DeBarra Mayo

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DeBarra Mayo

DeBarra Mayo is an American fitness personality, writer and author.

Background

DeBarra Mayo won titles and awards in women's bodybuilding in the 1980s. She won the title "Ms. Gold Ring Classic" in 1982 where she received the "Most Muscular Woman" trophy for her low percentage of body fat; and the first place trophy in her height and weight class. At 5'3" Mayo competed at a body weight of 107-112 lbs. She was a member of the American Federation of Women Bodybuilders.

Mayo began writing fitness and health articles to bring awareness to the public about the benefits of physical exercise and good nutrition. Her first article, "Fitness Forum," was published by The Mid-Week NewsMagazine, Morgantown, West Virginia on April 14, 1982. Mayo demonstrated exercise routines for many of her articles. She was known for her extreme flexibility--and strength despite her petite frame. She was also known for her sense of humor, which she frequently integrated into her articles; and occasionally she would weave her original poetry into her writings. The combination resonated with readers.

Mayo's enthusiasm and upbeat style gained the attention of notable publications. In 1983 she was contacted by Richard Benyo; editor-in-chief of Runner's World Magazine. The founder of Runner's World, Bob Anderson, was in the process of launching a new magazine entitled, "FIT." Anderson and his staff were looking for fresh writers with novel ideas. Impressed with Mayo's work, she was offered a contract. Mayo began writing and modeling for FIT, which became a successful globally circulated magazine. After establishing herself as a regular contributor to FIT," Mayo wrote two books: The Runner's World Yoga Book II, and Women's Bodybuilding for Beginners; both published by Anderson World, Inc.

Mayo taught aerobics and flexibility classes to the West Virginia University football team in 1983 under the direction of Head Coach, Don Nehlen. She taught aerobics, strength training and Yoga at her own studio, as well as other locations throughout the country. She frequently appeared as a "guest instructor" at health clubs, clinics, seminars, athletic events and shopping malls; sometimes teaming up with a partner to demonstrate synchronized choreographed routines along with dynamic music and glamorous apparel to create a visual effect designed to motivate participants and viewers.

Mayo received a diploma from ICS, School of Fitness and Nutrition on January 27, 1986. She completed Iyengar Yoga training at Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville, North Carolina in 2001, and received Yoga certification September 09, 2003 from the American Aerobic Association International & International Sports Medicine Association ([1]).

In 1986 a feature story about Mayo appeared in the Erie Daily Times (Erie Times-News) The article provided an opportunity for Mayo to become a columnist for the newspaper. The column, "DeBarra Mayo on Fitness," was published in the Erie Daily Times in 1986. A similar column, entitled: "DeBarra Mayo" was subsequently picked up by The Gettysburg Times where it appeared as a syndicated column. In 1986, Mayo became a member of The Authors Guild, Inc.

Radio

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DeBarra Mayo

Mayo was the star of "Get Fit Wednesdays with DeBarra;" a radio show that aired on WCLG during the 1980s. She co-hosted the show with radio veterans Larry Nelson and Eugene Cottilly who received exercise routines from DeBarra while on the air! The innovative show along with Mayo's high-energy personality brought additional opportunities.

Television

In 1983 Mayo appeared as a television guest on Pittsburgh Today along with Franco Harris of football fame. The episode gained national attention when Mayo gave Harris a grueling arm workout while on the air. Harris laughingly nicknamed Mayo, "Killer." A newspaper article with the heading: "The Girl Who Could Take on Franco Harris," caught the attention of WVU football coach, Don Nehlen who later recruited Mayo to train his squad.

Guest appearances

Mayo appeared as a celebrity athlete and model at a variety of events including the Super Show in Atlanta, Georgia, where she represented Nike, Inc. as part of their Body Elite program.

On May 21, 1983 Mayo appeared as a "Special Guest Judge" at the Golden Body Contest, a bodybuilding contest hosted by Gold's Gym of Hagerstown, Maryland. On February 07, 1985 Mayo appeared as a guest athlete at the Meadville Area Sports Banquet to honor 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, Bruce Baumgartner. She had the distinction of being the first woman to appear as a guest at the banquet.

Mayo has received awards for public service including an award from the American Lung Association Erie, PA for conducting and hosting aerobic fundraising events.

Epilepsy awareness

Mayo is actively involved with bringing awareness to the public about epilepsy. She publicly announced her medical condition by writing a four-part series, Living with Epilepsy, where she outlined her personal struggles with the condition. The series was published by stayhealthy.com in November of 1999 for Epilepsy Awareness Month.

A feature story about Mayo entitled: "Out of the Shadows" appeared in the Fayetteville Observer on November 29, 1999. Mayo said she tried to hide her condition since she was a teenager. She said she tried to make her body as healthy as possible to compensate for the condition that was affecting her brain.

Mayo withdrew from public life for several years due to medical complications. During that period she focused her efforts into research and other projects while working to regain her strength and muscle control. In addition to producing educational materials for various organizations, she assisted the Epilepsy Information Service at Wake Forest University with research and educational tools; and she coordinated media efforts to bring awareness to the public about Epilepsy by starting an organizational project called TEAM--The Epilepsy Awareness Mission.

1998 - present

Mayo got married in 1998. After receiving medication adjustments and physical therapy, Mayo returned to her roots.

DeBarra Mayo continues to write and appear as a guest speaker. She is working on her third book as well as a series of motivational short stories. Mayo, whose married name is Shaw, writes and produces material under: DeBarra Mayo, D.K.Shaw, DeBarra Shaw and DeBarra Mayo-Shaw. On occassion she uses her first name only.

Mayo is currently studying martial arts and in 2005 she joined the Karate Team at the United States Karate Academy. She is concurrently studying Taekwon-Do at Offutt Air Force Base. On March 07, 2006 she received a trophy for her board-breaking skill.

Early years

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DeBarra Mayo-Shaw practicing karate, 2006

DeBarra Mayo, (DeBarra Katherine Capozello), was born in Omaha, Nebraska but raised in Pennsylvania. Her mother, Bette Lee Hogarth, was a national baton twirling champion and stage performer who was known for twirling fire batons. Her father, John Robert Capozello, was an accomplished jazz pianist who played in the United States Air Force Band. He also played in the "Blue Notes;" a jazz combo that appeared on television and radio. Her parents, known as "Roberts and Lee," performed at various venues. On September 18, 1970 they made a guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson after Carson launched a nationwide search to find Mayo's mother who had performed with him in his early years.

Mayo's mother owned a dance studio, so DeBarra learned performance arts at an early age. She competed in baton competitions; winning awards for her skills. She assisted her mother with teaching ballet and baton lessons at the studio.

Mayo played guitar and piano--and she composed music and poetry. She sang and played in a local band, which gave her the opportunity to showcase her original music. In addition, she was part of "The Red, White and Blue Revue;" a theatrical group that performed summer stock productions at Knoebels Park, Elysurg, Pennsylvania. She wrote a song specifically for the revue entitled: "Your America," which was performed by the troupe. The local popularity of the song prompted a feature in an area newspaper.

Mayo attended Southern Area High School in Catawissa, Pennsylvania. She was on the majorettes team and worked on the school newspaper staff where she wrote a column entitled, "Tiger Tales." She served as treasurer of the Student Council and was crowned "Homecoming Queen" as well as "Miss All Home Days Ralpho Township, Pennsylvania;" a local beauty paegant. She was also a chess competitor who served as president of the "Chess Club" in her senior year.

For recreation, Mayo enjoyed swimming and diving. She suffered a head injury during a diving accident. Afterwards, she began to experience episodes of debilitating symptoms including loss of muscle control and drop attacks that resulted in additional injuries--including concussion. The episodes progressed into her adult life and became more frequent. She began weightlifting and focusing on good nutrition in an effort to cope with her symptoms. She also began studying Yoga. After seeing the benefits derived from adopting a healthy lifestyle, Mayo chose a career in the fitness field.

Book titles

• Runner's World Yoga Book II, DeBarra Mayo, Anderson World Books, Inc. 1983, ISBN 0-89037-274-8
• Women's Bodybuilding for Beginners, DeBarra Mayo with Joseph Mayo, M.A., Anderson World Books, Inc. 1983, ISBN 0-89037-290-X

Magazine titles

• Sensuous Shoulders, FIT, Dec. 1982, page 31
• Strong and Sexy, FIT, Jan. 1983, page 31
• A Winning Fitness Duo, FIT, Feb. 1983
• Building a Body Worth Baring in a Bikini, Diet and Exercise, Issue 5, Fall 1983, page 91
• Splash!, FIT, June 1983, page 29
• Bottoms Up, FIT, June 1983, page 37
• Waisting Away, FIT, July 1983, page 37
• Create a Masterpiece, FIT, Aug. 1983, page 46
• Get Your Act Together, FIT, Oct. 1983, page 41
• Stretch to a More Beautiful Body, FIT, Dec. 1983, page 64
• Stretch to a More Beautiful Body Part II, FIT, Jan. 1984, page 50
• Stop Smoking, DeBarra Mayo with Joseph Mayo, FIT, Jan. 1984, page 50
• Keeping Fit, Mayo, FIT, Jan. 1984, page 74
• Powerful yet Feminine, Dayton, Exercises by DeBarra Mayo, Get FIT, March 1984, page 45
• Belly Dancing: Give It a Fair Shake, FIT, April 1984, page 26
• Yoga for Two, FIT, April 1984, page 44
• Keeping Fit, FIT, April 1984, page 22
• Perfect Posture, DeBarra Mayo with Joseph Mayo, FIT, Sept. 1984
• Bodybuilding for Beginners, Strength Training for Beauty, Sept. 1984, page 88
• The Wonders of Warmup, DeBarra Mayo with Joseph Mayo, FIT Sept. 1984
• Importance of Cooldown, DeBarra Mayo with Joseph Mayo, FIT, Oct. 1984, page 27
• Aerobic Instruction--Start on the Right Foot!, FIT, July 1986, page 100
• Focus on Aerobics, FIT, Sept. 1986, page 100
• Remedies for Aerobic Burnout, FIT, Jan. 1987

Newspaper articles

Mid-Week NewsMagazine, Morgantown, WV

• Fitness Forum, April 14, 1982
• Beautiful hair, Sept. 1, 1982
• Herbs, Sept. 8, 1982
• Fashions for fitness, Sept. 15, 1982
• Good health tips, Sept. 22, 1982
• Dieting, Sept. 29, 1982
• Back pain and improper alignment, June 9, 1982
• Cellulite problems plague many, June 30, 1982
• Smoking is neither good nor glamorous, July 7, 1982
• Exercise benefits, July 21, 1982
• New Year Goals, Jan. 5, 1983
• Get in shape after holidays, Jan. 12, 1983
• Physical fitness, Feb. 2, 1983
• Ginseng, March 26, 1983
• The science of eating well, May 21, 1983
• For your animals good health, 1982-83
• Blackstrap molasses nutritionally rich, 1982-83
• The serindipitious enzyme, 1982-83
• Thick sround the middle?, 1982-83
• Brewer's Yeast, 1982-83
• Vitamins, 1982-83
• Vegetable Broth, 1982-83
• The Magic of Aloe Vera discussed, 1982-83
• Food for thought, 1982-83
• Spirulina may be nutritionally sound, 1982-83
• Fresh fruits, 1982-83

Erie Daily Times

• Despite publicity people still smoke, April 3, 1986
• Tanning Beds Hot Item, Sunday April 13, 1986
• Experts give advice on dry sauna safety, March 20, 1986
• The big question!Do you need to exercise?, May 15, 1986
• Low impact aerobics making big impact, May 22, 1986
• Taking care of 'Pearly Whites', June 5, 1986
• Help with stress, June 26, 1986
• Sneaky workouts can be beneficial, July 24, 1986
• Ginseng tea provides many health benefits, July 1986
• Water workouts prove effective, Aug. 8, 1986
• To Push or not to push, Aug. 21, 1986
• Tips on Home Exercise, Sept. 11, 1986
• Weather brings transition time, Sept. 1986
• Plan for holidays now or watch belly grow, Nov. 6, 1986
• Christmas ideas for fitness buffs, Nov. 20, 1986
• Thick and tired of being flabby?, Dec. 5, 1986
• Lighten load as holidays approach, Dec. 11, 1986
• Make a resolution not to break resolutions, Jan. 1987
• Liposuction latest to help reduce fat, 1986-87
• C.P.R. techniques easy to perform, 1986-87

• Stretching is key to good workouts, 1986-87
• Are you taking part in muscle mania?, 1986-87
• Santa's wearing jogging shoes, Dec. 1986
• Close encounters of the fitness kind, 1986-87
• Rewards numberous for fitness fanatics, 1986-87
• Flexibility key to good fitness, 1986-87
• Tips for hot weather training, 1986-87
• Employers interested in employee fitness, 1986-87
• Fresh fruit more than just tasty, 1986-87
• Real men do aerobics, 1986
• Roller Skating: the fun-filled aerobic sport, 1986-87
• Massage Therapy, 1986-87
• Ice Skating for fitness fun, 1986-87
• Sleep important role, 1986-87
• Float tanks are popular, 1986-87
• Keep fit and healthy during winter, 1986
• Talking more about Yoga, 1986-87
• Bodybuilding introduction, 1986-87

Gettysburg Times

• Terms to know for speaking 'physically fit, March 28-29, 1987
• Nice and easy does it is new move in exercies, April 4-5, 1987
• Walking is one of the most popular forms of exercise, April 18-19, 1987
• Saunas may be hot but many think they're 'cool', May 9-10 1987
• Indoor tans, 1987

Notes

In 1981 Mayo placed third in the Ms."North America Physique" bodybuilding contest held in Berwick, Pennsylvania. In 1983 she took the fifth place trophy in the Open Pittsburgh Women's Bodybuilding Championship held in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and she took the third place trophy in the West Virginia Cup Championship 1983, held in Wheeling, WV. The Ms. Gold Ring Classic contest was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Mayo's column in the Erie Daily Times was published every Thursday. The column in the Gettysburg Times appeared in the Saturday/Sunday edition.

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