Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Linda Strode. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Linda , appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

I currently have 38 years experience in health care as an occupational therapist. During that time I became a certified hand therapist and specialized in upper extremity orthopedic rehabilitation working in an outpatient practice. For years I treated injury including post surgical hand to shoulder. But as insurance and healthcare became increasing restricted, I felt frustrated in what I could provide or offer the patient.

At this time, I began to notice some injury and decline in myself as I aged. I decided to start with a personal trainer to focus on staying healthy and improve strength. That is what landed me at the Livefit gym. They specialize in one on one training in a small studio setting. A few years went by with me training consistently 1 time per week. I noticed slow and steady improvement. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the freedom to focus on the whole person.

One day I was approached by the owner asking me if I would consider coming on staff as a trainer. He saw a unique need for someone with my medical background in orthopedic injury to help clients return to general strengthening post injury and surgery after they completed their formal rehabilitation. I politely listened to his pitch and laughed quietly to myself. I could not even imagine that I would be a good fit in the personal training realm. I said that I would consider it, but thinking all along that no way I would be pursuing a personal training career.

In less than a day, I began to realize what a unique opportunity this would be. I could expand my knowledge and focus on helping clients with their health journey. Within a month I was making the transition to training. I continue to help in outpatient clinics for vacation type coverage, but over the last 5 years, I have transitioned a big part of my career to personal training. I have built a client base that keeps me comfortably busy. It affords me flexibility in my life and helps me maintain a better work life balance. I have also received my certification in personal training through NASM and plan to work toward a nutrition certification in the next year. I am continuing to learn and grow even at a time when it appeared that I was at the end of my career. Honestly, I am just having fun and, of course, I am helping others maintain a healthy lifestyle.

It wasn’t always easy and with any thing new there is a learning curve. But the rewards have been amazing. I encourage others to try new things and open their minds to new opportunities that may come their way no matter how crazy it may seem at the time, Follow your heart, expand your horizons, and never stop learning.

Linda , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My background is in healthcare with a Bachelors of Health in Occupational Therapy. I have practiced as an OT for 38 years with a specialty in upper extremity orthopedic care. Over the last 5 years, I had a unique opportunity to branch out in the personal training realm. I am certified in personal training through NASM. I currently provide one on one personal training to clients of all ages and lifestyles. With my background in orthopedic injury and my knowledge in healthcare and disease, I am in a unique position to assist people to transition from injury and illness to health and wellness.

My training style is an integrative approach including free weights, pulley weights, plyometrics, and stability. Training sessions usually begin with the focus on muscle imbalance and endurance with progression to strengthening. All sessions are client centered and focused on client goals and function.
I offer training in home, virtual, and have also partnered with Livefit to offer training in a small studio atmosphere.

I plan to work toward certification in nutrition in the next year so I can expand my services as nutrition is a big part to staying healthy and fit.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I feel to truly succeed in the health and wellness realm, it really comes down to caring for others and wanting to make a difference in their lives. You also need to maintain an open mind and remain adaptable. This leads to continued discovery in new concepts which only makes you better at your craft. Never think you know it all. Continue to grow and learn.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Truly you are not going to be liked by everybody and you may not be the right fit for someone. I think we mostly want to be people pleasers and that is why we are drawn to the health and wellness realm. Learning not to take criticism too personally is a good skill to hone. Weigh the criticism, it might be helpful in your journey of self improvement. Let it go if it doesn’t serve you. I learned this the hard way. a client once said that they didn’t like my training style. That comment hit me hard. I was so upset and didn’t really know how to respond. I probably didn’t handle it as well as I should. Later when I had calmed myself, I realized that we sometimes are not the right fit for everyone and that it didn’t make me a bad trainer. It just made me not the right trainer for her. I utilized the opportunity to assess her needs and recommend other trainers and options that would fit her needs better. Ultimately, I want to help others to achieve their health and wellness goals. So getting them on the right path, which may not always include me, is the ultimate goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: Livefitkc.com
• Linkedin: Linda Strode Personal Trainer at Live fit KC