The landscape of professional fitness is often defined by those who not only preach wellness but have lived it through decades of industry evolution. Today, we are proud to announce that Barbara Lubbers has joined our team as the new Fitness Journal Editor. A seasoned veteran whose career trajectory mirrors the growth of the modern fitness industry, Lubbers brings a wealth of experience, a deep-seated passion for human movement, and a unique perspective shaped by over four decades of service.
Working remotely from her sprawling 40-acre property in eastern Colorado, Lubbers begins this new chapter following a distinguished career at Club Greenwood in Greenwood Village, where she served as both the Director of Group Fitness and Assistant General Manager. As she transitions into this editorial role, she continues to maintain her connection to the gym floor, teaching her signature indoor cycling classes twice weekly—a testament to her enduring commitment to the community she has served since 1990.
A Career Defined by Evolution: The Chronology of Excellence
To understand the value Barbara Lubbers brings to the Fitness Journal, one must look at the history of the industry itself. Lubbers began her journey as a Group Fitness Instructor in 1990, a time when the fitness landscape was drastically different from today’s high-tech, data-driven environment.
The Early Years: Mastering the Fundamentals
In the early 1990s, the fitness industry was experiencing a boom in aerobic programming. Lubbers entered the field at a pivotal moment, quickly realizing that professional longevity required a shift from general instruction to specialized knowledge. She attained her Personal Trainer certification, grounding her teaching in the physiological sciences. During this era, she wasn’t just teaching classes; she was competing in them. Her victory in a high-stakes "Aerobic Competition"—a hallmark of the fitness culture of the time—demonstrated a level of discipline and performance capability that would become the foundation of her career.
The Management Era: Shaping Culture at Club Greenwood
After years on the front lines, Lubbers transitioned into leadership. At Club Greenwood, she climbed the ranks, eventually overseeing the strategic direction of Group Fitness. Her tenure there was marked by an ability to balance the technical aspects of program design with the human element of fitness management. As an Assistant General Manager, she was responsible for the operational success of a high-end facility, managing staff development, member experience, and the intricate logistics of a large-scale fitness club. She retired from this full-time management post in December 2023, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship and operational excellence.
Supporting Data: The Pillars of a Fitness Professional
Lubbers’ career is not merely a collection of titles; it is defined by a consistent adherence to the core pillars of fitness: consistency, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
The Philosophy of "Serving Others"
When asked about her greatest achievement, Lubbers points not to a specific award or fitness record, but to the collective 40-year duration of her career serving others. In an industry known for high turnover rates, this four-decade milestone is statistically significant. It highlights a dedication to the "service" aspect of the fitness industry—a philosophy that prioritizes the client’s success over the trainer’s ego.
Global Perspective and Adaptability
Lubbers’ worldview is inherently global. Due to her father’s career in the Civil Service, her formative years were spent as a self-described "global nomad." Living in Japan, Germany, New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts before settling in Colorado at age 15 provided her with an adaptability that is evident in her professional work. This exposure to diverse cultures and environments fostered an openness to new training modalities and communication styles, allowing her to connect with a wide variety of gym-goers throughout her career.
Get to Know the Editor: A Personal Profile
Beyond the professional accolades, our new editor is a person of diverse interests and deep personal ties. Her current life on her 40-acre Colorado property is a blend of pastoral tranquility and active living. Since her retirement from full-time management, she has taken up professional dog sitting—a venture that speaks to her nurturing nature—and spends much of her time exploring the Colorado wilderness through hiking and cycling.
Her personal life is anchored by her husband, Steve, and her son, Travis. Her off-duty hours are often spent with her own two dogs, further cementing her identity as an animal lover. Even in her leisure, she remains connected to the pop-culture zeitgeist; she is a self-proclaimed aficionado of the television show Friends, possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of the series that serves as a lighthearted counterpoint to her serious professional demeanor.
Implications: The Future of the Fitness Journal
The appointment of Barbara Lubbers as the Fitness Journal Editor signifies a strategic shift for our publication. In an era where fitness content is often dominated by influencers and short-form digital trends, Lubbers represents the "gold standard" of traditional, science-backed instruction.
Bridging the Generational Gap
Lubbers possesses a unique ability to bridge the gap between the "old school" principles of foundational movement and the modern, technological advancements of the 2020s. Having been part of the industry since 1990, she understands the history of why certain movements work, while her recent transition to a remote-editing role demonstrates her willingness to embrace the digital future.
Mentorship and Editorial Vision
As an editor, Lubbers brings a "coach’s eye" to the editorial process. She understands the pain points of fitness professionals because she has lived them. She knows what instructors need to hear, what personal trainers are struggling with, and how club managers can better support their staff. Her vision for the Fitness Journal is one of inclusivity, focusing on content that provides actionable, evidence-based advice for professionals at all stages of their careers.
A Commitment to the Community
While her title has changed, her heart remains in the studio. By continuing to teach indoor cycling twice a week at Club Greenwood, Lubbers ensures she is never disconnected from the heartbeat of the industry. This "boots on the ground" approach is exactly what the Fitness Journal needs to remain relevant, authoritative, and deeply connected to its readership.
As we move forward, we invite our readers to engage with the content that Barbara will be curating. Her journey—from a young instructor in the 90s to a seasoned leader, and now, an editorial voice for the industry—is a testament to the fact that in fitness, as in life, there is no finish line. There is only the next climb, the next class, and the next opportunity to serve.
We are honored to have Barbara Lubbers at the helm, and we look forward to the expertise and warmth she will bring to our pages. Whether you are a fitness professional looking for the latest in industry research, or simply a member of our community looking for guidance, you are in capable hands. Welcome to the team, Barbara. We look forward to the chapters you will help us write.
