Women Fitness International Magazine March 2025

“Strong women don’t wait for opportunities—they create them. They lift, they rise, and they inspire generations to do the same” March is a celebration of strength, resilience, and the limitless potential of women. As we honor International Women’s Day this month, the spotlight is on two extraordinary women who embody empowerment in the world of fitness—Shelly Mattes and Linda Mitchell. Linda Mitchell, our cover star, is a true force in the industry, inspiring women to embrace strength, confidence, and longevity in their fitness journeys. Her dedication to empowering others proves that age is just a number and wellness is a lifelong pursuit. Alongside her, Shelly Mattes has transformed lives with her passion and commitment, proving that fitness is more than just a routine—it’s a way of life. Through their work,…

Linda Mitchell is a leading women’s health expert, Ms Bikini America Masters Champion, Fitness Universe Champion, Fitness America Champion, Fitness and Bikini Pro in her 60’s, best-selling author, Fitness Boutique Owner, and creator of The Sisterhood of Sweat brand. After surviving domestic violence, Linda has made it her mission to empower other women by helping them take responsibility for their health so that they can be in the best shape physically and emotionally. A graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Health Coach, Root Cause Protocol Consultant, and Drugless Health Practitioner, Linda has worked with and interviewed hundreds of thought leaders such as Adam Glassman, Howie Mandel, Robin Thicke, Alicia Witt, Jill Wagner, Clarke Peters, Carlos PenaVega, Jackee Harry, Ju Ju Chang, Melissa Peterman, Sean Kanan, Susie Abromeit, Chris Myers,…

Shelly Mattes is a 55-year-old medical entrepreneur, cancer survivor, fitness bikini champion, and international cover model who embodies strength, perseverance, and the power of giving back. Married for 32 years to her husband, John, Shelly is a proud mother of two daughters, Kennedy and Margo. Kennedy, a Princeton University graduate, will soon begin her studies at Harvard Law, while Margo, currently a sophomore at Princeton, follows in her footsteps. A graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science, Shelly started her career in pharmaceutical sales before founding her own modeling agency, Models by Trade. Today, she and her husband are the owners of Outpatient Radiology Imaging Centers, which specializes in MRIs, CT scans, and PET scans for cancer patients. Shelly is also a passionate advocate for children in…

If your goal is hypertrophy or increasing muscle size, try to focus on slow rep workout to build muscle. When you do a slow rep workout, muscles experience a greater time under tension than they would if you were doing fast reps. Time under tension refers to the amount of time a muscle is under strain. This can lead to a greater increase in muscle size than faster reps which spend less time under tension. Taking a slower approach to strength training while using lighter weights is also a safer approach for beginners. Slowing the tempo down allows you to focus on form and make sure you’re doing the move correctly. Benefits of Growth Hormone Slow lifting can create a big surge in GH (Growth Hormone) levels. ° Stimulates collagen…

Deskercise, or desk exercises, are simple movements office workers can perform at their desks to improve circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These exercises counteract the effects of prolonged sitting, which is a key contributor to poor blood flow and clot formation. 1 Foot and Leg Movements Heel and Toe Raises: ° Sit upright and place your feet flat on the floor. ° Raise your heels while keeping your toes on the ground, then lower and lift your toes while keeping your heels on the ground. ° Repeat 10–15 times per set. Ankle Circles: ° Lift one foot off the floor and rotate your ankle in circular motions. ° Do 10 circles in each direction for both feet. Leg Extensions: ° Straighten one leg and hold…

A well-balanced diet is vital to improve one’s energy levels and mood, supporting overall health and sexual wellness. FOODS TO CONSUME Foods such as nuts, legumes, seafood, whole grains, leafy vegetables, and fruits are good for the heart. They promote optimal blood circulation and good circulatory system function, which in turn, promotes increased sexual response in both men and women and overall sexual health. According to Shena, registered dietitian, nutritionist at www.peaceandnutrition.com “A bonus, these foods are also typically filled with water ensure adequate hydration. Specific fruits and veggies to put you in the mood can include: Strawberries, artichoke, asparagus and watermelon.” It’s important to remember that staying adequately hydrated (at least 64 ounces per day) will play a huge role in sexual performance. Looking after your cardiovascular health by…