FIT & JOYFUL AT 45 DARLA JOY

This year, I turned 45 with a passion for helping women over 40 who have struggled with weight loss.

Fitness After 40 Embracing a Joyful Journey with The JoyFit Academy

Through my fitness business, The JoyFit Academy, I teach sustainable, healthy strategies so women can lose weight for the last time. Clients learn about nutrition, effective workouts that fit their busy schedules, and mindset shifts to think differently about health and fitness. My mission is to show how a fit lifestyle can bring joy, not just about a number on the scale, but feeling great in our bodies each day.

Could you tell us about your journey? After having my first baby in 2009, I joined a fitness class and loved how much better I felt. I became certified, taught Mommy and me classes, and later pursued personal training. I specialized in glute training with my popular “boot camp” classes. I also did CrossFit, learning to push myself with heavy barbells. Then I moved into bodybuilding, competing in 6 NPC shows and winning several overall titles. Through it all, I discovered consistency with enjoyable movement is key to staying fit. I started the JoyFit Academy to provide the shortcut I wish I had during all those years of trial and error. Women over 40 often think their bodies are “broken,” but it’s their weight loss strategy that’s broken. What worked in their 20s doesn’t work anymore. They’re used to severely restricting calories and overdoing it with cardio, which after 40 can actually hurt their metabolism and cause muscle loss. I teach fueling with enough protein, simple strength training, and a mindset shift to create a lifestyle change.