Pauline Nordin on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Pauline Nordin shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Pauline, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Who are you learning from right now?
Alfred Adler.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Pauline Nordin biography

Profession: IFBB Pro Figure athlete, internationally recognized fitness cover model, certified personal trainer, fitness coach, CISSN certified nutritionist, writer, entrepreneur.

Pauline started bodybuilding at the age of 17 after being inspired of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Within three years of intense training, she became Swedish Teenage National Champion and defended her title for three successive years, before placing runner-up twice in the senior division.

Television: Served as a trainer on the Nordic version of The Biggest Loser in 2005, coaching the Swedish team—earning recognition for her leadership and dedication.

Paulines’s tagline—“Discipline is the muscle to exercise. Mastering your mind is what I teach”—reflects her commitment to mental strength, self knowledge and sustainable living.

Pauline Nordin transformed her own life—from battling severe eating disorders to becoming a celebrated figure in the global fitness community. Her journey reflects a blend of discipline, authenticity, and entrepreneurial spirit. As the face behind Fighter Diet, she continues to inspire by teaching strength, resilience, and a balanced yet powerful approach to fitness.

Pauline NORDIN’s most famous quote:
“A well-built physique is a status symbol. It reflects you worked hard for it; no money can buy it. You cannot borrow it, you cannot inherit it, you cannot steal it. You cannot hold onto it without constant work. It shows discipline, it shows self-respect, it shows patience, work ethic, and passion. That is why I do what I do.”- Pauline Nordin

Pauline Nordin is known for bringing women back to the muscle magazines, in 2007 photographer Pavel Ythjall and Pauline Nordin created the iconic fitness model feature in flex magazine “the girls are back” which became a global sensation in the industry.

Pauline Nordin has a large following particularly in the armed forces of the United States. She was featured on the cover of the U.S MARINE TIMES and her company FighterDiet regularly sent out motivational Fitness posters to her deployed fans to show her loyal support.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My self relationship completely changed when I started meditation, 2 years into daily practice things truly evolve and changed everything I thought I wanted, knew about myself and what fears I had.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Believe in yourself Pauline, stand out don’t stand in in the crowd, follow your heart and remember to always be your own best friend, be grateful and patient and be kind.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
To be happy on my own terms, the daily routine of focus on being present, eat healthy and train hard.
My friends know I am a minimalist and love the simple life, to live my life without a boss or a schedule with deadlines to meet is a must. I must follow my heart and I rather walk my own way with peace of mind than joining a community where my principles of freedom and self expression is not my right.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
That the most important thing was ‘the physical body’ and how strong looking it was to be for me when it really is about the mind, the strength of mind that manifests in a physically strong body.

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Image Credits
Sarah orbanic, Kai York & Pauline Nordin

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