Member of the Month: Barbara Lusignan, 68

Barbara is living proof that strength has no expiration date.

Before joining Black Bear Fitness Co., Barbara had been doing cardio for years. She went to Planet Fitness and stayed consistent, but it was mostly machines and walking. When her doctor recommended weight-bearing exercise, she tried following workout videos at home, then experimenting with weights at the gym.

What stopped her was fear.

She worried about her form. She worried about getting hurt. And those fears weren’t unfounded.

Not long after, Barbara experienced a serious accident. She fractured multiple bones in her leg and foot and required surgery that left her with a plate and a rod. For three months, she could not put weight on her leg. She could not drive. She depended on others just to get around.

When her doctor finally cleared her to exercise again, there were no restrictions. But mentally and physically, she felt weak and nervous. Movement felt risky. Confidence was low.

On a scale of 1 to 10, Barbara rated her fitness a 3.

Why she chose Black Bear Fitness Co.

Barbara wasn’t looking for a quick workout. She was looking for guidance.

She tried several trainers before finding us, but something was always missing. What she needed was accountability, feedback on her form, and encouragement from people who truly paid attention.

After seeing a post on social media, she reached out and had a conversation with Lucas. It didn’t take long for her to know this was different.

The coaches watched her movement closely. They answered her questions. They adjusted her program to meet her where she was. And they encouraged her every step of the way.

For the first time, she felt safe getting stronger.

What makes Black Bear different

For Barbara, it came down to coaching.

The coaches are knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely invested in her progress. Her program is built specifically for her needs and abilities. Nothing random. Nothing rushed.

That individual attention gave her confidence to move again and eventually to push herself.

The biggest change

Barbara says it simply.

“I have muscle and I feel strong.”

That strength has carried over into her life. She is back to hiking in the spring and summer. She is snowshoeing in the winter. Activities she stopped after her accident are now part of her life again.

This is what strength training is really about.

Why she keeps showing up

The coaches.
The members.
The programming.

And maybe most importantly, the feeling that she belongs.

Her message to anyone who feels “not fit enough”

“You don’t need to be fit. Start and just keep showing up.”

In the beginning, Barbara told herself one thing. Just keep showing up. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. The strength will come.

One of our coaches told her early on, “You just do you.”

Barbara did exactly that.

And now, at 68, she is stronger than she ever thought she could be.

If you see yourself in Barbara’s story, know this. You are not behind. You are not too old. And you do not need to be fit to start.

You just need to show up.