Meet Holly D’Arcy | Fitness and Healthy Lifestyle Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Holly D’Arcy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Holly, what do you want your legacy to be?
I hope that people always remember the way I made them feel. So many variables can try to bring us down, so I try to be someone who lifts others up with my words. I hope my interactions with them can be a source of strength when they struggle. I also hope people see that I strive to practice what I preach.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

My business story begins long before it was established. Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s meant I was immersed in a culture obsessed with dieting, during an era where the supermodel look reigned supreme. I also wasn’t naturally athletic, and it was obvious from a young age that I was “the chubby girl” in my friend groups. I didn’t fit the mold that society said I should, and it felt like my worth was determined by my body size. How wrong I was.

For a long time I struggled with my body image, self-esteem, and a toxic relationship with food. A tumultuous childhood didn’t help. Thankfully, I could immerse myself in schoolwork or escape by reading books for hours on end. My love of learning led me to completing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, and becoming an elementary school teacher — a path I once thought I would follow for the rest of my life. However, the universe had other plans.

Eventually I found myself curious about nutrition and fitness. When I become interested in something, watch out, because I’m probably going to want to become an expert on it! After years of struggling with a poor self-worth and limited knowledge about nutrition, I began to take control little by little. The results of my efforts in the kitchen and the gym were not only visible but also empowering. Lifting weights and growing stronger was fun and life-changing. During a particularly difficult period in my late teens and early 20s, fitness was lifting me out of that dark place.

As a kid I couldn’t run a mile without stopping or do pushups and pull-ups like the other kids. I figured these feats were impossible for me, but instead I was able to achieve these goals as an adult! In fact, my journey has led me to compete in multiple recreational sports, deadlift over 350lbs, and place 1st in my first bodybuilding show.

In 2013, shortly after giving birth to my first daughter, I began coaching others. By 2015, I had founded HD Fitness LLC, encouraged by a mentor whose gym I managed at the time. As a military spouse who has moved ten times in 12 years, I am incredibly proud of what I’ve built. It has offered the flexibility and resources needed to support my family in many ways.

Despite primarily offering my services virtually from a distance, I care deeply my clients — some of whom I’ve worked with over six years now. The achievements in their own lives inspire me to be the best coach I can be, and I cherish the trust they place in me. Witnessing the positive changes in their actions and mindset is profoundly rewarding. I don’t believe in quick fixes or extreme measures. I meet people where they are in this season, helping them achieve notiabke results NOW, and equip them with tools for LIFE.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live along the Emerald Coast/Panhandle area of Florida. We’d go for a sunrise walk along Princess Beach near Destin and then grab a double espresso at Maas Coffee. For eats, we’d go have sushi at Sushi Moto in Miramar Beach or Bitterroot in Destin. We’d take a cruise along 30a and daydream about all the fancy houses, and then watch the sunset at Crystal Beach. It’d be fun to squeeze in a float spa session at Float Brothers in Destin. We’d also try to sneak in an authentic English afternoon tea in Pensacola at the Olde English Creamery, a gym session at my favorite “old school” gym in downtown Fort Walton Beach, and hopefully some live Music at the Destin Harborwalk or Jake and Henry’s. Knowing me, we’d go to bed early. I’m a morning person!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thank you to my two daughters who endlessly inspire me, and encourage me to always do my best. Thank you also to my husband Chase. He is a truly great man, and believes in me no matter what kind of crazy idea I throw his way!

Website: www.hdfitnesscoach.com

Instagram: @hollywaydarcy

Linkedin: Holly Way D’Arcy

Twitter: @hollywaydarcy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hollywaydarcy

Youtube: @hollywaydarcy

Other: threads, pinterest: @hollywaydarcy

Image Credits
Adri Guyer