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Whether speaking with her or watching her on YouTube videos* leading viewers through a variety of fitness sessions, Debbie Schwanke exudes energy with a capital “E.” A certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, Debbie has worked at PGA WEST® for nearly two decades. In addition to one-on-one personal training for Club Members, she teaches group classes including spin, HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts, TRX, mat Pilates, and stretch.
A Southern California native, Debbie spent 18 years in Florida raising her children while
working in the public school system. While in Florida, she decided to pursue her fitness certifications.
“I’ve always been into fitness, and I worked with a personal trainer,” Debbie says. “That’s what motivated me to go for my own personal training certification. I was in my early 40s when I started teaching.
A self-described “people person” Debbie has found her true calling in the world of fitness.
“I love the high energy and camaraderie that comes with training and group fitness,” she enthuses. “I have a passion for inspiring and motivating my students, and I want them to have a good time while they’re working out.
She has also seen so many great friendships built through the group fitness program at PGA WEST and thinks very highly of Club Members.
“The Membership is incredible—the people are kind and loving, and they are basically my second family,” she says.
Debbie’s approach to fitness is grounded in a holistic body-mind-spirit philosophy that includes promoting healthy nutrition. She’s also very attuned to helping Members make modifications based on health concerns, mobility, if they’re recovering from an injury, etc.
Her advice to people who would like to begin a regular fitness regimen:
“Start with a personal trainer so you get the important groundwork. You have to develop the building blocks and develop your strength and endurance the right way,” she explains. “You need somebody to monitor you and show you the proper way to work your body, so that you don’t put yourself at risk of injury. She encourages a morning exercise regimen noting that it “sets the stage for your entire day.”
When she’s not at work, Debbie is always planning for her next classes and now a wedding; she and her fiancé became engaged this past June. They are “two peas in a pod” who both enjoy an active life and eating well.
“I love where I live, what I do, the people and, of course, the weather!”
*You can find Debbie’s fitness videos at https://www.youtube.com/@debraschwanke7067.