Leadership
Transforming lives through fitness, wellness, relationships, and personal growth.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Naftali and Linda Schwartz, Center for Self Improvement, Inc. helps individuals create healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives — caring for the whole person: body, mind, relationships, and overall well-being.
Our Roles
Naftali Schwartz, President · Linda Schwartz, CEO
Our Story
Mind · Body · Soul
Naftali & Linda Schwartz
Naftali and Linda Schwartz met on August 30, 1998 in Forest Hills, New York. After ten years of searching for the right partner, Linda had always carried a clear vision in her heart — a husband who would also be her very best friend. In Naftali, she found exactly that.
They built a life together rooted in complete honesty, total trust, and open communication — values that have carried them through 27 years of beautiful, imperfect, and deeply meaningful marriage. Together they raised their daughter Shoshana, weathered difficult seasons, and buried five beloved family members — always choosing each other through every storm.
In 2014, they turned their shared passion for helping others into a business, founding the Center for Self Improvement, Inc. in California. Like many entrepreneurs, their journey was not a straight line — they explored different ideas, navigated life transitions on the West Coast, and kept refining their vision along the way. Through it all, one goal never wavered: to be self-employed, independent, and fully in charge of their own destiny.
Today, from Scottsdale, Arizona, that dream is fully alive. Naftali coaches individuals and couples through life's biggest challenges, and Linda transforms lives through fitness, wellness, and Zumba. Together they are the living proof of everything they teach.
Their story is not a fairy tale. It is something far more valuable — it is real, it is earned, and it is still being written.
Welcoming clients in three languages
Linda has spoken Spanish since age 15 and French since age 18, and spent much of her career and travels communicating with people across cultures. Today, she warmly invites English-, Spanish-, and French-speaking clients to care for their mind, body, and soul together.
Serving clients in English · Español · Français
"Bienvenidos a Center For Self Improvement. Estamos aquí para ayudarle a fortalecer su cuerpo, su bienestar y su vida."
"Bienvenue à Center For Self Improvement. Nous sommes ici pour vous accompagner dans le renforcement de votre corps, votre bien-être et votre transformation personnelle."
Meet Naftali Schwartz
President · Relationship Coach · Transformational Life Coach
Inspiration · Encouragement · Spirituality · Motivational Speaking
Born in Israel, August 1956. B.A. in Education & Sociology, Queens College (CUNY), 1980. Former Special Education Teacher. Relationship and Wellness Coach with over 40 years of life and professional experience.
Naftali helps individuals and couples overcome obstacles, improve communication, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful life changes. His coaching focuses on clarity, confidence, purpose, and practical tools for navigating life's challenges.
Whether someone is working through dating, marriage, communication, self-confidence, personal growth, or major life transitions, Naftali offers guidance designed to help them move forward — empowering people to build healthier relationships with themselves and with others.
Coaching calls happen by phone or Zoom — anywhere in the world. Reach Naftali directly: (858) 652-1614
- Relationship & couples coaching
- Transformational life coaching
- Communication & conflict tools
- Motivational speaking & spirituality
"Meaningful change is possible — and it starts with taking the first step."
Meet Linda Schwartz
CEO · Personal Trainer · Wellness Coach · Zumba Instructor
Linda Schwartz is a Certified Personal Trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). She holds multiple Zumba specialty licenses including Zumba Basic, Gold, Toning, Pro Skills, Core, Glutes, and Aqua Zumba, and attended ZINCON 2019. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, Linda earned her Bachelor of Arts in Languages from Queens College, City University of New York.
Born and raised in the Bronx, NY and Forest Hills, Queens, New York, Linda built a career that spanned the cruise industry, landmark Manhattan hotels, international banking, Wall Street technology consulting, and web design before discovering her true calling: helping women over fifty discover the strength they never knew they still had.
As the founder of the Center for Self Improvement, Inc. — which she operates alongside her husband Naftali, a Life Coach and Relationship Coach — Linda offers personal fitness training, Zumba classes for seniors and women over fifty, nutritional guidance, and online coaching via Zoom. She teaches at senior living communities in Scottsdale, Arizona, and reaches women across the country through her online classes and social media presence.
Linda lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her husband, Naftali, and is the proud mother of their daughter, Shoshana. She is sixty-two years old, stronger and leaner than she has ever been — and is only getting started. She is also currently writing her first book.
Drawing on decades of life experience — as a professional, wife, mother, and woman of faith — Linda brings genuine compassion, patience, and resilience to every client relationship.
Reach Linda directly: (858) 652-1597
- ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
- Licensed Zumba Fitness Instructor
- Protein-forward nutrition advocate
- Senior-specialized programming
Zumba Formats & ZIN™ Achievements
Licensed Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN™) member — trained across the full family of Zumba® formats, with ongoing virtual and in-person convention training.
- Zumba® Basic 1
- Zumba® Toning
- Aqua Zumba®
- Zumba Gold®
- Zumba Gold® Toning
- CIRCL Mobility™
- Zumba® Core
- Zumba® Glutes
- Zumba® Virtual Pro
- Zumba® Pro Skills
- Zumba® Cue Like A Pro
- Take The Lead
- Zumba® E-Learning · Happiness Unlocked
- Brazil E-Learning
- ZIN™ Convention 2019
- ZIN™ Virtual Convention 2020
- ZIN™ Virtual Convention 2021
- 10-Year ZIN™ Jamversary Virtual Sessions
- 5 ZIN™ Jam Sessions Attended
- 7-Year ZIN™ Member
- ZIN™ Affiliate
Our Mission
Inspire, educate, motivate, and empower.
To help individuals achieve their fullest potential through fitness, wellness, relationship coaching, and personal transformation.
Our Vision
A trusted resource for positive change.
To support individuals seeking growth in every area of life — mind, body, relationships, and personal development.
Linda's journey
What consistent training, nutrition, and mindset can do — over years.
The same approach Linda teaches her clients — sustainable habits, patient progress, and care for the whole person — applied to her own life.
My Bikini Body Secret
A dream I'm building — one rep, one meal, one transformation at a time.
One of my deepest personal goals is to sculpt a competition-worthy bikini physique — and I am actively working toward that dream every single day. I train with the dedication, discipline, and vision of a woman who knows exactly what she wants and refuses to let age define her limits.
If you are a woman over 50 who looks at bikini competitors and thinks "I want that" — you have found the right trainer. Whether your goal is strength, confidence, improved health, or building the physique you have always dreamed of, Linda brings the same discipline and dedication she applies to her own transformation journey — meeting you where you are and walking the path with you, one rep, one meal, and one transformation at a time.
My Typical Meal Plate · Vegetarian-friendly
Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs
Here's my typical meal plate for lunch or dinner: spaghetti squash with turkey meatballs cooked with sundried tomatoes, fresh garlic and onions, spinach, and butternut squash.
Linda follows a personalized anti-inflammatory approach that works for her own body, and shares practical nutrition strategies with clients — focusing on balanced protein, healthy carbohydrates, vegetables, hydration, and sustainable habits.
If I have any kind of snack afterwards, then it can be two medjool dates, some watermelon, or a small square of dark chocolate.
I teach everyone all about my healthy habits and customize meal plans for committed clients.
In Linda's Words
"Fitness is not just a workout. It's movement, nourishment, recovery, relationships, and creating a life you love."
"Taking care of yourself is not just going to the gym. It's movement, nourishment, stress reduction, enjoying life, and creating habits you can sustain."
"At 62, I don't have to punish my body to stay healthy. I can lift weights, dance, swim, eat nourishing food, and enjoy my life."
On The Air
Radio Show & Podcast — Naftali Schwartz
Back in 2014, Naftali hosted "It's Time to Go Back to Basics — Spiritually, Mentally and Physically" on VoiceAmerica Variety, broadcasting live every Wednesday at 10 AM Pacific. Today we are returning to the microphone — bringing those same conversations on faith, growth, relationships, and wellness back to listeners through a brand-new podcast.
Past episodes available on request — new podcast episodes coming soon.
Featured Episode
Proper Dating Skills
A conversation from our Dating show — practical wisdom on building healthy relationships, communication, and self-respect.
01
Care for the whole person
Body, mind, relationships, and well-being addressed together — not in isolation.
02
Move with intention
Progressive fitness, wellness, and coaching that meets you exactly where you are.
03
Sustain the change
Habits, mindset, and practical tools that integrate into daily life for lasting results.