Malinda McClintock
Malinda McClintock is a business owner, preventive health specialist, master Tai Chi and Qigong instructor, yoga therapist, personal trainer, nutrition coach, and wellness consultant. With decades of experience in martial arts, functional fitness, and mind-body wellness, she is dedicated to helping individuals move better, feel stronger, and achieve sustainable health at every stage of life. She integrates Eastern healing traditions with modern health science to create practical, evidence-informed wellness programs that support physical, mental, and neurological health. Her professional experience includes work within behavioral health hospital systems and clinical research environments, where she has supported patients through therapeutic movement, rehabilitation, and holistic recovery approaches.
Throughout her career, Malinda has built specialized expertise in therapeutic movement for neurological and mental health populations. As a yoga therapist working in research-based environments, including partnerships with academic and medical institutions, she has helped develop and deliver adaptive yoga and mindfulness interventions for individuals managing brain injuries, stroke recovery, anxiety, depression, and other neurological conditions. She also serves as a Tai Chi and Qigong instructor at Tengu House Martial Arts, where she leads programs focused on balance, mobility, stress reduction, and longevity, with a special emphasis on serving seniors and individuals seeking preventative health solutions. Her work blends traditional martial arts philosophy with modern neuroscience and rehabilitation principles.
In addition to teaching and clinical wellness work, Malinda partners with health prevention technology companies to provide science-backed wellness assessments and personalized lifestyle guidance. She is passionate about empowering individuals to take proactive control of their health through nutrition, supplementation education, mindfulness, and movement-based therapy. Her mission is to help people create lasting wellness by combining measurable health outcomes with holistic mind-body-spirit balance while continuing to advance innovation in preventative healthcare and personalized wellness solutions.
• Blue Belt in Taekwondo (teaching level)
• Master in Tai Chi or Qigong Clinical Setting
• Studied Yoga Philosophy in Nepal
• Studied Tai Chi and Qigong in Taiwan
• University of Northern Iowa - BA in Sport Psychology
• MVP (Most Valuable Player) - High School and College
• Colorado State University Neurological Team
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a very internal, really good relationship with myself. My ability to want to prove myself in these areas drives me, because I have broken my back, I've fractured my knee, I've had concussions - I have really physically been hurt and have been able to come back to heal myself. So for me, in that area, I know that it works, and that really inspires me to teach other people. I also want to teach my children how to live a long, healthy life. I think my perseverance and never giving up, even when times are tough, and continuing on my internal and external journey has been key. The more I use these techniques of yoga, tai chi, and Qigong, the better I feel, and that gives me the energy to do everything I do. Having fun and dancing also helps me stay grounded and feel good.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice Malinda has received is to remain open to learning from every experience and mentor along the journey. Her eight years of international travel and training shaped this perspective. Studying yoga philosophy in Nepal and training in Tai Chi and Qigong in Taiwan taught her that true mastery comes from blending physical skill with spiritual and mental awareness. These global experiences reinforced her belief that traditional wellness practices can be powerful tools in modern therapeutic care, and that continuous learning and cultural openness help create a more meaningful and impactful career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women to never give up. Even when times are tough, just continue on your internal and external journey, and just never give up the whole way. Keep pushing forward no matter what challenges you face.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the biggest challenge in health and wellness is that it can sometimes be categorized as a hobby. Anyone who wants to pursue a career in this field has to understand that there is that component, and it's okay for you to make money. A lot of times, people are like, 'Oh, when I'm giving all this advice through these things, I shouldn't be making too much money.' But I think that you are worth it - everything that you do should be coming back to you as energy, as that money. You deserve to be compensated for the value you provide.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important thing to me is being with my kids whether that's hiking, going to extremely cool places, or even just making dinner together. My family is my first focus. I also value independence and teaching people how to take ownership of their own health. I don't teach to have people follow me I teach so they can do it on their own, outside of the gym or yoga studio. I believe in empowering people to be self-sufficient in their healing journey. I also love traveling and definitely love hiking, especially living in Colorado where there are so many opportunities to be in the mountains with my family.