In this episode of the Healthy Living Doesn’t Have to Suck podcast, Melyssa welcomes guest Tara De Leon, a personal trainer who is challenging industry norms with her weight-neutral and plus-size approach, which we absolutely LOVE and is sooooo aligned with our own messaging! They discuss Tara’s journey in the fitness industry, battling body image issues, and overcoming gym intimidation. Tara shares her strategies for making the gym a less intimidating place and emphasizes the importance of finding enjoyable and sustainable fitness routines. They also explore the significance of self-acceptance and intuitive eating. Join the conversation to get inspired and learn practical tips for your healthy lifestyle journey!

LISTEN NOW ON SPOTIFY, APPLE, AUDIBLE, IHEART, AND MORE!

ABOUT TARA DE LEON

Tara De Leon is a personal trainer, professor of Health, Fitness and Exercise Studies, podcaster, speaker, and author. Tara has helped hundreds of women feel badass and confident by teaching them how to lift weights and get strong, healthy, and empowered. Tara teaches women to take up space and to stop apologizing for their bodies. Specializing in fitness for fertility, prenatal and postnatal fitness, she loves helping moms go from hot mess to hot mom. Tara is passionate about health and fitness and strives to constantly improve herself to better help her clients.
Tara has a master’s degree in Human Movement from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Brigham Young University-Hawaii, and maintains 14 other advanced certifications pertaining to fitness, wellness, and lifestyle. She is the Personal Trainer of the Year for the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She has won “Best Personal Trainer” twice, “Best Lifestyle Coach” once, and has been voted “Best Prenatal Fitness Coach” four years in a row by What’s Up Annapolis Magazine.
When Tara is not working, you can find her eating sushi or tacos, going for walks, baking, and spending time on the Chesapeake Bay with her husband, Marcus, their 3-year-old son, Maverick, and their Aussie pup, Chula.

CONNECT WITH TARA

• Instagram: @tara_de_leon_fitness
• Website: https://www.ptdistinction.com/taradeleonfitness
• Tara’s Podcast: Wellness Rebranded
• Buy Tara’s Book on Amazon: Hot Mess to Hot Mom

CHECK OUT OUR LINKS

• Join the Change Maker Collective group coaching membership to receive support, accountability, and coaching from Melyssa to achieve your lifestyle change goals!
• Check out our size inclusive virtual fitness studio, Move with Melyssa!
• Grab our FREE 25-minute audiobook Introduction sneak peek from the book!
• Join our FREE Change Maker Community here!
• Grab your copy of Melyssa’s book here!
• Follow us on Instagram: @melyssa_with_a_why and @healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck
• Email Melyssa at: info@melyssawithawhy.com
• Visit our website: https://www.healthylivingdoesnthavetosuck.com/

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Welcome to Season Three!
• 00:54 Introducing Tara DeLeon: Shaking Up the Fitness Industry
• 01:55 Tara’s Journey: Embracing Weight Neutrality
• 03:01 Winning Personal Trainer of the Year: Mixed Emotions
• 04:15 Body Positivity and Overcoming Industry Bias
• 10:23 The Importance of Listening to Your Body
• 19:43 Creating a Supportive Gym Environment
• 23:23 Empowerment and Self-Confidence in the Gym
• 24:00 Utilizing Gym Resources and Trainers
• 24:48 Starting a Healthy Lifestyle Journey
• 26:55 Small, Sustainable Changes for Fitness
• 28:10 Personal Stories of Fitness Transformation
• 33:08 Overcoming Gym Intimidation
• 40:43 Connecting with Tara and Final Thoughts