Winston Salem Golds Gym:The Official Linda Parnes Interview

By Winston Salem in : Fitness Tips // Jun 26 2009

The other day I came across a thoroughbred race horse breeder by the name of Linda Parnes. Now for many people thinking of a female horse breeder, that’d probably envision a female version of Bubba; the overtly large slob who chews tobacco and keeps a faithful piece of straw in his mouth. That’s far from the reality of Linda Parnes. Despite the fact that she spends her profession breeding thoroughbred horses, she herself seems to be a thoroughbred.
Linda is 35 and shows no signs of aging. There seems to be some sort of fountain of youth. And I think we all need the secret. It would make this world a much more beautiful place. On the subject of motivation, Linda says she keeps motivated by, “Searching for inner peace. Eating very clean, getting enough sleep, and drive.” Inner peace? I think that’s a pretty big piece of her secret fountain of youth. Many people both new and old to the fitness world don’t realize how important inner peace is and how essential it is to develop. Many people approach working out just for its physical benefits. I’d venture to guess that the lack of inner peace and its search is what stops a lot of people from working out and achieving their goals. You have to have the complete package when getting involved in a workout plan; because working out is more than just about “a look,” it’s about a lifestyle.
Linda ranks in the top 100 most influential people on bodyspace.com and consistently lends her help to those on the message boards. I’d like to thank Linda for the inspiration she’s given me and the other 150,000 bodyspace.com members. Let’s get this interview going:
Q 1: At what age did you begin a serious workout/healthy eating lifestyle?
A 1: I started riding race horses at 11 years old and I wanted to go pro, so I started to consider eating lean and healthy then. I was in a head on car accident at 21 and had to consider a different career and thats when I changed my goals from only lean eating as a jockey to adding muscle for fitness and figure contests.
Q 2: Do you feel there is a correlation between slowing down the aging process and working out and eating healthy?
A 2: Definitely!!! I have worked outside all of my life. I watched my sun exposure and drank lots of water and coupled with healthy eating. I have to show ID to buy lotto tickets still.
Q 3: Many men and women take diet pills, fat burners, and energy drinks. How do you feel about their effectiveness and end results?
A 3: Well, I didn’t take any for my first contest. I only had 7 weeks to diet down when I was asked to be in the competition, so there really wasnt anytime to explore options. I also knew that I haven’t had a good feeling from them. The caffiene loaded diet pills make me too jittery. But, I wanted to try Lipo 6 for the next competition.
Q 4: In today’s society of 12 hour work days, what advice can you give to people who say they “have no time to workout.”
A 4: That one gets me! Because I own a 140 acre thoroughbred farm and I MAKE TIME! I also have an adopted 2 year old Japanese son. I just leave at lunch, train and come back to work. You have to find what works for you and be consistent. Its not selfish to pursue good health.
Q 5: What has been your biggest benefit from living a healthy lifestyle?
A 5: I am able to compete and I love to compete! But I also feel better at work and I live a very active lifestyle raising thoroughbreds. I use weightlifting as a stress release and take my attitude in the gym with me.
Q 6: For those who are overtly obese, how can you encourage them to begin and maintain a healthy lifestyle?
A 6: Eating is 70% for me! Then a consistent, regular work out schedule that you adhere to. Both diet and exercise have to be consistent. I would also take pictures. There is nothing more powerful than a photograph of yourself for motivation, to keep you on track and to document how far you have come.
Q 7: Many women say after 30, “gravity kicks in” and they can’t seem to lose weight because they think they’re too old. What would you say to middle-aged women about beginning a new workout/dieting plan?
A 7: You really have to want change! I was in a car accident, like I mentioned previously and I was on crutches for 2 years and had 18 surgeries. Having to live inactive killed me. I left the hospital weighing 85 pounds. But, I wanted change and I swam everyday until I could walk again. I think I look better now then ever.
Q 8: What is your favorite bodypart of your body?
A 8: I would definately say my legs. They are easy to train and respond well to very little. I believe it from all the years of riding horses.
Q 9: Many female fans of yours seem to be intrigued by the “youthfulness” of your rear-end. What advice or workout can you give them to build the Linda Parnes bum?
A 9: I rode a lot of racehorses and thats all quads and glutes. In the realistic world, squats, lunges and the revolving stairmaster stairclimber. I love that machine.
Q 10: What defines Linda Parnes and makes her unique?
A 10: I was raised by two Amercian Indian grandparents who also owned a large horse farm. I learned to work very hard at EVERYTHING. I was taught to enjoy life and not just the destination, but the journey. I am very spiritual without being overly religious. I’d rather be outside than inside. I love to work hard. There isn’t anything like the future, than seeing a thoroughbred foal born or a your fitness progress picture. Most importantly, I am at peace in my life and it took a long time to get here.
How to reach Linda Parnes: (For those reading this post outside of the bodyspace.com community) – Direct Link to This Article: http://blog.bodybuilding.com/yngrich/2008/03/01/the-official-linda-parnes-interview/ – Bodyspace.com Profile: http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/Linda_Parnes/ – Blog: http://blog.bodybuilding.com/Linda_Parnes – Picture Gallery: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/photo/showgallery.php?cat=500&page=1&ppuser=4085701

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