Deb Butler
She’s Navajo and she’s buff
By: David Michaud
Native Sun News Correspondent Deb Butler has always been a very physically active person; she has just decided that she would start competing in a sport because of it. Butler is a member of the Navajo Nation from Crown Point, NM and after she competed in her first Bikini Bodybuilding competition and came up short she decided to train even harder and go back again. She is currently training for her next competition, which will take place in March 2014, and says she is “determined to succeed.” This is a large step from where she began. “When I initially decided to compete in bodybuilding, my ultimate goal was just to be able to do just that,” said Butler. “I wanted to see if I was mentally and physically strong enough to handle the training, diet and everything else that came along with it.” Having competed she now knows that she can, and wants more. “Today when I look at my before and after pictures it still amazes me how committed I was,” said Butler, who in five months dropped almost 30 pounds to fine tune her body. “I went into this competition with an open heart and just wanted to gain all the experience to step on that stage and show all my hard work and dedication,” said Butler. Doing great in the competitions she enters is not Butler’s only goals though. With Native American suffering from high rates of diabetes Butler, who is now 30, believes that she can help others fight off this deadly disease. “To me, it is sad to see that this diabetes epidemic has effected our Indian country,” said Butler. “Providing education and information in regards to staying fit and healthy is something I would love to provide to the Native community.” Having been training to put her body in peek physical form Butler knows about how hard it is to train daily and eat right, and she believes that through her training she has gained valuable knowledge that she wishes to pass on to others. “Eventually I want to create my own Prevention of Diabetes program where I can implement my knowledge and experience when it comes to being healthy and fit as well as provide personal training,” said Butler. Even without having a program set up yet she has already inspired those around her to strive for a healthier lifestyle. “When I started training for my competition I had friends reach out to me to tell me that with al the training I was doing I was influencing them to start getting in shape,” said Butler. “I was able to provide tips and information to help get them started and I’ve enjoyed hearing all of their amazing transformation stories.” Butler also says that she has joined a Facebook group called, “Healthy Active Natives” that she believes helps its members help each other. “I must say that the page has gone viral and it’s so beautiful to see all of the members pushing and motivating each other to be healthy and active,” said Butler. She uses the page to provide others with knowledge she has gained throughout the years, including healthy tips and recipes. Along with that she has received messages from members of the group asking various questions and using the social media page to help in any way she can. Having already helped so many, and with plans to help more, it will be no surprise if someday people are calling the Deb Butler Prevention of Diabetes program with questions. (Contact David Michaud at bulldawg_252000@hotmail.com) Copyright permission by Native Sun News
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