Karla Walsh Title: Contributor Education: Iowa State University, B.S. Magazine Journalism and Kinesiology Expertise: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Personal Trainer Certification, TRX Training Group Suspension Training Instructor, Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Group Fitness Instructor Certification Karla Walsh (she/her) is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance writer, editor, writing coach, and former fitness instructor. She holds a double major in magazine journalism and kinesiology from Iowa State University. Karla received her personal trainer certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and group fitness instructor certification through the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She also passed her level one sommelier exam with the Court of Master Sommeliers. She's covered health, food, fitness, psychology, beauty, and beyond for more than 12 years. In addition to Shape, her writing has been published in AllRecipes, Runner's World, Shape and Fitness Magazines, as well as on EatingWell.com, BHG.com, ReadersDigest.com, TheHealthy.com, Prevention.com, WomensHealthMag.com, and more. In 2021, her work was given an honorable mention in Folio's Eddie and Ozzie Awards in the Single Article—Consumer, Health/Fitness category. About Shape Shape is an award-winning digital fitness, wellness, and beauty destination that offers inclusive, trusted, and empowering expert-led guidance and advice for anyone at any point in their wellness journey. Our library of more than 11,000 stories reaches more than 7 million readers monthly who want to prioritize their health, have fun, and lead an active lifestyle while also cutting through the noise of quick fixes and unvetted fads.