Lynn Duda: Bally's Master Trainer has Kept Bethel Park Fit for
Close to a Quarter Century
Originally appeared in the BP Courier Vol. III, Number I
by Astrid Cook
Reprinted with Permission
Lynn Duda is a woman ahead of her time. To look at her, you see
a youthful sprite of boundless energy that belies her age. The
poster gal for fitness, she also could be representative for the
latest trend among women: Stay - At - Home mom/ entrepreneurs.
Back in 1981, when most women were making the difficult choice
between having a long-sought-after career or having a family,
Duda decided she wanted both. Together with neighborhood
friend Linda Turocy, she formed Linz-Exergetics, Inc., named for
the two "Lins": Lynn and Linda.
"Linda moved in from California after being a Baldwin High
School grad," Lynn explained. "We wanted to be at home for our
families but have careers, too. The aerobic craze was going on
out there and we thought, 'we can do this.'"
Their resumes were strikingly similar: The sole of their physical
fitness backgrounds was as a Bethette (and the Baldwin High
equivalent). Actually, Duda was Head Bethette in 1966. So what
made her think she could launch a successful physical fitness
company?
Those who attended the first class might have wondered the
same. "We started with a Fisher Price record player," Lynn
laughs. "We just took records in and switched them." But despite
appearances to the contrary, the two women were savvy business
women. Both took classes on fitness and were certified in many
areas. Today, Lynn holds certifications from the American
Council of Exercise, the Yoga Alliance, the Aerobics and Fitness
Association of America, and she is a Reiki Master.
Which gave rise to a massage business in 2000. "I really enjoy
giving massages," she said. "So much of what I do is pushing
people. It's nice to make them relax."
Her business has survived changes in America's exercise
patterns and the death of her partner from breast cancer. She
thought about changing the name of the company about 10 years
ago when Linda passed away, but continuity is important to Lynn.
After nearly 25 years, she has actually taught three generations
from the same family. "So many of my clients have been around
so long, they feel like family," she said.
And now - in addition to teaching an average of two classes a day
at various Bethel Park locales - Lynn has been chosen as one of
15 national master trainers for Bally's. She was chosen from
among 350 applicants and will be travelling the country to train
other yoga instructors for the company.
So don't expect this life-long Bethel Park resident to slow down
soon. At a time of life when other people her age are considering
retirement. Lynn's still busy "having it all."
Linz-Exergetics offers classes in aerobics, aerobics with ball
and yoga at John McMillan Presbyterian Church and the Bethel
Park Community Center. To schedule personal training or a
massage, email Lynn at duda_lynn@yahoo.com.
