Darla Leal - Verywell Fit Menu Verywell Fit Nutrition Weight Management Nutrition Facts Nutrition Basics Diets Meal Plans Meal Delivery Services View All News Fitness and Nutrition What to Buy How We Test Products Fitness Gear Nutrition Products Tools Recipe Nutrition Calculator Weight Loss Calorie Goal BMI Calculator Body Fat Percentage Calculator Calories Burned by Activity Daily Calories Burned Pace Calculator About Us Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Search Darla Leal Personal Trainer, Freelance Writer, Consultant, Coach Expertise Sports Nutrition, Personal Training, Competitive Fitness Education Sierra College, Healing Arts Institute, California State University, Sacramento facebook twitter linkedin instagram Highlights Master Fitness Trainer, consultant, and coachCreator of Stay Healthy Fitness sharing her "fit-over-55" lifestyleFitness competitor with over 25 years of experience in the health and fitness industry Experience Darla Leal began her health and fitness career teaching group exercise classes and workshops to surrounding gyms in the Roseville, California area. She became a personal trainer and during that time entered her first international fitness competition. Her strong sports background and international team coaching experience demanded her attention to appropriate nutrition and exercise programming. Her wealth of knowledge on human anatomy, physical fitness and nutrition continued through college, international workshops, certifications, and working with people for many years. Darla has been a Master Fitness Trainer for over twenty years and qualified fitness expert currently running her Stay Healthy Fitness business. Her experience allows for a diverse clientele from competitor to the everyday person wanting to lose weight and tone. She also has a passion for those with injury and has successfully helped many people improve the quality of their life. She is a healthy recipe developer and her nutrition articles are featured monthly in Natural Muscle Magazine for over five years. Her passion to develop nutrient dense recipes for healthy living earned her a spot as a contributing writer for Natural Muscle Magazine. Darla's recipes and side bar health tips are featured monthly. She is a qualified fitness expert and motivator who has dedicated her life to helping people stay healthy. Darla is also an avid health blogger sharing her "fit-over-55" lifestyle, motivation and fitness tips weekly on her Stay Healthy Fitness Blog. She believes fitness is a journey, not a destination and we are all works in progress. Darla does not teach a one size fits all health and fitness program, nor does she believe in perfection. Progress is on her menu and striving to be our best healthy self is always the goal. When Darla isn't working with clients or writing, she can be found sharing quality time with her husband, family, and guaranteed she is whipping up something healthy in the kitchen. Education Darla holds two Associate of Science degrees in biological science and natural life science, human anatomy focus. She has completed specialized nutrition courses at the collegiate and international workshop level. She maintains international fitness certifications through the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and remains a member in good standing. Darla also maintains her status as an International Women's Tri-Fitness Coach. In addition, she has completed an advanced Certified Massage Practitioner certification specializing in sports and deep tissue. She has received Intensive Medic First Aid Training, CPR Certified, and is licensed and insured. Her writing skill set has earned her national awareness being featured in Natural Muscle Magazine, her personal blog, and other critically acclaimed published works. She also contributes her life experience and working with wonderful women and men for many years as an important part of her educational process. About Verywell Fit Verywell Fit, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, nutrition and fitness destination that provides science-backed information and tools to empower people to take realistic steps towards a healthier life. We reach more than 150 million readers annually. Verywell Fit content is fact checked and reviewed by our Review Board for accuracy and integrity. Learn more about us and our editorial process. Learn More About our Process More From Darla Leal What is Fasted Cardio: Evidence-Based Benefits and Risks How Melatonin Helps With Fat Loss and Muscle Gain 5 Evidence-Backed Supplements That May Improve Your Fitness Is Spironolactone an Effective Method for Weight Loss? How to Perform a Bicep Stretch The Effects of Protein Deficiency Improve Muscle Synthesis While You Sleep With a Protein Shake The Reason Athletes Eat White Rice Instead of Brown How Does Fat Leave the Body When You Lose Weight? Are Rice Cakes a Healthy Snack? 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