Debra Hudson

I've lived in Columbia, SC all my life.  I worked  my way through college and studied Economics at University of South Carolina. I graduated in May 1994, and married my husband 1 week later.

I went to work for Colonial Life in 1995, and retired early in 2011, to take care of my mother.  

I was trained in yoga by Priscilla Patrick at Yoga1 Studio in Columbia, SC since 1985. Priscilla taught on ETV (PBS) for many years and has many audio/video classes available.  I got certified to teach aerobics when I was a poor student so that I wouldn't  have to pay to go to the gym and continued to teach after I graduated because I love to teach.

I taught a 6:00 am class at the Y, before work at Colonial Life for many years.  Working for the Y offered great benefits including training opportunities and discount workshops. While at the Y, I added Water Aerobics, Yoga and Personal Trainer Certifications.

One of the great benefits of working for Colonial Life was their Employee Wellness Center, which included fitness classes taught by Health Directions, which is part of Lexington Medical Center.  I went to work for Health Directions and was able to teach before or after work, and/or on a lunch break.  Health Directions also offered a variety of teaching and training opportunities, and discounted workshops. 

I was able to travel/teach for Fit Bodies Inc. at Braco Village Grand Lido in Jamaica in April 2002. What a great teaching experience!

I had to give up my classes when I retired in 2011 to take care of my mother, until she died in 2014. At that time I began to teach Fitness Classes at my church. 

Since 2018, I've been teaching free yoga classes at a Sailing Club on Lake Murray, where we are members.  My classes are free because it is a private club, and if we want or need to travel, I can cancel class and don't have to find a sub.

I also teach yoga and Aqua Aerobics for 7Oaks Park and The Heritage at Lowman Home, which are nearby.