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Lindsey Whiteman

New IPL Women’s Athletic Pro

From losing nearly 100 pounds after pregnancy to earning two IPL Pro Cards in her very first competition, Lindsey Whiteman’s journey is one of resilience, discipline, and personal transformation. Driven by sobriety, consistency, and a commitment to becoming the healthiest version of herself, Lindsey found not only success on the IPL stage but a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. After capturing both the Women’s Athletic and Figure Open titles at the 2025 IPL Gold Rush Classic, she was preparing for an exciting professional career when life delivered another incredible blessing: the news that she and her husband were expecting their second child. In this interview, Lindsey reflects on the road that brought her to the pro ranks, the people who helped her along the way, and why she’s already looking forward to her return to the Women’s Athletic stage.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN YOSEF

Congratulations on earning your IPL Women’s Athletic Pro Card at the 2025 IPL Gold Rush Classic last fall! What did that moment mean to you after everything you had overcome to get there?

Thank you! Other than the birth of my first son, I had never felt so accomplished in my adulthood. It was life-changing to not only step on stage with that level of confidence, but to earn two Pro Cards just confirmed that the level of discipline I gave myself during my prep truly was the greatest form of self-love.

Your transformation from 226 pounds postpartum to earning an IPL Pro Card is remarkable. How did that journey prepare you mentally and physically for success in the Women’s Athletic division?

"...it really opened my eyes to where I needed to focus my energy if I wanted to continue healing..."

I spent over a year after having my son just focusing on the needs of him and my family, setting my own goals and needs aside. Making the choice to stop “worrying” about everyone around me in a detrimental way and start focusing on myself and my fat loss journey to be a happier and healthier woman was such a pivotal point in that journey.
     I actually went through biofeedback therapy with someone local, and it really opened my eyes to where I needed to focus my energy if I wanted to continue healing in my sobriety and have a thriving relationship with myself. Making that simple choice to turn inward and be more regimented about my workouts and nutrition every single day gave me the fuel to see myself accomplish a physique that was competition-ready.

What attracted you to the Women’s Athletic division, and why do you feel it’s a good fit for your physique, personality, and strengths as a competitor?

I have always been attracted to bodybuilding since I was a young girl, and sobriety gave me the opportunity to actually take the gym seriously enough to see what potential I could have as far as building a physique.
     I originally signed up for the Figure division as my first choice based on my physique starting out, and Athletic was second. I am so grateful I decided to compete in Athletic. I honestly did not realize my physique would be a good fit until weeks prior. I LOVE the posing and look forward to working toward perfecting my routine.

You earned Pro Cards in both Women’s Athletic and Figure on the same day. Did your success in Figure give you additional confidence, or was earning your Women’s Athletic Pro Card always your primary goal?

"With my success in Figure, it absolutely gave me additional confidence."

With my success in Figure, it absolutely gave me additional confidence. This was my first time ever on stage, so it was completely nerve-racking. To have that first initial score read off confirming my Figure Pro Card helped alleviate some of my stage fright and made me realize that I was exactly where I needed to be.

You’ve spoken about the importance of consistency, discipline, and sobriety. How have those principles shaped the athlete you’ve become today?

I have been a heavy alcohol abuser from a very young age. Consistency and discipline were something I only dreamt of in all aspects of my life. Sobriety is more than just “quitting drinking.” It’s a lot of healing, introspection, and constant accountability.
     Everything implemented in a prep is exactly like sobriety for me. In order for me to find success on stage, I must make choices every day prior to stepping up there that keep me accountable and unwavering.

You also credit your husband and your Family 4 Fitness community for supporting your journey. How important has that support system been in helping you reach the professional level?

"To have the support I have experienced through this life change is unfathomable."

To have the support I have experienced through this life change is unfathomable. I have known my husband for 14 years, and I have never had a more honest person who pushes me past my potential. He was just as dedicated to my journey as I was.
     As for my Family 4 Fitness family, I couldn’t have asked for more. The encouragement, love, and sponsorship I received show how blessed I am to live in a small community of people who show up for others in spite of their own personal obstacles and stressors. Tammie (the owner of Family 4), Kat, and Abbie were literally the reason I considered competing in the first place, and they showed up more than I could’ve anticipated, helping me with posing and DAILY positivity.

Life had another exciting surprise for you shortly after becoming an IPL Pro with the news that you were expecting! While competition is on hold for now, how has this new chapter changed your perspective on your future in the sport?

Yes! It was an unexpected blessing, and we could NOT be more grateful. Although I won’t be competing during the 2026 season, I haven’t lost my drive to continue improving my physique and learning what works for my body to be a successful bodybuilder in the future. I look forward to getting back into the swing of pushing hard and establishing a new routine with my two boys.

When you return to the IPL stage as a Women’s Athletic Pro, what improvements or goals are you most excited to bring to your next competition?

"I don't think there is ever going to be a time when I can't make improvements."

I’m looking forward most to the chance to improve my overall physique after baby #2, but also to locking in my discipline with my diet and continuing to work on my posing. I don’t think there is ever going to be a time when I can’t make improvements.

For women who may be considering the Women’s Athletic division but aren’t sure if it’s right for them, what would you tell them about the division and what makes it such a rewarding category to compete in?

I would say the Athletic division may appear intimidating at first, but honestly, it quickly became a favorite of mine. The posing is so fun, and the outfit choices are pretty endless without feeling like you are breaking the bank. Not to mention, no heels! I enjoyed both categories I competed in equally, but Athletic felt like a comfortable fit for me. And what a gift it is to feel comfortable on stage. GAINZ

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