Linda Myers

Hello, my name is Linda and I would be honoured to join the Fitbodies Inc. team.  I reside in Ottawa, Canada.  I have recently retired as a Human Resources Director with the private industry and had a great career.  For the past 13+ years, I have been a part-time yoga and fitness instructor and currently continue this.

I am excited to share a little about my background and my instructor experience.  I am outgoing and passionate about life!  I feel very fortunate and grateful to be able to lead both yoga and fitness classes.  My lifestyle is active, when not in the gym, I am cycling, swimming, hiking, out on my stand-up paddle board, or cross-country skiing.  I am also a triathlete.  I have travelled to many countries and love learning and sharing new experiences, cultures, and cuisines.  I am very adaptable and approachable.

I have had the privilege of being part of four Habitat for Humanity global builds.  I have joined teams to help build homes for those in need of housing in El Salvador, Honduras, the Philippines, and in Ontario.  These volunteer experiences have been so fulfilling and life changing.  I have met so many wonderful people from around the globe and various walks of life. 

YOGA:  I am a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher. I have led various yoga practices: Hatha, Power, Sweat & Surrender, and Yin since 2012.  I completed Level 1 and Level 2 of the YogaFit program in 2012 and 2014.    I have taught in various locations; hot yoga studios, fitness centres, forests, the beach, piers, boardrooms, and conferences.  I have hundreds of hours of leading yoga classes.  I have taught large groups, small groups, and virtual groups.  My yoga programs encompass the mind and body and are varied.   I provide new programs each week.

I also volunteer locally with a group called the 24-hour Yogapalooza.  This group holds numerous mini events and a large annual event as a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario oncology ward.  We believe that Kids Can’t Fight Cancer Alone.  I am part of the organizing committee as well as a yoga instructor.  This will be my 6th year.

GROUP FITNESS:  I have been a Group Fitness Instructor since August 2010, I am certified as a Fitness Instructor Specialist with CanFitPro.  I strive for continued knowledge and therefore ensure that I meet the annual requirements of continuing education credits.  I attend an annual Eastern Ontario conference entitled Activate Academy and register for many other workshops.  I recently completed a workshop by Max Strom:  Healing through the Breath as well as a Yin and Aromatherapy workshop.   I teach a variety of group fitness programs such as Body Sculpt, Step Aerobics, 20/20/20, Core Challenge, Power Barbells, Rock Bottom, Boot Camp, Tabata, and High Intensity Interval Training programs.  I currently am employed at a state-of-the-art health and fitness centre, Movati Athletic and have been named Instructor of the Month on a few occasions.   

I love creating and delivering programs that are upbeat, engaging, lively, interactive and have the participants happy, smiling, and feeling overall great when they leave my classes; not to mention fitter and healthier.  Most of my classes have waitlists.  My musicality and music selection receive many compliments; they know when I am in the gym teaching.

I run two virtual fitness classes each week. One class is a strength and weight training class for women.  The other class is yoga; practices vary from hatha style, yin, and flow.  This started as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.  I was able to connect with the group that I instructed at the YMCA which was forced to close due to COVID-19.  We have been together since and still going strong!

I am also a certified Stand-up Paddle Board Instructor trained by PaddleFit Canada.  I have also completed their SUP & Yoga course.  I have delivered a few programs over the years and always ensure safety first!

I completed my Aquafit Certification in February 2020.  Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and facility shutdowns, I only taught one class. 

I have also led yoga practices for private events such as the Ottawa Art Gallery’s “Art & Yoga” series, Puppy Yoga, Full Moon Roof Top Yoga, Camp Fortune Sweet Event for Women, The Northern Ontario Support Worker’s Conference – Taking Care of the Worker First. 

I am pleased to provide you with a few testimonies from participants that attend my classes.  I am proud and humbled by their words which motivate me to continue to create and deliver programs that keep them coming back for more:

Louise:  Linda is a 'master' instructor in both fitness and yoga classes. Her physical skills and endurance are impressive, all the while motivating her 'students' to reach their personal best in their health and fitness journey.  She is a positive, kind and generous human being, and second to none as a fitness instructor in my book…and can’t forget funny! 

Carol:  Linda's classes are great for all levels, since she gives options for those who want to do more and those who need to take it a bit easier. She always puts safety first and ensures the participants are using proper form. She knows how to motivate people and add fun to her sessions. She also gives us little health tips that benefit us outside her classes. She's a real treasure! - Carol Whiticar

Shelley:  I have been a student of Linda’s for about five years (strength, yoga, HIIT and tabata).  In my lifetime, I have never been as committed to making all my classes and focusing on my fitness as I have been in the time I have been training with Linda. And that is 100% because of what an exceptional trainer Linda is.  She is so positive and encouraging, knowledgable (but explains at just the right level) and funny.  Classes fly by!  There is nothing like working hard and getting strong (and sweaty!) with a great big grin on your face. She is an extraordinary trainer and an all-round wonderful person. I feel so lucky to have found her; she’s had a huge positive impact on me and my health!

Katherine: I am reflecting on my fitness journey over the past five years and what comes to mind is that it is “you” who has inspired me to keep pursuing my fitness goals. Since the first class you have inspired me to stick with it. I often moved from one activity to another without passion, without total understanding the impact of not doing exercises properly and having to stop because of injury.  I have never been as committed to my own health and fitness since joining your fitness classes. I stay committed because you make it fun and most importantly you care. I appreciate that you “switch”, you ask for feedback but most importantly you care.  Thank you for the amazing impact you have had on my fitness journey. I am stronger mentally and physically.