Julia Be Well Fitness — Local services in Centerville

Based on a recommendation of a friend, to whom I am extremely grateful, I scheduled an appointment with Julia to see what kind of work she does and whether she could be a good resource. I was looking for someone who could help me relieve lower back and shoulder pain, increase flexibility and relieve stress.

Her thorough assessment of my situation and goals via a pre-meeting questionnaire and face-to-face questioning, combined with her personable style, put me at ease immediately. She guided me through some initial movements to gauge my capabilities and situation. For example, I quickly learned that how I have been bending forward for decades was actually straining my back. Within minutes Julia showed me how I could bend in a way that relieved the pressure/strain on my vertebrae and muscles.

I have worked with personal trainers and massage therapists in the past. They were all skilled in their own way and I got considerable benefit from them.

Julia has been a whole new level of support, however. In intense one-on-one sessions over the past several months, she has coached me on how the human body functions and how to retrain both my mind and muscles to move more correctly and efficiently. Everything has been tailored to my needs and, with Julia’s exacting and expert observation, her coaching has been targeted on improving my specific and unique ways of moving.

It has involved “homework” and learning to embrace (well, at least tolerate in my case) the “good pain” of stretching and strengthening. It has also given me ways I can relieve the back and shoulder pain, increase my flexibility and, in the process, manage life stress.

It does not require lots of equipment or space. I invested in a yoga mat, therapy balls, resistance bands and support blocks, and a little space on the floor in our living room or bedroom has been enough to practice what I am learning.

I give Julia the highest praise and recommendation for her expertise in functional movement, her exacting and challenging coaching, her genuine support and encouragement, and her personable, friendly manner. Bring her your aches and pains and/or your hopes for better posture or increased strength and I predict that you, like me, will consider every penny, bead of sweat and dose of “good pain” well worth...

I began working with Julia about 10 months ago. I am an overweight, out of shape, 57 year old woman and there is a lot that needs improvement. I had never worked with a personal trainer before and was not sure what to expect.

Our first session together she had me focus on my feet. My feet? I thought it was kind of strange, until she really started explaining how our feet are our foundation and that they affect our ankles, shins, knees, thighs, hips and so on. One of the things I love about Julia is that she is so knowledgeable about the human body, but she really goes out of her way to make me understand it as well. She not only focuses on how to do something and do it properly, but why to do it, and I really love that.

I have had numerous challenges and set-backs during our time together and I am always amazed at how she always finds a way to either modify what we are doing, or find something completely different that will work as a substitute to get me through the problem. I have worked with her in person and now via Zoom sessions. Her patience and caring are unequaled. She really is an amazing person doing just what she was created to do.

As I said before, I did not know what to expect out of a personal trainer, but she has far exceeded anything I would have expected. If you have been thinking of trying out a personal trainer, I highly suggest that you give her a try. She works with all fitness levels. It will definitely change your life for the better.

Thanks...

I asked for Julia’s help because I was having a lot of shoulder and neck pain. This had been going on for months. Between hot yoga, and lifting weights and doing the elliptical five days a week, I was not happy with this ongoing pain. Was I doing something wrong? I also was bored with lifting weights...I really needed some inspiration. That’s when I called Julia. Lo and behold, in my yoga practice, I was putting all my weight in my shoulders in many poses, and not using my core. In my standing position I locked my knees and pushed out my chest and stomach. I was not using my core to support me. What a difference Julia made! I’m almost done with 10 weeks of instruction, and I’m planning to keep going with Julia, because there is so much more to learn and she has challenged me like no other. She peels away the layers like an onion, and starts at the beginning to build upon simple but very important movements to strengthen the core. I no longer lock my knees, my body is in alignment, and I’m constantly aware of my core engaging. It’s so wonderful to see the progress (I have no more shoulder/neck pain, and I’m so much stronger in yoga). My weightlifting is more challenging. I’ve learned the core affects so many parts of our bodies...anyone who wants to address/eliminate those aches and pains, really needs to call Julia. She’s very knowledgeable, will meet you where you are in your abilities, and she’s a joy...