You don’t need to meet Kimmy Lynn, a 52-year-old personal trainer, life coach, and fitness model, in person to understand what drives her in life. All you need to know is her astrological element sign, and you’ll quickly get a feeling for who she is.
“My element is air, and air equals movement,” explains the Chicago-based fitness professional. “Movement involves communication, being observant, and mental agility.” As a Gemini, she personifies this perfectly, both with her family and with her clients—and because she’s moving, it means she’s not easily pinned down, as exemplified in this exclusive interview.
An International Phenom
Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Vandalia, Illinois, Kimmy admits she has always been an active person, dabbling in tennis, basketball, cheerleading, and track as she grew up. This love of getting sweaty followed her into adulthood, when she decided to enter the fitness industry professionally and in her personal time. Not only is she a trainer at a Chicago gym, but she is also a Bikini competitor, and when she’s not leading others through a tough workout, she’s signing up for 5Ks and other sports, just to keep her hand in the game.
“I first got into fitness about 30 years ago as a way to reset myself,” she explains. “It took a while to look at it as a lifestyle, not a routine. Now it’s my passion!”
Since then, her career has been filled with highlights, from her Muscle & Fitness Hers cover to her Playboy Denmark cover, both in 2024. Kimmy also passed an amazing milestone when she walked in Miami Swim Week for the first time last year—at the age of 51. It’s safe to say that Kimmy hasn’t just proven that you can accomplish your fitness goals at any age, but that you can completely blow them out of the water.
A Brand Based on Expertise
To augment her personal training services, Kimmy recently took a big step and gained her life coach certification, adding an important level of emotional support to the programs she makes for her clients.
“I entered the field during COVID,” she says. “What I find most fulfilling is when I see someone step into a version of themselves they didn’t believe they could become. I get to help them build a mindset that can help them sustain it. There’s nothing more exciting than when someone realizes they’re so much more than what they thought they were.”
Now, Kimmy is reaching even more women through her website, lifestagefitness.net, where she helps women facing menopause, preparing for the birth of a child, and more. And the best part about having a diverse knowledge base is that it helps her speak to a multitude of concerns. On her ideal client, she says, “I naturally gravitate toward women who are ready for a real transformation—not just physically, but mentally. I look for commitment no matter the level.”
“There’s nothing more exciting than when someone realizes they’re so much more than what they thought they were.”
“I focus on strength training, physique development, plus confidence-based coaching,” she continues. “My approach is equal parts science, structure, and soul—building bodies, building confidence, and even building lifestyles.”
When she’s in the gym on her own time, Kimmy gravitates toward working her legs and glutes, both for the amazing challenge it provides and the awe-inspiring results it helps bring forward. “Leg day pushes me to my limits,” she admits. “I’m loving my curves now more than ever!”
Family Matters
Behind the scenes, Kimmy has a roster of people encouraging her to keep striving for greatness, and watching her every move intently. It’s a cheer squad many would be familiar with, as it’s made up with those closest to her in the world: her kids.
“They’re the heartbeat behind everything I do,” she admits. “They ask me about my daily routines, help me meal prep, and send me really cute messages when I am on a shoot or traveling. They think I am pretty cool for a mom,” she adds with pride.
And they’re absolutely right. Her hands-on approach is a pivotal facet of how she defines her parenting method.
“I lead by example. I want my kids to see that taking care of your health isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency and balance, plus self-respect. They watch me work out, prepare food, sleep at least eight hours, and manage my stress in healthy ways. I want to show my kids that you can have discipline while still enjoying your life.”
Though it’s clear she has many looking to her for guidance, from her children to her clients, Kimmy is someone who knows that having a role model herself is paramount to her success. And funny enough, there’s quite the overlap between the two groups.
“My biggest inspiration has and will always be all the amazing and strong women I am surrounded by on a daily basis,” she shares. “They are my clients, my friends, and family. I’m motivated by women who prove that age, circumstances, or expectations don’t define your limits.”
Time Will Tell
Unsurprisingly, Kimmy has big plans for 2026. Be on the lookout for her in FHM’s February issue, which she considers another big milestone in her career. In addition, she’ll be returning to the runway for this year’s Miami Swim Show, which she sees as a fantastic way to push more boundaries and break through her own sticking points. But she also notes that it will be a lot more of the same—in the best way possible. She’s looking forward to relaxing with her kids, friends, and the “new man” in her life, likely while enjoying some delicious meals—with the approval of her coach, she notes with a laugh. And it’s not just those who are close to her who will be the benefactors of her time: she and her children volunteer to feed those in need twice a month, and she also gives her time to a domestic violence shelter as well as an organization that helps sex workers coming out of incarceration.
“I strongly believe in supporting any woman on their journey,” Kimmy shares. “Geminis see multiple truths and embody multiple identities—the personal, the professional, the visionary, plus the playful. I have high-vibration energy, a magnetic vibe.” With every life she impacts and every photoshoot she undertakes, it becomes more and more clear that she speaks the truth.
Written by Rachel Debling, Editor-In-Chief
Photos by Sarah Lyons Glabman
