Meet the 65-year-old fitness trainer who has taken her community by storm
by Lewis Clarke · BristolLiveWhen it comes to overcoming life's challenges and finding strength, both physically and mentally, Linda Thorne's story is an inspired one.
At 65 years old, Linda isn’t just a personal trainer; she’s a role model who’s taken her community, Shirehampton, by storm with her passion for fitness.
Founder of ShireStrong, a fitness club that’s grown into a close-knit community, Linda proves that age is no barrier to success, strength, or joy in movement.
Linda’s connection to fitness wasn’t always as strong as it is now. There were glimpses - a bit of running, some gymnastics as a child - but it wasn’t until her involvement in women’s rugby that she truly understood the power of physical activity.
“Rugby came at a time when I was going through a separation from my first husband,” she explains. “It gave me an outlet and community that I really needed.”
Rugby offered not only fitness but also a deep sense of belonging. “It was a community where I could talk about my struggles and use exercise to feel better mentally and physically,” she says.
This experience was a turning point that reshaped her outlook on health, eventually leading her to kettlebells and strength training, areas she would come to embrace wholeheartedly.
After her rugby days came to an end, Linda wasn’t about to slow down. “I needed something else to stay active,” she says. “Some friends introduced me to kettlebells, and it really clicked for me.”
She went on to earn her StrongFirst kettlebell certification at 57, solidifying her passion for lifting and inspiring her to take it to the next level.
Starting ShireStrong wasn’t initially part of the plan. After being made redundant from her job and with her parents needing more care, Linda found herself at a crossroads.
“I was at a point where I needed a change,” she shares. “With the support of my husband, I decided to qualify as a personal trainer. I’ve always enjoyed helping others with fitness, so it seemed like the natural next step.”
It wasn’t easy at first. Like many entrepreneurs, Linda had to juggle multiple responsibilities. “I even did gardening jobs to keep the income coming in while I worked on my PT certification,” she said.
But her perseverance paid off, and by 2017, at age 58, she had qualified as a personal trainer.
“I started with just a few clients at home,” she says, reflecting on those early days. “It grew slowly, and I eventually named it ShireStrong to reflect our local roots and the idea of strength - something I never thought I would embody.”
From there, ShireStrong blossomed into a fitness community. Today, Linda runs regular boot camps and kettlebell classes, serving a group of around 50 committed members.
“I’ve also set up a gym in my garage for personal training sessions,” she says, noting how far the journey has taken her. What started as a handful of clients has turned into a bustling community focused on health and mutual support.
Linda’s fitness journey took an unexpected and thrilling turn when she received an invitation to compete at the World Masters in South Africa . “I was shocked,” she admits, still a little stunned by the honour. “The idea of competing with some of the best in the world seemed almost unreal.”
It wasn’t a decision she took lightly. “It took me a while to decide, but with my family’s full support, I realised this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” Training for the competition was intense, and at 65 Linda admits it wasn’t always easy. “As the weights get heavier, the sessions become harder. But my mindset was set on completing each session, no matter how hard it seemed.”
When the time came to board the plane to South Africa, the reality of the situation set in. “That’s when the nerves really hit,” she says. But once at the competition, it was all about focus. “Getting through the weigh-in and kit check is the first hurdle,” she explains. “Then, it’s all about making that first lift count.”
Linda’s determination paid off. “I had no idea where I was in the rankings,” she says, recalling the moment she was told she had secured a bronze medal in the deadlift. “I was overjoyed.” Competing on the world stage at 65 isn’t just a testament to her physical strength, it’s a reflection of her mental resilience, too.
Like any athlete, Linda’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Injuries, family responsibilities, and the pressures of running a business have tested her resolve time and time again. “My mum has had several health issues, and I also help care for my grandchildren,” she says. “It’s definitely been a challenge balancing everything.”
Her hip injury was particularly difficult. “In an ideal world, I would have rested more,” she admits, “but with competitions coming up, I had to keep training.” Linda credits her mental resilience for getting through the toughest times. “My determination to succeed in all of my responsibilities kept me going,” she says. “I’m not a quitter.”
Linda’s story of grit and perseverance is inspiring, but she remains humble, emphasising that everyone has the capacity to achieve great things, regardless of their age. “Strength training is for everyone, no matter their age,” she says passionately. “It’s not about lifting the heaviest weights. It’s about building muscle and maintaining bone health so you can live as independently as possible for as long as possible.”
Beyond her personal achievements, Linda is deeply invested in her local community. ShireStrong isn’t just a place to work out, it’s a place for people to connect, support one another and grow stronger together. “We have people from their 30s to their 70s,” she says, proudly. “It’s not just about exercise, it’s about coming together, laughing, and supporting each other.”
And the results speak for themselves. One of Linda’s clients lost an impressive four stone, transforming both physically and mentally. Another celebrated moving from struggling with an 8kg kettlebell to confidently lifting 20kg. “Seeing those transformations is so rewarding,” Linda says. “It’s not just about the weight they lift, it’s about the confidence they gain.”
For Linda, the ShireStrong community is special because of the people. “The members make it what it is,” she says. “They come together, lift each other up, and support each other through good times and bad.”
After such an incredible year, what’s next for Linda Thorne? Her goals are simple but meaningful: “My fitness goal is to stay as strong and independent as possible for as long as I can. I’d love to continue competing well into my 70s, and maybe even my 80s.”
As for ShireStrong, Linda hopes to expand her offerings, possibly adding more daytime classes to reach more people. “I want to continue helping my community stay strong,” she says. “If I can leave behind a legacy of strength and independence, I’ll be very proud.”