Debbie Jacobs Heard

Although my "real" job is a corporate tax accountant, I've been passionate about health and fitness for several years.  It’s been a journey to find that passion though; I was a very unhealthy individual until my last two years in college.  Luckily, I had several college roommates who introduced me to nutrition and exercise.  I experienced several positive benefits, like weight loss and increased self-esteem and confidence, but the real life changer was what exercise did for me specifically.

I’ve always had a lot of energy.  Some might say a little too much!  Exercise became the outlet to make me the focused, balanced woman I am today.  As my passion for fitness grew, so did my fitness participation.  I moved from 30 minute elliptical workouts, to group fitness classes, to running, swimming, and biking.  I fell in love with racing, both running and triathlons, and began to push the distances further and further.  As a result, I’ve completed four marathons (and just signed up for number five!) and just finished a half ironman triathlon three weeks ago.

Although I’m proud of all I’ve done, it wasn’t enough for me.  What really inspired me was when I passed my passion for fitness on to someone else.  It started off as informal strength training sessions for inquiring friends.  As I became a more accomplished runner, I began to “teach” my friends how to run.  I was the only runner in my friend group, now all of my friends and husband participate in various local races with me.  Still, something was missing.

I had been taking spin classes for over five years when the idea struck that I wanted to teach it.  It’s the best idea I’ve ever had!  I know I take group fitness classes to push myself to do what I wouldn’t do on my own.  It’s hard to describe the joy I get watching others find and shatter their limits.  I look forward to finding new opportunities to do this through your company.