Debi Thomas: Black Fitness History Episode #6

BFH Workout #6: Debi Thomas

Debbie Thomas, born on March 25, 1967, in Poughkeepsie, New York, is a former American figure skater and orthopedic surgeon.

 Thomas gained international acclaim in the 1980s for her performances on the ice. She became the first African-American woman to win the U.S. National Figure Skating Championship in 1986. She secured a bronze medal at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

Thomas balanced her athletic career with education, earning a degree in engineering from Stanford University. After retiring from competitive skating, she pursued a medical career specializing in orthopedic surgery.

Debbie Thomas's life reflects sporting excellence, determination, and success in multiple fields.

The Queen of the Skates Workout

11 Ice Skaters

11 Lateral Lunges

11 Jump Squats

11 Jumping Jacks

11 Minute A.M.R.A.P.

Exercise List

Ice Skaters

Start with your body balanced on one leg. Jump to the other legs with your hands in an ice skater motion.

Lateral Lunges

Start with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step one leg out laterally and drop into a lunge while extending your opposite leg. Stay wide-legged and move into a lateral lunge on the opposite side.

Jump Squats

Start standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes turned slightly outward. Bend your knees and jump up into the air. Land softly to absorb your landing.

Jumping Jacks

Start with your feet hip-width apart and hands down by your side. Jump out and extend your hands over your head. Return to the starting position.