When Diane walked into Black Bear Fitness Co. at age 66, she didn’t know she’d be lifting barbells three years later.
She just knew she needed a change—and was willing to try.
Now 69, Diane’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to get stronger, feel better, and surprise yourself.
Here’s her journey—in her own words.
What’s your superpower?
“I’m optimistic and focused. Also, I will try anything once!”
What exercise or nutrition plans did you try before joining Black Bear Fitness Co.?
“I took a ‘boot camp’ class at work about 11 years ago. It was hard and tiring, but I lost 40 pounds and felt great. I kept up some exercises at home and walked at the Y two or three mornings a week. During COVID, I walked the neighborhood and did a weekly online Zumba class.
I’d never followed a structured nutrition plan, but I tried to eat healthy—cutting sweets and the cream in my coffee.”
How would you describe your health and fitness before joining?
“My health was probably a 6 or 7—I didn’t get sick often. But fitness? More like a 4 or 5, even though I thought it was higher.
Exercise was haphazard. Joining Black Bear gave me consistency—and started me on weight training, which I never would’ve done on my own. When I first joined, I could barely do a sit-up. The heaviest dumbbells I’d used were 8 pounds. I was starting to trend toward osteoporosis and was tripping over anything on the floor. I was really worried about falling and breaking bones.”
What made you choose Black Bear Fitness Co.?
“I was invited to a ‘Bring a Friend’ event. My friend thought I’d like it—and I decided I could try it once.
They even had to go find 2 lb. dumbbells for me that day, but no one made me feel self-conscious. Lucas invited me to talk about fitness goals. I had never had fitness goals before that!”
What makes Black Bear different from other gyms?
“There’s a warm, encouraging atmosphere that helps you push yourself further than you thought possible. You’re not competing with anyone—but you’re inspired by everyone.
Everyone’s friendly and supportive.”
What’s the biggest improvement you’ve seen in yourself?
“I’m stronger than I’ve ever been in my life. I’ve got muscles where I never had them before.
I don’t trip over things anymore. I can carry heavy things up and down stairs. On a recent trip, I hauled my heavy camera backpack all over and had the stamina for long days and lots of stairs.
It felt amazing.”
What keeps you coming back?
“Even when I’m tired and cranky, I show up. I’ve been consistent with my workouts and nutrition, and I can see the results.
My mood improves immediately. I’ve gained muscle, lost fat, and my elevated A1C is going down. I just got my body fat under 24%—and I’m excited to see what that does for my thyroid, blood sugar, and bone density.”
What would you say to someone who doesn’t think they’re ‘fit enough’ to start?
“It’s never too late—I was 66 when I started. And you’re there to get fit, not to prove anything.
I remember seeing someone lifting a barbell on my first day and thinking, ‘I’ll try lots of things, but I’m never going to do that.’
Well… guess who’s doing that now—and liking it?”