This is Debbie. She is a smart, strong, sarcastic, kind and talented personal trainer & Pilates instructor at Life Time Fitness in Burr Ridge, IL. I met Debbie several years ago after watching her work as a personal trainer with folks of all ages, shapes, sizes & athletic levels at another local fitness center. When I finally went to Debbie for help with a chronic pain problem, she worked with me on a new fitness program that worked around my joint pain. That woman tolerated my swearing-laden angry tantrums and helped me when I sometimes teared up in pain-induced frustration.

Hearing her inspiring words to “just keep moving” (along w/ copious amounts of sarcasm to my snarky remarks) really helped turn my life around. I’ve since watched her inspire those around her who would otherwise not even bother trying to “get healthy” and workout. What really took me aback was when I finally learned that Debbie is a Type I diabetic, and has been since she was a little girl. In spite of that fact, Debbie grew up to become a professional dancer and instructor, and eventually migrated to personal training. Realizing that I had (on several occasions mind you) previously spent a ridiculous amount of time arguing with her about the greatness of Twinkies, Cheetos and all things dark chocolate was quite a horrifying realization. However, as always, she shrugged off my apologies and kept me on task with my healthy regimen. You see, instead of using her condition to shame those around her into healthy habits, she instead meets you where you are while helping you to improve any way she can. Her passion for health, along with the desire to help others, makes her quite a significant inspiration. Debbie is truly an incredible person inside and out, and is someone you should know.