Because we know that healthy lifestyles are achieved through nurturing the mind, along with body and spirit, well-being and fitness at the Y include more than just working out.
“A life coach at the end of the day is accountability. It’s making sure you’re going to do what you say you’re going to do,” says Debbie Keegan, the Tampa Y’s only certified Master Life Coach on staff or “results coach” as she sometimes refers to herself.
Debbie works part-time at the
New Tampa Family YMCA. “I know the tools and techniques on how to get people to where they want to be and help reframe the thoughts through a lot of behaviors,” says Debbie. “Anytime you want to change – a new goal or habit – 80 percent of it is behavioral.”
The goals of the clients vary – from parenting and relationships to divorce and people wanting to lose a substantial amount of weight. “I take you where you’re at today and move you forward. What you do have control over is here and now,” explaining she doesn’t focus on what happened in her clients’ past. “I like to empower. I like to inspire. I like to have people strive for better than where they’re at now because it’s all achievable. If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way and if not, you’ll find an excuse.”
All new members at the New Tampa Y receive a free 30-minute consultation with Debbie. “I tell them think of something you want to work on like a goal. If you don’t know what that is then we can do goal setting and help them get to their goals faster,” she says.
Debbie also teaches a self-help book club where participants read a popular book and she gives them homework. “It’s been amazing to see the transformation of people’s lives,” Debbie says. “I want them to live the life they’re created for, not the one they were given.”
If you’re interested in learning more, call the New Tampa Y or e-mail
Debbie.Keegan@tampaymca.org to set up an appointment.
Pictured above: Debbie Keegan is the Tampa Y’s only certified Master Life Coach on staff at the New Tampa Family YMCA.
