Author: Debby Ball
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The DEXA Scan Reality Check
I had my first DEXA body scan this week at the Human Performance Lab at Boise State. For those of you who haven’t done one, it’s basically a machine that tells you exactly what your body is made of — bone, muscle, and fat. It is the truth teller. The whole truth teller. And apparently…
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Creatine: Not Just for Bodybuilders—A Case for Brain and Body Health
When most people hear the word creatine, they picture 25-year-old bodybuilders in tank tops trying to get bigger biceps. But here’s the truth: creatine is actually one of the most studied supplements in the world, and its benefits go far beyond the weight room. I take 5 grams of creatine every morning in my coffee,…
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Bye Bye Ta-Ta’s, Hello Loose Skin
When I started my health journey in 2023, I weighed 185 pounds and had never touched a barbell — unless you count pushing a grocery cart with attitude. Fast forward 2.5 years to age 70, and my weight now varies between 120 and 125 pounds, I deadlift 150, bench 75, and apparently misplaced my Ta-Ta’s…
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Fitness Challenges Changed My Life
There was a time in my life when birthdays meant dinner out and maybe a piece of cake. Now? Birthdays mean a challenge. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I truly believe fitness challenges have been one of the most powerful tools in my transformation — physically, mentally, and emotionally. They give me…
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The Power of a Gym Workout Buddy
One to two days a week — on the days I’m not with my trainer — you’ll find me at the gym strength training with my workout buddy. For the sake of this blog, we’ll call her “Dee” (not her real name). Our trainer introduced us about two years ago. What bonded us instantly —…
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If You’re Serious About Weight Loss, Start Logging Everything
If you are serious about losing weight and getting fit, then by now you should be logging every bite and every sip into an app. Yes. Every bite. Every sip. Because here’s the truth: you can’t lose weight unless you are in a calorie deficit. And you won’t know if you are in a calorie…
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What I Eat in a Typical Day
People ask me all the time what I actually eat every day, so here it is — no secrets, no magic, just what works for me. My day starts with coffee. In my first cup, I add 5 grams of creatine. In my second (and sometimes third), I add Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. I try…
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The Body Transformation Challenge: What I Learned the Hard Way
It was April of 2024. By that point, I had already lost 30 pounds and honestly felt like I had already been through a major transformation. I was feeling stronger, more confident, and more at home in my body than I had in years. So when my trainer, Isaac, called me and told me about…
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Why Group Classes Are the Perfect Supplement to Strength Training
I work with a trainer twice a week, and that will always be the foundation of my fitness routine. Strength training has changed my body, my confidence, and how I move through the world. But as much as I believe in lifting heavy and lifting smart, I’ve also learned something important along the way: Strength…
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Discipline and Consistency: Why Motivation Isn’t Enough
When I first started my fitness journey, I was motivated. New goals. New routines. Big expectations. And then my son said something that changed everything: “Mom, remember—consistency is key.” At the time, it sounded simple. Almost obvious. But years into this journey, I’ve learned that one sentence matters more than any burst of motivation. Because…
Debby’s Fitness Journey 