Meet Laura DalSanto Wu | Trainer, Nutritionist & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura DalSanto Wu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura DalSanto, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe if you don’t take a chance or go after a dream, then life will feel unfulfilled. One of my favorite quotes: ” A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for” I have taken many risks and leaps of faith throughout my lifetime. Some leading to the best things that could have possibly happened and then of course some not ending as planned, but that is what life is about. Almost 16 years ago, I moved to Naples,Florida from Maryland. I was competing in fitness at the time and did a lot of traveling to Florida for shows and fitness modeling opportunities. During one of my adventures, I said I am moving to Florida. I love the constant beautiful weather, the green palm trees and the beach and it made me feel happy everyday even if I was having a bad day. So, I came to visit a client living in Naples, fell in love and bought a condo a few months later. I was 26 at the time with a thriving personal training business in Annapolis Md, a family who I am super close to, but thought…If I don’t try this now I never will. I knew I could always go back home. Now, 16 years later I am still here in Naples with a thriving personal training and Nutrition business, happily and recently married to an amazing man and have 2 amazing 2 kids. I recently took a risk and developed my own product line & App to help women literally workout anywhere anytime. (Came in handy this year). Just launched my first edition of a cookbook and guide called Simply Divalicious about cravings, confidence and cooking. Now, it hasn’t always been butterflies and diamonds. Trust me I went through MANY MANY times that made me start to question and give up. Many bathroom crying pitty parties. Ha! However, I didn’t, I never will and I will continue to take risk and follow my dreams and goals. I tell myself often and to my clients: There’s no such thing as being completely ready. Your never going to feel like you have everything figured out and that’s ok! Just believe in yourself, take the leap and know you are already winner for trying.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been working in the health and fitness industry for almost 20 years. Worked in post rehabilitation, pain management directed many facilities, but my heart and soul is watching someone make a health and wellness and fitness change forever. I started Bella Diva Fitness (my company) about 7 years ago. After teaching MANY classes and training many bodies, I knew I wanted to only work with women of all ages. During the first year, I became very sick. In terms of constant stress to my body for years prior both physically and mentally. I used to compete in fitness and what looked fabulous on the outside, I was really killing my insides. I never gave my body rest or slowed done ever. Determination and tenacity are power house traits, but at that time I didn’t use them correctly. After almost having a heart attack at 35, my energy shifted. It had to. It was a result in serious hormone disfunction that killed off my adrenaline glands. An auto immune disease called Addisdons. I will never produce cortisol again. My flight or fight is gone. I take medication forever to replicate that flight or fight. If I stress too much then my body can go into shock. It has been a tough battle but it is finally controlled. Because of this, I wanted to only work with women and go further than fitness. It is EVERYTHING. Food is medicine. Stress can kill us. Bella Diva Fitness delivers that…the whole package. In fact most of my clients meet and support each other too. As I mentioned I just released a cookbook and guide called Simply Divalicios. All about cravings, confidence, cooking and cocktails of course! I teach my clients, this is a journey. No diets, nothing extreme and mindset is the most important KEY. I teach recipe makeover cooking classes and I have a product and app to help anyone workout ANYWHERE! and the workouts will never be the same twice. EVER Bella Diva Fit is the App Bella Diva Fit Decks Bella Diva Fitness: Empowering, Educating and Exercising women of all ages, shapes and sizes. Confidence is like a muscle and needs to be constantly worked!

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.
Oh Gosh! This is a good one. Ha Well, my best friend is my sister and even though she has been here many, many times, I still get excited to plan her stay. Of course we power walk and get some chill time on the beach most days. I live 5 minutes walking distance to Seagate beach here in Naples. Every morning we start with a workout. Yes..even on vacation she sweats with me! Anywhere from my own workouts, the beach or with my trainer. Favorite lunch place we do every visit is called Gumbo Limbo at the Ritz on the beach. It is heaven. Most nights I cook or my husband does, because she loves our cooking as much as going out! Favorite dinner spots: Casual: Tacos and Tequila. Dress: Downtown 5th Bar Tulia, a cool NY vibe with small plates and craft cocktails. Shopping, paddle boarding, sunsets….

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Sister who has believed in me and has been one of my biggest cheerleader through my whole journey. My Husband who has and will always support anything I want to accomplish. All of my clients/divas. I always tell them, they are my WHY and they continue to always have my back too #sisterhood

Website: belladivafitness.com
Instagram: belladivafitness
Linkedin: Laura DalSanto
Facebook: business page Bella Diva Fitness & personal page: Laura DalSanto Wu
Youtube: Bella Diva Fitness

Image Credits
Emma Goll Matt Roy