Ready to ReFIRE?

Written by Kathryn Lekas, Editor-in-Chief

Photography by Paul Buceta
Hair & Makeup by Monica Kalra

There’s a reason many people are stopped in their tracks when they see women over 50—heck, often even women over 40—sporting a fit physique. For far too long, society has easily dismissed the possibility of maintaining muscle and vibrancy at any age and stage in life. But the conversation has been shifting. Significantly. These days, women no longer accept a pre-determined fate ushering them behind the scenes once they’re beyond a certain age. No. Today’s women are boldly stepping into the spotlight at midlife and beyond, and for Cover Athletes and Women’s Health Experts Linda Mitchell and Shelly Mattes, a commitment to fitness, along with the support of a like-minded friend, provides the strength to do it. 

Although both women did modelling growing up—Shelly even started her own modelling agency at one point while pursuing her. full-time career in medical sales—they now prioritize strength training and nutrition for longevity. That goal is actually what keeps them camera ready and courageous to continually move through comfort zones. “Fitness is my lifestyle,” says Linda, Owner of The Sisterhood of Sweat (SOS) Women’s Fitness Boutique, and Host of the top 20 of 2024 rated Podcast, Sisterhood of Sweat. At 62, this mom-of-three college graduates, and impressive “Glamma” of two, has no plans to slow down. In fact, the only regret she has about her focus on fitness is not pursuing competitions earlier in her life. “Getting ready for my fitness shows has come fairly easily for me,” admits the Fitness America Champion and Masters Bikini Winner. “I would have liked to see what I could have done out there in my 40s!” Linda says. But she knows there’s something extra special about achieving these feats now. It feels even more powerful proving to herself, and others, that opportunities to live with passion and purpose are endless. 

Likewise for Shelly. The 55-year-old Medical Entrepreneur, CASA Court-Appointed Special Advocate for children in the foster care system, Bikini Champion, and Fitness Model agrees, timing is everything. After college, Shelly took a job in pharmaceutical sales and then started Out-Patient Imaging Centers with her husband of 32 years, John. She has found her way back to fitness modelling as a second career because the impact of being seen as strong in midlife feels so much greater than it ever did earlier on. And with two daughters in their twenties, Shelly knows setting a strong example now is imperative. By scheduling fitness into her calendar daily, Shelly maintains the kind of energy she wants to pursue projects, and joy with John and all her loved ones. 

Although Linda and Shelly are (rightfully) celebrated for the physical strength they so aptly present which is helping to shatter outdated stereotypes and inspiring countless women to take up training at any time, both women say their physiques are largely a result of the strong mindset they have cultivated through life’s challenges. 

“When you help build someone else up, you end up growing in the process as well.”

Not only has Linda persevered through debilitating physical injuries resulting from sport, such as a ripped hamstring, and a ripped groin (both of which made her want to simply surrender at the time), during her first marriage, Linda suffered from domestic violence. Through fitness, she found her way out though, and built a life she loves. “Fitness helped to make me strong in every way. It gave me confidence and empowered me to believe in myself, so I was able take my two kids and leave my situation. After God, fitness was my lifeline,” she explains. “No matter what your circumstances are, you can change your life by making the hard decision. Anything can happen once you make a decision to leave bad things,” she says. Eventually, after leaving, Linda found herself working at a women’s shelter helping others heal through exercise—and healing herself somewhat in the process, too. That experience at the ground level helped to lay the foundation for Linda’s desire to provide a soft place for women to land. Ultimately, what’s become her fitness boutique, which Linda built with her husband of 30 years, Tracy. Through Linda’s support, countless women have found their way there, growing strength from the community Linda has built. Including Shelly. 

In 2001, just as she was getting used to life as a new mom with her then one-year-old daughter in tow—and while she and John were opening their first of nine Out-Patient Imaging Centers specializing in MRIs, CT scans, and PET scans for cancer patients—Shelly discovered she had thyroid cancer. “I had to leave my daughter when I travelled to New York City for surgery and radiation in 2001, right around the time of 9-11, which was so unbelievably hard on so many levels. Being able to move my body felt like a gift I had been given. I found it helped me to feel more centered and calm so I continued to work out in whatever capacity I could manage, while I maintained a focus on faith to grow through the challenges. It was all devastating and difficult, but thankfully, I beat cancer,” she says. Wanting to be the best mom she could be, Shelly recommitted herself to health, making fitness a priority. “I did a 12-week challenge to get back on track, and then by the time I was 40 I was running and doing marathons with girlfriends. Unfortunately, surgery prevented me from pursuing that further though. As luck would have it, when I was looking for a new way to explore training, a friend introduced me to Linda, who piqued my interest with physique competitions and helped me reset with boot camp.” Together, they transformed Shelly’s physique, taking her new dreams to reality as she stepped on stage in Bikini, where she won first place, and even competed internationally, making the top 5, and making her dear friend proud. “Shelly’s perseverance and accomplishments after everything she’s been through are so inspiring,” says Linda, her cheerleader for the past decade. “Over the years, we have definitely discovered a bright layer to life through our friendship,” says Shelly. “Even though Linda’s studio is in Ohio and I’m in Boston, we manage to train together a couple of days a week through Zoom, and it feels so uplifting. The environment Linda has created at Sisterhood of Sweat is exactly that—S.W.E.A.T stands for Strong Women Empowering Achieving Together,” she explains.

Linda says her goal is to reach one million women. “I want to help other women with their self-esteem, and with their strength. To empower them by being in charge of their health because I know firsthand how crucial that is,” says Linda. “I am not only a surviver, but a thriver, and I hope to help someone that was in a similar situation as I was, or any other situation, who might need a confidence boost. All while reminding them that age is just a number. Setting goals keeps you vibrant—you are always worthy of your dreams.” 

With grown kids, both Shelly and Linda know the freedom they have to pursue workouts, self-care, and goals at this point in their lives is somewhat of a luxury in contrast to previous years, and they hope that in seeing their cover, women who are still knee-deep in family responsibilities remember that the choices they make now will be reflected in their 50s, 60s, and beyond, and their future self will thank them for making the time. “Women were taught to self sacrifice, and sometimes we have to, but you are important and you have to be a priority because you are running the ship,” says Linda. “You can’t always sacrifice to the point that you’re not on your list.”

“Focus on dreams and goals, on creating and building, and to never give up!”

“Although my daughters are adults now, I remember what it was like to keep all the plates spinning!” Shelly says. “I would make my workout at 5:45am because I didn’t want to miss any of the moments with my kids. I wanted to be available, but I also knew I couldn’t let my health go.” 

With multiple fitness covers, billboards, seminars, and competitions already checked off their goals lists, these ladies are grateful for all of the incredible opportunities that have come their way to grow and to inspire. But as 2025 kicks off, Linda and Shelly feel like they’re just getting started so they’re going to continue shaping conversations and futures by being leaders in life. “Instead of retiring, consider refiring,” says Linda who is excited to launch her Listen to Linda Podcast this month, and release her SOS Sweat Online course. “Always ask yourself, what’s your why now. Then find some friends who see possibility within you, and start seeing it in yourself, to push past the imposter syndrome and start remaking the mold for midlife!” Shelly says that as she continues to commit to weekly workouts with Linda, and with her friends locally at John Passemato’s GroupX RX All-Girls Gym in Brookline, MA, she hopes her example is encouraging women to focus on dreams and goals, on creating and building, and never giving up! Especially as she prepares for her eighth fitness show this June. “If you don't have something to look forward to, make an opportunity for yourself,” she says. “We are all getting older, but we can also all keep reaching. There is always more to explore, especially when you simply start saying ‘Yes’ to life!”

Linda Loves...

As a busy Entrepreneur, Coach, Fitness Competitor, and Podcast Host, Linda boosts her well-being by adding a few key things into her daily plan.

Find them all at www.essentialformulas.com

START 2025 STRONG

These inspiring besties agree, it’s the basics that keep them looking and feeling vibrant. Here’s what Linda and Shelly are prioritizing to have a happy new year:

Faith

Making time for prayer first thing in the morning to set the tone for the day.

Water

Staying hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day.

Nutrition

Choosing clean and healthy foods for fuel. 

Movement

Making training/working out in some way a must each day.

Sleep

Getting adequate rest to avoid premature aging.

Connection

Nurturing great relationships with thoughtful effort.

Mindset

Filling up on positive thoughts.

Gratitude

Recognizing good things in the present and in the future.