Laura Fromdahl

March 2026 Issue

Photos provided by Lindsay Pettinicchi Photography, LLC

Career: Physical Therapist
Family: Husband Jeff, Sons Luke & Liam
Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi
Current Town: Hilton Head Island
Passion: My family

Life has a way of guiding people toward their calling, even if it’s not their career. What do you feel you have been called to do?
I have been called to help people become and stay active in all stages of life.

Every year, instead of making a New Year’s Resolution, you pick something to accomplish. Tell us about some of the things you have chosen and if they have stuck. What is your goal this year?
I’m 55 years old, so this list might be too long! I competed in a  sprint triathlon, got back into hunter/ jumper horseback riding, learned to surf, joined the Masters swim team, competed in a century cycling event, became a triathlon coach, learned shag dancing, got certified in dry needling, started Jiu Jitsu (I’m now a purple belt), got certified in scuba diving, got my concealed carry permit, started Swim HHI, swam an 8-mile ocean race, and competed in an Ironman distance triathlon. Last year, I learned how to be a military mom, and one year I started a support group for mothers who have Type 1 Diabetic children. This year I’m taking up beekeeping. I enjoy and continue the activities that involve family and friends. 

You have a unique way of accomplishing goals that works for you. How do you do it?
I adopted the same principles that physical therapists use in the clinic. For me, long-term goals are 9-12 months and short-term attainable goals are monthly. I reassess the short-term goals weekly and change what isn’t working. I schedule time in my week to achieve these goals as if it were a job. 

What’s the most difficult feat you have conquered so far?
Hands down it is being a mother. It’s my favorite, and it’s all consuming, My annual goals are created in order to be strong and healthy with lots of energy so I will be a better wife, mother, sister, daughter, physical therapist, and friend.  

You started an Ocean Swimming group that meets every Wednesday. Since it’s been too cold to swim, tell us about the “shocking” healthy habit the group incorporates during cold weather.
Our ocean swim group meets every Wednesday morning, and when it’s too cold to swim, we go for a polar plunge. Today the water was 46 degrees, and it was amazing! We win the day early when we conquer our fears and walk into the ice-cold water. Mental toughness is what wins the day. Afterwards, we are like a bunch of giggly, hyper children. 

Are there health benefits to “polar plunging”?
Yes! Camaraderie, reduced inflammation and muscle soreness, improved mood and focus, enhanced circulation and metabolism, and strengthened immune response.  

Does ocean swimming offer benefits beyond what you can get swimming in a pool?
The unpredictability of the ocean (waves, current, tides) forces swimmers to adapt, overcome, improvise, and go with what the ocean gives you...a lot like life! The benefits of the salt and magnesium in the ocean far outweigh any Epsom salt bath. Add a sunrise, walking barefoot in the sand, wind, birds, and friends, and you have a recipe for a good time. 

It seems one would have to be a great swimmer for ocean swimming. Can this be for any level of swimmers?
Our group has all different levels and ages of ocean swimmers. Most have enjoyed swimming a few laps in the past. My favorite part of this group is that it brings people together from all sorts of backgrounds. If you are interested in learning to swim, the Island Recreation Center has a great beginners swim program for adults. 

So many people use “lack of time” as an excuse to not exercise. You have always worked, raised a family and still made being active a priority. How did you find the time?
Honestly, I am just too mean and irritable if I don’t! I’ve made it a priority so I’m a better person for my family. When my children were younger, I used to work out before everyone woke up. That way I wasn’t missing out on anything. I still prefer working out in the morning. It makes the rest of the day so much better—I’ve already won. If you have time to look at social media or television, you have time to move your body. 

You are now a certified triathlon coach, as well as a purple belt in Jiu jitsu. What would you say to those who can’t seem to get motivated to incorporate some kind of daily movement, activity or exercise into their lives?
The first time I flew with my infant son I struggled when they announced, “should the cabin lose pressure put the oxygen mask on yourself first, then your child.” I realized that in order to take care of others, you must take care of yourself first, otherwise, you have nothing to give. Call a friend and pick a fun activity you can do together. The hardest part of doing anything physical is starting. Every day, I come up with a few reasons not to. Every day, I do it anyway.  

You made the powerful statement: “I exhaust my body to tame my mind.” Tell us what you mean by that and how that can help others.
For me, anxiety or stress is just a form of energy. Why not misdirect that energy and use it to do good for my body? Next time you feel angst, listen to your body. It’s asking for movement.  

What are you currently ROARING about?
I’m excited for the sixth year of Swim HHI. It’s a virtual 33-mile swim around Hilton Head Island. It starts May 1st and ends Labor Day. We have participants throughout the USA and Canada. You can log your miles by swimming in a pool, in the ocean or in a lake! It’s a great way to get motivated to swim. I’m also excited for my good friend, Lori Lucas, who has taken ocean swimming to the next level. She just competed in Ocean Man World Championships in Dubai! Just being around her has motivated me to become a better swimmer and a more adventurous person. You become most like the people you surround yourself with. Find that person or be that person.