I am 35 years old, married to my best friend, and blessed to be a stay at home mom to two beautiful little girls, Ashlan (3) and Gia (6 months). I grew up and attended college in West Virginia then moved to Charlotte, NC, where I worked for many years in the insurance field. Fitness has always been a passion of mine, but it became more of a priority after I had my first child. I wanted to learn all I could about health and fitness and decided to become a certified personal trainer through NASM. I worked part-time at a private fitness studio as a trainer until having my second little girl. It was a very rewarding experience watching and helping others reach their goals and, most importantly, gain confidence in themselves.

Before getting pregnant with my first child at 31, I was what you would call “skinny fat.” I was not overweight and appeared very lean in clothing, but did not have the lean muscle I had always wanted. I always worked out hard, but not smart. I was not eating enough or the right foods to ever achieve the look I desired. I went through two pregnancies and gained around 50lbs each time. I am very proud of the fact that I have gained muscle, dropped bodyfat, and achieved a better/stronger physique AFTER having children.

Fitness is just a way of life for me. It is something I do because I love it and how it makes me feel. My day does not feel complete unless I have done SOMETHING to challenge and use my body. The self-confidence I have gained just through my transformations is all if the motivation I need!

I am at a place now where I am considering training for a fitness competition. It is something I have always wanted to do to challenge myself. In addition, I just want to continue to live a healthy lifestyle and reach all of my personal fitness goals. I love competing with myself more than anything 🙂

The self-confidence gained through challenging and taking care of your body is like no other. Being a healthy role model for my two little girls, though, has to be the biggest motivator. I want them to see me living the lifestyle and having a healthy relationship with food/fitness/and my body. The best way to teach them is through my own actions. We make working out a family affair and FUN.

First, she was always there for me when I needed her and responded so quickly to every question I had, no matter how minor that question was. Her programs and nutrition plans are always fresh, new and never boring. Julie is an expert and it shows. There were times I started to revert back to my “old way of thinking” about diet and training, but made up my mind to follow her advice. Thank goodness I did! I have gained strength, lean muscle, and confidence that I did not have before working with Julie.

She is wonderful. There were times throughout my working with Julie that I fell off track or got sidetracked due to sick babies, packed schedules, you name it. Julie always stayed in contact with me and motivated me to get right back on the wagon. She was always so positive and a true model for me.

My favorite “diet” food would have to be my protein pumpkin pancakes. I could eat them every day of the year! They are so good that you forget you are eating clean and healthy.

Charlotte, NC

She is wonderful. There were times throughout my working with Julie that I fell off track or got sidetracked due to sick babies, packed schedules, you name it. Julie always stayed in contact with me and motivated me to get right back on the wagon. She was always so positive and a true model for me.