What is your athletic background?
I was not very involved in athletics as it was when I was growing up but, after the birth of my 2nd child in 1981, I began taking a Jazzercise class at our local racquet and tennis club in Ohio. Since then I have been heavily involved in the fitness industry through teaching group exercise and various other types of fitness.

What is your typical weekly fitness routine?
At age 48, happily married for 28 years, mother of 2 grown children and grandmother of 3, my life is very full. I also personal train five or six days per week so my own training schedule has to fit into my life. I prefer to strength train each body part heavy one time per week with 3 days of rest. I also teach step classes and will do the elliptical trainer or treadmill 3-4 times per week. Stretching is also added to the end of each workout session.

What motivated you to be consistent with your exercise routine?
First of all fitness has always been a hobby that I love and for me to say that just one thing motivates me, would be difficult. However, I am competitive with myself and am trying to either improve my teaching skills or my training skills. I go to fitness workshops, read fitness magazines, watch videos, and, yes, even hire a personal trainer to keep me pushing to the next level.

What is your typical diet?
During the week I maintain a fairly decent diet filled with lean protein and moderate amounts of starchy and fibrous carbohydrates. I try not to let more than 3.5 – 4 hours go by without eating a small meal. I also use meal replacement drinks when a meal is not possible. I drink about 80 to 100 ounces of water daily. On the weekends I let go and have whatever everyone else wants to eat, just in moderation.

I have been in training for the “Metrolina Fitness and Figure” show which was held in April 2006. My nutrition and weight training program was done by Roger Morrison, part owner of World’s Gym in Concord, N.C.

Why did you decide to make fitness your profession?
As Oprah says, “Opportunity met up with passion.” The rest has been by God’s leading and He has blessed me with having a career I love, and getting paid has been a bonus. I am very thankful!

Where do you work and why?
I am employed by Bodywise Personal Training and Fitness Center. I came to Bodywise to work with Ed Ghaleb about four years ago after the facility where I had been building my personal training business closed. I needed to find a place where my clients could transition without feeling like a number. Bodywise offered such a place and the rest has been history.

What sets Bodywise apart?
Wow, this is an easy question for me. I love the family like feeling I have there. We are fortunate enough to have an aerobic studio, which I love. Bodywise offers spinning and step and weight training and Pilate’s classes. We have all the things that the larger facilities have without the masses of people. I love the fact that Ed has personal trainers with all different training specialties. It’s the little extra’s that make us even more special. Ed offers VO2 and RMR testing, and a nutritional program called “The Answer” which helps our clients understand and find success with their eating habits. Bodywise also offers in house massage. We even have a resident dog named Harley. Everyone loves him and Bodywise wouldn’t be the same without him.

For more information about Linda or Bodywise, call 704-541-3500 or visit Bodywise at 7257 Pineville-Matthews Rd.

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