Barb Rideout is the first to admit that fitness wasn’t always her modus operandi. But back in 2008 while she was pregnant with her daughter, Barb developed gestational diabetes. It was then she decided to become more active, both for her own health and to set an example for the new addition to her family.
Almost 20 years later, Barb is now the proud mother of two daughters, aged 13 and 17, who she names as the number-one source of motivation in her life. Beyond parenthood, she has a passion for life and feels she has fitness to thank for how far she’s come.
“I strive on setting new goals, new growth, and learning and experiencing new things in all aspects of my life,” she shares. “I hope that I inspire others to see that athleticism isn’t limited to an age, and being strong and fit doesn’t fall into a certain body type.”
Unfortunately, diabetes wasn’t the only obstacle Barb had to overcome on her way to becoming the strong and confident woman she is today. When gyms were closed during COVID and travel was restricted, she was unable to cross the U.S.-Canada border to visit Barbara’s International School of Dance (no relation) in Maine, where she filled her time with Zumba classes. Feeling lost, she luckily found a new fitness home in friend Bernadette Cunningham, who lent Barb equipment with which she could perform at-home circuits. Shortly after, she was introduced to Danielle Blizzard of The Clean Fork (who programmed the workout Barb demonstrates in our July/August 2026 issue), was impressed by her know-how, and quickly became a member of her online fitness community.
“Being strong and fit doesn’t fall into a certain body type.”
Just when things seemed to be getting back to normal, Barb and her family faced another setback: in December 2024, her husband suffered a brain aneurysm. And though it was tough to focus on self-care while her world was crumbling around her, she eventually managed to find a regimen that allowed her to be present for her family while taking care of herself.
“Most days were very overwhelming,” she admits. “One thing that kept me going was my fitness routine. Every day, whether I wanted to or not, I made it to the gym and showed up for myself. It’s the one thing that helped with the stress and was my escape from the nightmare me and my family were going through.”
After persevering through the darkest of times, Barb now recognizes the need to find balance—that means carving out time for the healthy stuff as well as making memories with those she loves. When pressed for her personal approach to a healthy lifestyle, she shares that she has three main tenets: “Eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and incorporating activities you enjoy into your fitness routine.” But outside of the gym and the kitchen, Barb is sure to add a bit of fun to the mix, too.
“Make time for hobbies and activities that help relieve stress and that bring joy and happiness, and surround yourself with likeminded people who also enjoy the same things as you,” she recommends. “And take time for yourself! I think that building healthy habits while leaving room for flexibility is important.”
Written by Rachel Debling, Editor-in-Chief
Photo by Paul Buceta
Are You a Woman to Watch?
You could be featured in an issue of STRONG Fitness Magazine!
