Linda Moore developed Fight Club Pink at the Vineyard Church in Syracuse in order to address the spiritual, emotional, physical and lifestyle needs of ladies in the community. Over 100 women have graduated from the program, which started only a year ago. Shown is Moore fulfilling one of the Fight Club Pink challenges, to hold up a sign declaring she is a FC girl somewhere in public. She is at Camelback Mountain in Arizona. (Photo provided)

Although the first and second rules of Fight Club are not to talk about Fight Club, Fight Club Pink is a different sort of beast. While what happens in the club does have its mystery, many of the Fight Club Pink graduates are eager to talk about their experiences because they’re often so life-changing.

Linda Moore developed Fight Club Pink about a year ago, hoping at least 10 women would show up to focus on their spiritual, emotional, physical and lifestyle health during the 10-week program. Instead, 70 women showed up during the first Fight Club Pink initiation and more are showing up each time the program begins again.

A member of Vineyard Community Church in Syracuse, Moore is the head of the fitness ministry. A certified Piloxi instructor, she leads three, free group fitness classes a week at the church, which include a mix of boxing, dancing, Pilates and strength training.

“I realized as these women got healthier physically, emotional and spiritual needs would begin to surface,” Moore explained. “Our spirit, mind and body are all connected.”

In order to address these ladies’ needs, Fight Club Pink was born. The program has been so successful that Moore is now patenting and marketing Fight Club Pink as a ministry to churches across the country.

Moore considers herself the coach to the women who go through the program. Each week, she offers challenges in four areas: spiritual, physical, emotional, lifestyle. Other than the initiation and the graduation, Fight Club Pink women don’t meet in person. Moore developed a private social media site for all interactions.

The challenges intensify each week, says Moore, and some women are unable to complete them. Four challenges not met, and you’re out of Fight Club Pink.

“Women don’t know what to expect. The challenges are a surprise each week. They get frustrated sometimes. They say it’s too hard, too extreme, but really they are only competing against themselves,” she said. “It’s amazing what women can do when they get rid of all the excuses. It’s hard, but it will change your life.”

Moore says she understands why many women say they are too busy to focus on themselves. She can relate. She struggles with the juggling act of being a mother of four, a wife, and the owner of pets, a house and a business. She also knows the pain of relationships: she’s a divorcee. And she knows the limitations of the body: she’s had several back surgeries.

“I go, go, go in my own life too,” she said. “Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthier life and family. The Fight Club Pink motto is: strength comes at the end of your comfort zone.”

The latest Fight Club Pink initiation ceremony is 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Vineyard Community Church, 7566 E. 1000 N. in Syracuse. Participants have come from all church denominations and have ranged from age 11 to in their 70s. Those interested in joining Fight Club Pink or the fitness ministry at the Vineyard can contact Moore at 260- 667-8396 or [email protected].

“Fight Club Pink is something that God put on my heart to do,” says Moore. “I feel privileged and grateful to be able to serve these women.”