Susan Gibreal

When Susan Gibreal first began her journey with the El Dorado YMCA back in 2004, she never imagined how deeply she would one day rely on the strength she built within the branch’s walls.

Over the years, Susan stayed active through Pilates, personal training, water volleyball, tai chi and more. Movement was always part of her life. But everything changed after she retired from a high-stress career and experienced a life-altering health crisis.

A massive heart attack. Five bypass surgeries. A fasciotomy in her leg. 

Suddenly, the things most people take for granted — walking, climbing stairs, standing from a chair—became overwhelming challenges.

For many, that kind of setback could have meant stepping away from activity altogether. But Susan chose something different.

She chose to start again and began working with her personal trainer, Kera.

What followed wasn’t a quick transformation — it was a steady, determined rebuild. Twice weekly training sessions. Water workouts. New movements learned slowly and safely. And through it all, consistency became her foundation.

There were difficult days, but there were also breakthroughs.

Susan went from struggling to stand to climbing stairs with confidence. From barely moving resistance to to pressing 50 pounds on the leg extension machine, up from just five. From limited endurance to stepping up on three risers and a box with strength and control.

And along the way, she found more than physical recovery that led to losing 50 pounds — she found joy again in movement.

What keeps her coming back: “I have unwavering commitment to my health and well-being.”