Derrick “DJ” Townsel, a former NFL athlete, is now an Orlando-based personal trainer, health coach, and yoga instructor.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Derrick was extremely athletic throughout his childhood and adolescence. His God given talent compelled with all of his hard work and tenacity propelled him to a full scholarship playing football at Murray State University as a 4-year starter, and then on to the NFL with the Houston Texans from 2010-2011. Following his time with the Houston Texans, 2 other NFL organizations and 2 other professional leagues (AFL and CFL), Derrick found his passion helping others realize their physical and mental potential through personal training.
Inspired by amazing individuals on Instagram, Derrick began practicing yoga in 2012. Not entirely comfortable practicing in public at the time, Derrick became a self-taught yogi in the middle of his living room. He followed online sessions and studied the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects and history of yoga. Derrick has now become an inspiration to thousands who didn’t think a passion for fitness or yoga could be a possibility for them, mainly men and people of color. Derrick is now a sought-after 200-Hour Certified Yoga Instructor, Acrobatic Yoga Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer, and Level 2 WCO Calisthenics Instructor in Central Florida.
Channeling his West Indian ancestry, always listening to Bob Marley while he practices yoga, and his signature crown of locked hair, Derrick has become known to the yoga community as the “Rasta Yogi”.
Remembering where he was born (Miami, FL) and where he spent 6 years of his adolescence (Memphis, TN), Derrick Townsel uses the name “Dade2Shelby” to always remind him of where his journey started.
Location: Orlando, Florida
Favorite Vegetable: Sweet Potato
Favorite Exercise: Handstand Push-ups
Favorite Way to Center: Yoga (your view clears on the mat)
Favorite Book: The Celestine Prophecy, by James Redfield
Favorite YouTube Video: Russell Brand – Inspirational Compilation
Personal Motto: Only consistency brings instant results.
DJ’s Daily Routine:
- 7AM — Wake Up
- 8AM – Breakfast
- 10AM – Training Clients
- 1PM – Snack
- 130PM – Yoga
- 330PM – Lunch & Business Planning
- 530PM – Snack
- 6PM – Teach Yoga
- 830PM – Dinner
- 9PM – Miscellaneous & Meditation
- 1130PM – Sleep
What gets you out of bed every morning?
The will to be a better person and cultivate a better world.
What is your #1 wellness habit?
Proper nutrition.
What is the most important part of your daily routine?
Family time.
What about your daily routine do you think is unique or special?
It’s mine, it’s how I become better. It’s unique to my growth.
What is your favorite part about living a healthy lifestyle
It keeps my mind clear of clutter and my doctor visit, and bills, are low.
If you could give one piece of health advice to your kid(s), future kid(s) or relative(s), what would it be and why?
Be the light. If you’re not the source of happiness and positive change, be the guide that passes it forward.
Describe your sleep ritual.
I watch 90s cartoon every night before I close my eyes (Hey, Arnold, Operation: Kids Next Door, Recess).
What’s your biggest wellness challenge?
Tights joints and muscles from football. A consistent yoga practice helped reverse the effects.
What is the best piece of health advice you’ve ever received?
Be consistent.
Tell us about a time you were stuck in an unhealthy cycle and how you got out of it. What was the main inspiration for positive change?
Bad nutrition because of a busy football schedule and lack of knowledge of nutrition. My inspiration to change was to finally realize what my body was capable of.
DJ Townsel is a former NFL athlete, and is now an Orlando-based personal trainer, health coach, and yoga instructor. For more inspiration from DJ, follow him on Instagram and Facebook.