Goals, Dedicated Focus and Positive Energy Define This All Star!

Julie’s biggest challenge doesn’t come from her boss, her husband or her friends. It comes from the still voice inside of her that encourages her to do her best in everything she does.  And that’s just what we see when Julie comes to the Studio to exercise.  We spent some time getting to know just who this winner is – and as you’ll see, she’s a woman who believes that nothing is impossible, drives herself to continuously improve … and she’s fun as well! 

Tell me a little about yourself – something creative and fun.  I’m very focused and very competitive – not with anyone else, but with myself.  Every time I do something – whether it is fitness related, career oriented or personal – I promise myself that I’m going to do it better this time than I did the last time. I set goals, surpass them and then set them higher.  (I might even be considered slightly obsessive-compulsive!)  

How long have you been interested in fitness? I’ve been active in some form for most of my life.  I used to run on the treadmill 30 minutes per day, every day.  I did Tae Bo (cardio-kickboxing) in my loft for many months. And there was a period for about 10 years when I would do 250 crunches every single day without fail.  I think I became obsessed!  Now, I realize that although I was active and working hard, my muscles were used to doing things a certain way.  That’s one of the many things I like about the Studio – the classes have a large variety and I get to challenge myself in new, unique ways every time I come. 

How do you view fitness – is it a lifestyle, a necessary evil, a means to an end? I view fitness as a goal as well.  I like to push myself.  I’m not focused on being perfect; just being healthy and fit for the rest of my life.  Sometimes, I get into that “zone” where I don’t hear or see anyone else, I just find myself. You know that place.  It’s easy for me to get there with you and Rose.  You are both very motivating and make me (and everyone else) feel good about ourselves.  You give me that extra push.  I think if I had joined a different club, I’d be discouraged by now.   

What made you join the Studio? Last year, right about this time, we were driving by and I told my husband I needed to stop in and see what it was like.  You were there and gave me a quick tour.  That following Thursday night, I came in for Butts-n-Guts with a friend. Although she decided to go a different path, that was the beginning for me.  From that point on, I’ve been coming 3-5 times a week for all kinds of classes.  

One thing that I really liked from day one about the Studio is the philosophy of no competition, no judgment between the members.  I create my own competition with myself.  I also love that no one is “perfect.”  We’re all there to have fun and get fit – not just be on show for everyone to look at.

Since you’ve joined the Studio, what are the biggest changes you’ve experienced? I have more energy.  I love to come home after late night kick boxing and show my husband my new punches and kicks.  We laugh a lot – I crack him up!  He dreads it because he knows I’ll be up and running around all night, full of energy.

I love the way my abs and arms have begun to look. I tease my husband about kicking his butt with my muscular upper body. I can see how the last year has paid off in the way I feel in my clothes.  We are leaving for Riviera Maya in a couple of months and I’m not dreading the way I’ll look in my bathing suit.  I’ve worked so hard at staying fit – and I can be excited about the trip, rather than worried about how I might look. Thanks, Rox! I also enjoy the social part of coming to the Studio. It’s so much more than a gym where you go in, work out and leave.  I love catching up on everyone’s new jobs, what’s going on in their lives, etc.  It’s a great group of people!

What are some of your goals? From a fitness perspective, I want to tone more and more – to see where my body can take me.  I am blessed with a husband who loves me no matter what.  (He also tells me that he knows that I will never let myself go.)  We’d like to have children soon, and I want to keep exercising throughout the pregnancy so that I can get right back into shape after having a baby.

What nuggets of wisdom you can share with others just starting out?

Compete with no one but yourself.

Set goals for yourself. It’s important to measure things to realize how far you have come.

Don’t give up – push forward, believe in yourself and your capabilities.  You are who and what you are because of your life experiences.

Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments – celebrate success! 

Julie, we’re proud of you and very honored to be a part of your life.  Thanks for sharing your passion, positive energy and your great personality - you're an inspiration to all of us. See you in Kickboxing class!

“Set goals; measure your progress; celebrate your accomplishments ... and compete with no one, but yourself”