiences as a trainer working for Gold’s Gym and various clients’ homes throughout New York City.  His credentials include certifications with APEX, the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT), the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a lifestyle and weight management consultant, National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) and the International Sports Science Association (ISSA).  He also has a Level 1 & 2 Trainer Certificate in CrossFit and accreditations in supplemental and sports supplementation, brain-based psychology, power and plyometrics, and Olympic weightlifting.

In 2011, Ditanyon opened the doors to Tru Fit Bootcamp in Sherman Oaks, CA, where the gym flourished and thrived.  To accommodate his growing clientele, the gym moved in July 2017 to their current location at one of the newly constructed airplane hangars on Balboa Blvd in Van Nuys.

Though Tru Fit Bootcamp offers classes to suit any fitness level, Coach D always encourages growth and development in his clients.  He is a firm believer of testing limits and challenging oneself to see what someone is truly capable of, although he balances this with injury prevention by emphasizing proper form.  During class, each work out is explained in detail and modifications are made for people with injuries or certain limitations.

His coaching team of Christina Wishart, Lisa Deidrich Rivera, Trei Wilson, and their newest addition, Jose Venegas, have all been trained and certified under the Tru Fit Program.  Though each may have a unique coaching style, all of them are very knowledgeable and ensure each member maximizes their workout sessions.

Coach Lisa joined TruFit after the crossfit gym she was going to closed.  With a CrossFit Level 1 certification, she coached Sunday Spartan race classes at her previous gym.

“I was really looking for a new place to call home.  After trying several other crossfit gyms, I tried 30 days at TruFit and immediately felt like I belonged.  I connected with like minded people and loved the fact that there are varying level classes to accommodate ANY fitness level.”, shares Coach Lisa. 

“Once Ditanyon heard that I coached previously, he began dropping hints about me coaching a class or two at Tru Fit. I am glad I took him up on that offer. I love coaching and helping people achieve their goals. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone climb a rope for the first time, get their first pull up, or flip a tire for the first time.”

What makes TruFit Bootcamp truly unique is its community—driven, supportive, and focused on the same goal: being better versions of themselves.  Walking into a new gym for the first time is intimidating enough but luckily, the Tru Fit community welcomes newcomers with open arms.  For many of its members, Tru Fit Bootcamp is their second home and their fitness family.

Tru Fit Bootcamp is located at Delta One 7900 Balboa Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91406.  For more information, you can contact them at (424)537-1041 or email joel@trufitbootcamp.com.