About
About
I believe exercise should enhance your life, not take over it. Over the years, I’ve witnessed—and even fallen into—the trap of fitness obsession, where working out became an end in itself. The industry was filled with catchy slogans like 'No pain, no gain' and 'Go hard or go home,' reinforcing the idea that pushing harder was always better.
Unfortunately, this mindset led many—including experienced trainers like myself—to chase heavier weights and higher reps while ignoring the warning signs of poor technique and overuse. Sure, people got fitter, but it often came at a cost.
Soreness became a badge of honor. Some struggled to do simple tasks—like sitting down without pain—after brutal workouts. Others suffered from chronic joint issues, yet pushed through in the name of discipline. I was no exception. Despite having mobility that many in the fitness industry envied, I found myself battling persistent joint pain.
That’s when I knew something had to change.
For years, I’ve been on a mission to discover the most effective training methods—ones that build strength, conditioning, and mobility without the negative repercussions. My goal is to teach you how to train in a way that enhances your life, allowing you to move well, feel great, and, as a result, look your best.
Over 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates said, 'Let food be thy medicine.' I wholeheartedly agree—and I take it a step further:
'Let exercise be thy medicine.'
At Perseverance & Performance, we focus on training that improves strength, mobility, and conditioning—both in and out of the gym—so you can function at a high level for a lifetime. Our mission is to help you move well today, so you can keep moving well even at 100 years old.
Who Am I?
My name is Dat Do, and my journey into fitness began as an overweight teenager, tipping the scales at 110kg. Back then, I could barely run 100 meters without gasping for air. That all changed when I attended Big Camp at Lord Somers Camp—a week of physically and mentally demanding challenges that pushed me beyond anything I had ever experienced.
One of those challenges was a 7km cross-country run. Out of 100 participants, I was dead last within the first 100 meters (no surprises there). But I’ll never forget what happened next—my group leader slowed down to run beside me. He gave me a simple tip: relax your shoulders. Along with other small adjustments, this made all the difference.
Somehow, I kept going—through hills, dirt trails, and rugged terrain. By the final stretch, every step felt like a monumental effort. Stepping off the road onto a curb felt like climbing a ledge, and the last kilometer on soft beach sandwas pure torture. But my team leader never left my side. I was also joined by another struggling participant, and soon, others who had already finished started circling back to run with us.
Then came the final obstacle: a steep set of stairs taller than my head, leading up to the campgrounds. At that moment, I was barely hanging on. But as I looked up, I saw the entire camp—staff, participants, even the Slushies (the guys who made our lives hell during activities)—cheering me on.
And then, something incredible happened.
A surge of energy shot through my body. From complete exhaustion, I found the strength to sprint the last 100 meters like I was racing in the Olympics. I crossed the finish line in absolute disbelief.
That moment changed my life.
For the first time, I realized that my perceived limits weren’t real. I had been holding myself back. More importantly, I learned that the support of others can make an unimaginable difference—what seems impossible alone becomes achievable with people rooting for you.
That race ignited my fitness journey.
From that point on, I became consumed with how to improve my health, strength, and endurance. As soon as I started seeing results, I knew I had to share what I was learning with others. That’s why I became a coach. But my path wasn’t perfect.
I’ve made my fair share of mistakes—swinging too far into obsessive training and strict nutrition, losing balance, experiencing burnout, and even quitting at times. I’ve suffered injuries and setbacks. I could go on about my past failures, but what matters is what I learned from them.
That’s why I chose the word 'perseverance' for my business name. It perfectly encapsulates my journey.
Having experienced both extremes—neglecting my health and overtraining to the point of exhaustion—I’ve spent years refining my approach to fitness. Exercise should work for us, not control us. I want every person to move well, train smart, and harness the power of fitness to enhance their life—not just in the gym, but in everything they do.