Debby’s Fitness Journey

Tag: fitness

  • Another Setback. Because Apparently My Character Arc Needed More Depth.

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    Debby Ball
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    Well. Apparently 70 is the age where your body starts submitting formal HR complaints. A few months ago, I was training hard, golfing, getting ready for kayaking, strength training twice a week, going to group exercise classes, planning adventures, and generally acting like someone who had not read the official rulebook on aging. And then……

  • Track Behaviors, Not the Scale

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    Debby Ball
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    My scale and I are currently in a long-term, low-communication relationship. It hasn’t said anything new in about a year. I live comfortably—too comfortably—between 120 and 125 pounds. It’s basically my zip code now. And look, I’m fine with my weight. We’re on good terms. But my body fat percentage? That’s another story. We are…

  • Sometimes You Fall Down, But You Have to Get Up and Keep Going

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    Debby Ball
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    Today I completed the Race to Robie Creek—affectionately known as the “are you sure this is a good idea?” half marathon. It’s billed as the toughest in the Pacific Northwest, and after today, I’d like to personally confirm: they are not exaggerating. The first 8.5 miles are uphill. Uphill. As in… you start questioning your…

  • Do the Hard Thing (Because Easy Is Overrated)

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    Debby Ball
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    I recently heard a quote that stopped me mid-sip of my morning coffee (and if you know me, that’s saying something): “Do what is hard and your life will be easy. Do what is easy and your life will be hard.” Wow. That one doesn’t just tap you on the shoulder—it grabs you by the…

  • Apparently My Scale Is a Liar and My Skirt Is the Snitch

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    Debby Ball
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    I had one of those moments the other day that makes you stop and go… wait, what just happened? I went to put on a summer skirt—one I’ve owned for a while—and it practically fell off of me. Now here’s the kicker: The scale hasn’t changed. Not one bit. I weigh the same today as…

  • The DEXA Scan Reality Check

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    Debby Ball
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    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…

  • Creatine: Not Just for Bodybuilders—A Case for Brain and Body Health

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    Debby Ball
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    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,…

  • Bye Bye Ta-Ta’s, Hello Loose Skin

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    Debby Ball
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    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…

  • Fitness Challenges Changed My Life

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    Debby Ball
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    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…

  • The Power of a Gym Workout Buddy

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    Debby Ball
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    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 —…