My Story
My passion for fitness stems from witnessing my mother's battle with depression in my childhood, sparking a desire to pursue happiness and mental well-being. As a teenager, I discovered the transformative power of exercise to release endorphins and boost my mood during challenging times. This realization became a pivotal moment in my life, leading me to guide my peers toward an active lifestyle for navigating high school in a positive and healthy manner. Unbeknownst to me, this experience would ultimately shape my future career in health and fitness.
During the darkest moments of my first marriage, which involved significant abuse, fitness became my saving grace. It empowered me to break free from the torment, not just for myself but for my children too. Staying active provided solace as I healed from the emotional scars of that relationship. The strength I gained from fitness allowed me to emerge stronger and more resilient. This experience led me to share the transformative power of fitness with my clients, aiming to ignite a similar spark in them.
As I continue on this journey, I am committed to using fitness as a tool for not only physical well-being but also as a conduit for emotional and mental strength. It has been my rock, my guide, and my sanctuary—a force that has shaped me and now enables me to guide others toward their own paths of healing and growth.
My Achievements
As an avid fitness and bikini competitor for several years, I am incredibly proud of my accomplishments in the industry. I've placed in the Top 5 at Fitness America/Fitness Universe multiple times across various categories including Fitness, Bikini, and Figure. Moreover, I've been honored to clinch nine Ms. Fitness titles, underscoring my dedication and passion for fitness. At this point, I have more trophies and ribbons than my age!
Beyond competitive endeavors, I love challenging myself in various fitness pursuits. Alongside weightlifting, I've embraced running and obstacle course racing. In a remarkable feat, I accomplished the Spartan Trifecta within just three months, securing a first-place finish in my age group on five separate occasions. Leveraging my personal experiences and professional qualifications, I also serve as a running coach, supporting clients as they prepare for their own races.
For over 10 years, I have owned and operated The Sisterhood of S.W.E.A.T: a gym focused on women. However, it isn’t your ordinary gym, fitness center, or weight loss community. It’s a group of the most genuine, supportive women I have ever met. We come together to help each other work past what’s holding us back, whether it’s simply numbers on the scale or something much deeper. We talk and laugh and help each other through the really tough stuff in life, whether it’s a setback or negative beliefs that we’ve been holding on to for decades. The women in this community become a rock for each other, and they really lift each other up.
My journey in the fitness industry has been filled with triumphs and challenges, and I'm eager to continue sharing my expertise and passion for fitness to inspire and empower others on their own wellness journeys.
My Dreams
Sometimes you have to dig deep if you want to meet the goals that are in your heart. You have to push further than you’ve ever pushed yourself before, and you have to absolutely believe that you are capable of greatness. When I have achieved truly amazing goals in my life and when I’ve seen my clients achieve them, two things have made the difference: a positive mindset and the right tools to get to that goal. When you have the right mindset and tools to tackle your goals, you can burst through any obstacle and be a champion.
I'm a firm believer that age is merely a number, and I hope to inspire others by showcasing my remarkable success as a fitness and bikini competitor in my 60s. By pushing the boundaries of what's possible as we age, I strive to demonstrate that with determination and hard work, anyone can achieve their aspirations.
I knew since a teenager I was put on this earth to inspire others. I continue to strive towards this goal through my gym and fitness endeavors, but my future hopes are to expand my reach even further with my podcasts, books, and public speaking ventures. Listen to Linda is my conduit for these dreams - I want to reach millions by helping build their confidence and self esteem through health both mental and physical.
