Meet Dr. Dani Espino: Running Coach & Physical Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Dani Espino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Dani, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I always knew that I wanted to have a career where I was able to help others, bring people together, and give back to the community. Working in the “traditional” physical therapy setting, this wasn’t really feasible, at least not the way I envisioned it. And so, I decided to start my own business. In doing so, I’m able to treat people one-on-one and really give them the experience in the medical system that they deserve. One where their concerns are heard and they are involved in discussing and deciding the best treatment approach for them.

I’ve also been able to invest in our running community by partnering with other amazing run leaders throughout Atlanta, and donating my services or helping to host events to bring people together. Another big factor in deciding to start my own business, was being able to have the flexibility to spend time with my family and pursue the other things I love. To be able to take a week long trip to visit my family in Miami or travel to South America on a mission trip.

At the end of the day, time will keep going by and it was important for me to make the most out of my time in this world, and try to pursue my goals and dreams.

What should our readers know about your business?
Aire PT to PR offers physical therapy and performance training (run coaching, strength training) for runners. What sets me apart from others is that I’m a runner first. I understand how runners think and how devastating it can be when you can’t run. As I continue to evolve as a practitioner, my goal has become to teach runners the tools they need to take control of their health, in hopes of keeping them out of the medical system. Majority of runners will get hurt at some point, but it’s what you do in those times that sets you up for future success.

Our practice celebrated it’s one year anniversary this past February, and looking back at the year it’s been very humbling to see how we’ve grown. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my friends, family, and the ATL running community. It hasn’t been easy and I continue to face challenges, but with the support of my family and friends, I know that everything will be okay.

One of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned along the way is that, I can’t do everything myself and I don’t need to do everything myself. This is an area that I continue to work on because I have a hard time asking for help, but I recognize that it’s a necessary change if I want to get to where I want to go.

I’d like the world to know that I believe in the power of pursuing the things that light your heart on fire. No matter how many times you might fail, it’ll all be worth it because you at least tried and won’t be left wondering, what if. Dream big, silence the inner and outer voices, and build the life you want.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d start our Friday morning off by going for a run through my favorite running routes in the city, starting off at Piedmont Park and running down the Beltline through Krog Street Tunnel and into the Kirkwood neighborhood. We’d stop for a coffee at my go to coffee shop, Taproom Coffee and sip our coffee as we walk back towards Midtown. Saturday we’d brunch at Sun in My Belly because they have the BEST lavender biscuits and bacon! Then we’d hop on scooters and crawl the Beltline stopping at some of our favorite places to drink and eat, including, My Abuela’s Food, Ladybird, and the cute patio at Estrella. At night time, we’d splurge on dinner at Marcel followed by cocktails at 12 cocktail bar. And if it wasn’t COVID times, end the night dancing at MJQ!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my wife, best friend, and partner Cristina Briboneria. She supported me from the moment I decided to start grad school all the way to when I decided to open my own practice. She never lets me give up on myself. And to all my mentors and colleagues that I’ve met along the way, I have so much to learn but having people that I can reach out to, has made all the difference.

Website: www.airepttopr.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aire.pttopr/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniela-espino-pt-dpt-112923121/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/airepttopr

Image Credits
Jessica Whitaker