Debra Critcher has one of those dream jobs. She gets paid for doing what she likes to do best, and she helps people live longer. But as good as that sounds, it isn’t all fun and games for the attractive Boone native who is fitness director at the Hound Ears Club, where she supervises the physical workouts of the club’s many members and guests. In addition, she is the personal trainer for around twenty members and works steadily with them to help them achieve their training goals.
A 1986 graduate of Appalachian State University with a degree in healthcare management, Debra has always been a fitness buff. She was able to turn her keen interest into a career in 2004 when she joined the Hound Ears staff. Previously, she worked at Watauga Medical Center in admissions, as emergency room supervisor, and at Hound Ears as an aerobics teacher. She still works at the Wellness Center teaching group exercise offers private training to clients in their homes.
Being a fitness director is a demanding—but rewarding—occupation, she admits. Her days begin early with personal training activities, which start around 5:00 a.m. each day. She works until around noon supervising a series of planned exercises and routines that are designed for specific physical goals.
“I enjoy my work tremendously,” she states, “and have found great satisfaction in helping people improve their physical well-being. Often, the work is hard, but I know that the results are well worth the effort so I always give it my best shot.”
Last year, records show that Hound Ears members and guests made 5,238 visits to the popular fitness center, a large, well-equipped facility located near the clubhouse.
“We have excellent equipment,” Debra says, “that includes a wide variety of treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical, rowing, stretching and weight-lifting machines, along with other physical training needs.  We also do aerobics and water aerobics and have an active hiking club.
“I recommend daily work outs of at least thirty minutes,” she states.  “By doing that, people can keep their weight in line, their muscles toned and feel better in the process.
“Keeping fit is one of the most important aspects of life,” Debra contends. “Body, mind and soul are essential elements that should not be ignored. The health benefits of regular physical activity are significant. People who work out regularly have a lower risk of early death, coronary diseases, strokes, high blood pressure and many other adverse conditions.”
Debra also recommends that people eat more fiber, maintain a sensible weight, read food labels, quit smoking, get at least eight hours of sleep each night, and avoid stress and a negative frame of mind. “There is nothing better than a healthy, wholesome lifestyle,” she advises. “Try it and see.”
The slim, personable fitness director practices what she preaches. In addition to doing nearly every routine that her clients perform throughout the day, she has a daily workout schedule that includes walking, running, spinning, aerobics and weightlifting.
And her family does likewise. Her husband drives a produce truck out of Boone and loads and unloads his truck on each trip. Meanwhile, her three children – two sons and a daughter – are involved in baseball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, weightlifting and hiking.
“Ours is an active family,” she says with a smile, “and we wouldn’t be happy if we weren’t doing something to keep our bodies in good shape.”
Keeping up with this busy wife and mother would be a full-time job.  When she is not working, Debra enjoys playing the piano, hiking, boating, reading, watching movies, gardening, decorating and riding a motorcycle or ATV. “I like to stay busy,” she remarks.
In addition to her ASU degree, Debra, 44, holds certificates in group exercise, spin, aqua, step, pilates, flex and pump as well as personal training. She is certified by the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program.
“I would urge everyone who is concerned about his or her physical condition to get involved in a sound fitness program as soon as possible,” she advises. “It is the smart thing to do, and it just might save your life.”
And so it could.

Our thanks to retired Asheville Citizen-Times editor/Hound Ears resident, Bill F. Hensley, for writing this story, with additional information included by AAW editorial team.