Meet Lorraine Salisbury: The Heart and Energy Behind Monday Mornings at Lakeshore

If you’ve ever stepped into Body Blast or Lite Fit on a Monday morning at Lakeshore Recreation, you’ve likely felt it — the spark, the laughter, and the energy that instantly fills the room.

At the center of it all is Lorraine Salisbury, a long-time instructor whose vibrant personality and deep-rooted passion for movement have inspired countless members for over two decades.

Lorraine began teaching fitness classes at age 29 and has been a cornerstone of the Lakeshore Recreation community for 21 years. From the moment she arrived in Port Elgin, she knew she had found a home.

“When I moved here, I was told right away, ‘As soon as you come to live here, I want you to teach,’” she recalls with a smile. “So that’s what I did.”

Body Blast: Energy, Strength, and Challenge

Lorraine’s Body Blast class lives up to its name — a dynamic blend of cardio, strength, and interval training designed to get your heart pumping and your muscles working.

“It’s a class that incorporates cardiovascular exercise and muscle work,” she explains. “Sometimes separately and sometimes together — because sometimes our muscle work becomes cardio too!”

Each week, Lorraine switches up the format and the tools — from dumbbells and resistance bands to steps, gliders, and Pilates balls.

“We’ve got a very well-equipped storeroom,” she laughs. “It lets me change things up every week and keep it interesting for everyone.”

While Body Blast offers a challenge, Lorraine’s approach ensures it’s accessible for all fitness levels.

“Everybody can do it,” she says. “I always show modifications. Not everyone likes to jump — that’s fine! You can lighten up the weights, adjust your pace, and still get an amazing workout.”

Her teaching philosophy blends her yoga background with her high-energy fitness style.

“I’m inspired by the idea of softening the body and being present in the moment,” she says. “Even in a strength move, I want people to be aware of what muscles they’re using and how their posture feels. That awareness changes everything.”

What keeps her participants coming back? Her warmth and authenticity.

“I’m not the drill sergeant type,” Lorraine laughs. “I have a lot of energy, but I like to have fun. I try to be natural, connect with people, and read the room. It’s about working hard — but smiling while you do it.”

And her members notice.

“Sometimes they finish class saying, ‘That was hard!’” she admits, “but then they say, ‘Thank you.’ That’s when I know they got what they came for — a great, challenging workout that makes them feel strong and accomplished.”

Lite Fit: Movement, Mobility, and Mindfulness

After the heart-pumping action of Body Blast, Lorraine transitions to something gentler yet equally empowering — Lite Fit, a class designed for mobility, balance, and joyful movement.

“The main focus,” she says, “is to move our bodies, feel good, and stay healthy as we age. But it’s not just about aging — it’s about staying mobile and having fun.”

While Lite Fit is lower in intensity, it’s rich in purpose. Participants move at a more moderate pace, take breaks as needed, and focus on stability, control, and strength.

“We move more slowly, do fewer repetitions, and I include lots of balance and mobility work,” Lorraine explains. “There’s often a bit of yoga at the end — about 15 to 20 minutes of stretching and relaxation.”

Her yoga training brings a sense of calm and gratitude to the class. “I want people to feel energized but also a little tired — in that good way,” she says.

“And mentally? I want them to leave feeling happy, proud, accomplished… and grateful. Grateful that their body moved with them in positive ways.”

Lorraine often weaves in balance and brain training exercises too.

“We’ll do a shoulder press while lifting one knee, or a bicep curl on one leg,” she says. “It keeps the body and the brain working together — and keeps everyone laughing when we wobble a bit!”

Her Secret: Connection and Care

When you talk to Lorraine, one thing becomes clear — she cares deeply about her participants. She’s quick to listen, to adapt, and to make sure everyone feels comfortable.

“If someone tells me the music’s too loud or that something hurts, I fix it right away,” she says. “You don’t want to spend a class feeling uncomfortable. Feedback helps me make every class better.”

Her classes are as much about community as they are about fitness.

“It’s the people,” she says fondly. “The camaraderie, the support — that’s what I love most about Lakeshore.”

And for anyone hesitant to join? Lorraine gets it.

“Walking into a new class can be scary,” she admits. “It can feel like everyone else already knows each other. But we’re so welcoming here. I encourage new people to talk to me before or after class — we’ll make sure you feel comfortable. That first step through the door is the hardest part.”

Her Message: Fitness is Fun

After more than two decades of teaching, Lorraine’s philosophy is beautifully simple:

“Fitness has to be fun,” she says. “People always ask, ‘What’s the best workout?’ And I tell them — it’s the one you enjoy. The one that makes you smile and keeps you coming back.”

Whether she’s guiding you through a powerful Body Blast circuit or a mindful Lite Fit stretch, Lorraine brings that joy and energy to every single class.

So, if you’re ready to start your week feeling strong, supported, and inspired — join Lorraine on Mondays for Body Blast at 9:15 AM and Lite Fit at 10:30 AM at Lakeshore Recreation. She also teaches Yoga Tuesday or Thursday at 5:00 PM.

You’ll leave sweaty, smiling, and maybe a little sore — but absolutely grateful to your body for the way it moved with you and for you.