Holding back a good laugh because you are afraid to wet your pants is something that female fitness trainer Darlene Palin hates to hear about.

In fact, her passion for helping women become stronger and more confident in a safe environment inspired her to open Happy Bodies. It’s a new personal training business based in Goonellabah – and it’s just for women.

Pregnancy

Coach Darlene said she specializes in creating one-on-one personal training sessions with women who are pregnant, post partum, premenopausal, menopausal or postmenopausal.

“I program around the menstrual cycle,” Darlene said. “There’s four weeks in a cycle and our hormones fluctuate and affects our energy levels and focus.

As women’s bodies change as they go through pregnancy and ageing, Darlene said talking about what’s going on can be a very private – and hard conversation to have.

“So, I’ve created a space where ladies feel safe speaking to me,” she said.

“My programs are very body positive and we do a lot of mental health and self care work – we especially need it right now.

“I’m finding the ladies are really enjoying it.”

Passion

Darlene said she was inspired to follow the path of coaching and training women because she was passionate about personal fitness.

“I used to live in the gym as a client, so it made sense to get my own qualifications,” she said.

“I was so passionate and driven and people would approach me and ask for advice even before I was qualified.”

Darlene said she’s been a personal trainer for four years and emerging from being a stay at home mum and back into the workforce as a personal trainer was her passion.

What to expect

Coach Darlene offers 45 minute training sessions twice a week, but first spends time finding out your exercise and medical history.

“Everyone is in different phases of life and we design a program that takes into account your goals,” Darlene said

“Some women are pregnant, some have issues with joints and some are post partum and might have a weak pelvic floor. It’s a muscle like any other and you can strengthen it.

“I take time to help them to build up strength and confidence. 

“Each training session is different – it helps to keep the mid busy and not get bored. It also keeps the body guessing.”

Darlene also has a unique piece of equipment called a Y bell that combines lots of equipment into one and makes for an effective training session.

It’s something she says no one else in the area has.

“I also have an introduction special called ‘New Year New You’ and each person gets free advice from a university qualified nutritionist with issues like weight loss, building muscle and menopause,” she said.

The Happy Body fitness studio is open six days a week and is situated in Goonellabah, off Ballina Road near Discount Warehouse Chemist.

If you want to contact Darlene, you can email her on [email protected] and find her on Instagram @happybodytoyou and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/happybodytoyou