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
I am a leading health and fitness expert, best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and the visionary behind The Sisterhood of SWEAT brand. With over 40 years of experience, I have built a reputation for helping women break through barriers and discover their true potential. I’m passionate about proving that age is not a limitation, but an opportunity to unlock limitless strength, purpose, and vitality.
As a Fitness Universe Champion, Fitness America Champion, and Ms. Bikini America Champion, I have earned accolades that inspire others to chase their own dreams. My success includes 10 Ms. Fitness titles, 15 Top 5 finishes at Fitness America and Fitness Universe, plus five Times Square billboards and six fitness magazine covers—all accomplished after the age of 60. My goal is to inspire women everywhere to defy expectations and rewrite their stories.
I aim to be a living example of the power of resilience. After surviving domestic violence, I have turned my pain into purpose, founding The Sisterhood of SWEAT—a transformative community and fitness boutique where women come together to grow stronger in every way. It’s a place where women are not just empowered to improve their health but are encouraged to break through limiting beliefs, face their fears, and rise to their fullest potential.
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.