Debra Duby
Debra Duby
Do Be Fit, LLC.
Personal Trainer, Nutrition Counselor, Meditation Teacher
Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/debra_duby
https://strengthlab.tv/programs/collection-6xthjckortk
Website: Do Be Fit, LLC.
Who is Debra Duby?
Deb Duby is the Founder of Do Be Fit, LLC and has been a full-time trainer and nutrition counselor for 23 years and will soon be a meditation teacher in January 2025. Deb is 49, married for 23 years, with a 14-year-old daughter and rescue pit mix. She's participated in many half marathons, the NYC marathon, a triathlon, cycling events, and a body-building show. She works with clients ages 14-90, and it is clear that the more fit people become, the more joyful and meaningful their lives become.
Please briefly summarize your life's journey, highlighting the significant chapters and pivotal moments.
Corporate Tech Recruiter to "Accidental" Wellness Professional. After 5 years in the Corporate world glamoured by the money and Manhattan, I came to my senses and realized I needed to do something that felt more meaningful. I grew up in a family with an obese Mom, where FAT was a four-letter word. Her body was shrouded in shame, and the focus was on size and not on health. After almost falling down the same rabbit hole, I discovered strength training, and my life changed. Feeling and being strong for the first time was addictive, and the ripple effect on every other aspect of life was astonishing.
How many children do you have, and what are their ages?
One daughter - age 14
What were some of the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
Growing up in a family where FAT was feared made for an environment ripe for unhealthy relationships with food and exercise. Breaking free of this cycle by finding strength was life-changing. Other significant challenges - so many - becoming a virtual trainer during COVID, moving from NYC to Nashville, my husband having 3 back surgeries, and my Mom dying during another COVID lockdown. My health habits taught me to find my anchors through any storm.
What lessons did you learn about yourself throughout your journey?
I can get to the other side.
What motivates you to keep going during difficult times?
Knowing that I have done it before and can learn new things as I go.
How have you been able to prioritize your passion, purpose, and well-being alongside motherhood?
My daughter and husband also train and eat in a way that balances health with joy.
How do you define self-care and what does it look like for you?
Knowing when to pull back as much as when to push forward.
What changes needed to be made in your life to allow you to live a life where you feel fulfilled?
Taking on fewer clients, saying no, realizing you can only help people who want to help themselves. You cannot fix anyone.
Share a moment of MOM GUILT, and what you do to manage it?
When Loretta was a baby, I had to go back to work within 2-3 months - I thought I would die. She screamed for hours. I still regret that but my husband and I both needed to work. We are not alone in this!
What's your greatest Mom Hack that you have learned thus far in your motherhood journey?
Take your kids to the gym and teach them how to eat well. We learned about growing food and "other food" and never made any foods good or bad. We never labeled anything as cheat or treat.
Why do you think it's important for women to share their journeys and inspire other women?
Women can fall hard into the insidious nature of people-pleasing and martyrdom. It ends their life early and miserably. I truly believe this is a big reason why I lost my Mom. She never took care of herself - got a horrific disease that left her paralyzed at age 60, and had a miserable 17 years instead of enjoying retirement, traveling, and taking care of her grandkids the way she envisioned.
What is one lesson or piece of advice you would like the community to learn from you?
Anyone can and must get stronger. Do not focus on the scale! Get strong as soon as possible and stay that way for as long as possible.
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