For the month of October, I asked Julie a series of questions to get to know her better, celebrate her accomplishments, and allow her to give others a little behind-the-scenes look at training with me at JM Health and Performance.
Build a picture of your time at JM Health and Performance (When did you start? How did you find JMHP and what were your feelings that first day?)
I started training with Jeremy in Feb of 2024. Jeremy and I knew each other from playing pickleball and one day when out in the community, I asked him about some treatment and exercises due to my being limited due to pain in my hip and knee. He listened carefully and asked if I was doing any strength training. I told him I used to do a lot but wasn’t currently. He emphasized the importance of it to prevent injury and sustain the active lifestyle I have had my entire life. (Tennis was my sport growing up; then played in college at UF and taught professionally for over 20 years. I also ran several marathons but as I got older, I had some issues as a result).
What was your “why” when you first started and how have you made progress toward that?
My goals were to to see if they could improve (without surgery). My husband was super encouraging of me reaching back out to Jeremy and to begin strength training with him to see if it could help me. Wanted to get stronger on the pickleball court as well as be able to be super active with our grandkids! Yes, I was very surprised at the progress I made, especially with my knee. Jeremy was (and is) very attentive and knowledgeable on what I should and should not do. I’m doing various kinds of squats now which would have been unimaginable when I started. And I’m stronger throughout my body.
In what way has Jeremy supported you in achieving your goals?
He is teaching my proper form and various exercises, always taking into considerations my goals of strengthening my weaknesses and challenging all my muscles.
What are some of your favorite lifts or movements?
I like the lat pulldowns and rows along with the RX squats. Sometimes the med ball throws are the best and there is something satisfying about pulling and pushing the sled. Actually, I really like the variety of it all.
What PRs (personal bests) or accomplishments in the gym are you most proud of?
It’s encouraging to see results.
What are your hobbies?
As mentioned, I play a lot of pickleball. Also enjoy yoga, rucking, biking and reading.
What’s on your general bucket list?
Traveling with my husband Dave and spending lots of time with our families.
What would you say to someone on the fence about joining or just starting with JM Health and Performance?
Try it and commit to it. It’s life changing. I am almost exclusively an “outside exercise person” but adding The Gym is not only super beneficial giving me more energy and endurance, but I really enjoy it.
Tell us a little about your work with the Jay Fund, and the best (or easiest) way for someone reading this to get involved?
It’s my privilege to be the Volunteer Coordinator for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund. Seeing behind the scenes all we are able to do for families who have a child with cancer is an honor. I work with a dedicated, wonderful staff and incredible volunteers. Sidenote is before I was going to The Gym personally, our Jay Fund Team told me about how wonderful it is at the Gym, as they hosted one of our Caregiver events (for parents who have a child with cancer). Anyone interested in more info on the Jay Fund can check out: tcjayfund.org