MARY WISNIEWSKI
Assistant Living Editor
The wardrobe code for a gym usually constitutes worn-out shorts accompanied with an old t-shirt, but this is not the case for Debi Boyle.
She wears jeans and a gray sweater over a black shirt that contrasts with her thick, long red hair. She looks like she stepped out of a casual fashion magazine instead of the Malibu Gym. However, this is fitting. She is not a typical person at the gym — She is the manager.
Boyle has been in the physical fitness business for years. In 1995, she became certified as a spinning instructor, and in 1996 she became certified as a personal trainer. Now she manages the Malibu Gym, which allows her to meet new people. Malibu Gym attracts all sorts of people, including Pepperdine students.
“There is a good steady flow of students,” Boyle said. “We have good deals for them.”
Pepperdine faculty and staff are also involved at Malibu Gym. For example, Fitness Programs Manager Jeeny Miller teaches classes at the gym.
In addition to interacting with locals, Boyle enjoys having the freedom to plan programs for the gym. For example, she was responsible for the gym’s participation in Pilates for Pink, a nationwide fundraiser for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in conjunction with Shape magazine.
Lasting throughout the month of October, Malibu Gym offered certain pilates classes, from which the class proceeds went to the cause. Boyle said about $6,500 was raised.
Besides her managing duties, Boyle also finds time to give group lessons, such as pilates, at the gym. She likes teaching because it lets her share her knowledge with others, and she gets a workout at the same time.
“I’ve seen so many transformations,” she said. “It’s very rewarding.”
Boyle said she likes to watch people gain confidence both physically and mentally.
However, Boyle did not always expect to be in the physical fitness business, and in fact, made her career as a television commercial producer for a while.
She said she loves production because of its challenges and the effort required to meet those challenges. She also likes production and film because it is a fantasy world of creating an illusion and making people believe it.
Besides producing commercials, she worked in television and helped promote shows such as T.J. Hooker and Loveboat. Boyle decided to put her production days on hold when she had her first daughter. She wanted to focus on parenting.
“My oldest daughter made me stop and breathe,” she said.
She said having a daughter has really helped her put perspective on her life.
“There is nothing better than good food, good drink and good company,” she said.
Boyle has also found these things in Malibu, a place she has lived for 18 years. Although she now lives in the Pacific Palisades, she stays involved in the communities of Malibu.
Boyle said she is fond of Malibu in part because it is a small community.
“I like everybody knowing everyone,” she said.
Boyle also likes to spend time running, playing tennis, gardening and cooking fresh, healthy foods.
“You can find balance between food and fitness,” she said. “Sometimes food wins.”
Throughout all of these activities, she also likes her down time.
“It’s important to know when to stop,” she said.
At 48, Boyle said she reflects on what she has done in life, as well as what she wants to do.
One thing is certain — she is definitely not settling down. While continuing to manage the gym, Boyle is in the works of combining both her passions for health and fitness with a television show.
But, most importantly, Boyle stresses the importance of giving back to the community by sharing one’s knowledge.
“My goal is to find out what isn’t working and help it beyond the physical,” she said.
It seems she achieves this with her role in Pilates for Pink, physical fitness instruction and family achievements.
11-09-2006