Meet Your Trainer – Shelley Darlington
From shy, skinny nerd… to strong, confident, and helping thousands of women do the same.
Hi, I'm Shelley, founder of Strong Curves, qualified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, yoga teacher, author, and your biggest cheerleader. I wasn't born sporty. In fact, I hated PE at school, had zero confidence, lived on junk food, and struggled with constant bloating, low energy, mood swings, and cellulite. Exercise felt scary.
From barely lifting 2kg to building over 13kg of muscle naturally
But in my late 20s, after moving from the UK to sunny Queensland, Australia, I decided I was done feeling weak and tired. I stepped into a gym for the first time… clueless, intimidated, and barely able to lift 2kg. It wasn't pretty, but I kept showing up, making mistakes, learning, and getting stronger.
Fast forward 15 years and I've built over 13kg of muscle (naturally), written the Strong Curves Cookbook (sold worldwide), won bikini fitness state and national titles, grown a 270K+ YouTube community with fun workouts and honest advice, and helped thousands of women build strength, confidence, and a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
And here's the thing: I'm just an ordinary woman. Not genetically gifted. Not naturally athletic. If I can do this, you can too.
My Coaching Philosophy
I'm known for no‑BS, down‑to‑earth fitness advice that cuts through the overwhelming noise. I keep things simple - stripping away the flashy fads and confusing jargon so you feel confident and in control.
Simple, realistic workouts for busy women
- • Simple, realistic workouts for busy, time-poor women (especially 35+ and mums)
- • Balance over burnout - no hours of cardio, no living on boring salads
- • Fun & flexibility - enjoy the process or you won't stick with it
- • Real nutrition - whole foods you can cook for the whole family
- • Body confidence at every stage - you don't need to "shrink" to be worthy
I get it - your priorities change as you enter your late 30s, 40s, and beyond. What worked in your 20s doesn't cut it anymore. Your hormones shift, joints ache, and stubborn fat seems harder to budge. That's why Strong Curves focuses on smart strength training, mobility, and nourishment - so you can feel stronger, move better, age well… and still look amazing.
What It's Like Training With Me
Think of me as your big sister in the gym - the one who sweats with you, laughs with you, and tells you straight when you need a push. You'll curse me on those last few reps, but you'll also finish every workout feeling proud, accomplished, and energised. I'm not here to intimidate you or bark orders - I'm here to encourage you, challenge you, and help you believe in yourself again.
Your biggest cheerleader and strongest supporter 💪
Why I Connect With My Community
I live the same reality you do - running a business, managing a household, looking after my two fluffy fur babies (Modi & Magni), trying to stay healthy, and juggling life's chaos. I know how it feels to start late. To think you're "too old" or have "bad genetics." To wonder if your energy and confidence will ever come back.
Building a supportive community of strong women
I'm here to remind you: it's never too late. You just need the right plan, the right guidance, and a little belief.
Strong Curves is about building both a strong body and strong self-belief - embracing your curves, your strength, and your womanhood at every stage of life.