About Julia
Hi, I’m Julia.
A BOARD CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH & PERSONAL TRAINER BASED IN CHICAGO
Julia’s story
I was always a generally healthy person, eating mostly healthy food, keeping up with exercise and such. I looked healthy on the outside, but there were a few areas where I was losing control. I struggled with insomnia, chronic bloating, skin issues, and high levels of anxiety and stress.
After dealing with these health issues for years, I came across the field of functional medicine. I was amazed at how functional medicine focuses on treating the root cause of a concern vs the symptom and addresses a person’s health holistically. I started working with a functional medicine practitioner and implementing lifestyle changes personalized for my unique concerns. After a few months, I started to see major improvements in my health. By understanding what changes were right for me and staying consistent with executing them, I was able to feel in control again.
I decided to leave the corporate world where I had spent 10 years of my life and start a career in health coaching. I was trained at the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy and became a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach before passing the national board exam to become a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). I chose health coaching so that I could help others with the implementation of positive lifestyle changes, since our lifestyle is paramount to our overall health and those changes are the most difficult to do. I was able to make some healthy changes in my life and turn them into habits that I enjoy. I want to help others do the same.
I also completed my personal trainer certification (NASM-CPT) through National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) so that I can offer more targeted solutions and custom training programs for my clients with fitness goals.
In addition to my functional medicine health coaching certification, I have completed specialized training in ReCODE 2.0 coaching through Apollo Health, equipping me to support individuals and families navigating cognitive decline and Alzheimer's diagnoses. This additional training allows me to provide coaching for lifestyle interventions based on Dr. Dale Bredesen's groundbreaking protocol for reversing cognitive decline.
When I am not coaching clients, I enjoy gardening, cooking, live music, and spending time with family, friends, and my dog.
I am passionate about helping others find joy in living healthier and realize their full potential.
Julia’s Approach
MY APPROACH TO HEALTH FOCUSES ON BALANCE AND INCREMENTAL CHANGE SO THAT IT IS SUSTAINABLE FOR INDIVIDUALS BASED ON WHERE THEY ARE AT.
Getting and being healthy should be a joyful and fulfilling experience, not one filled with intimidation, dread, or guilt. In my solution-oriented process, I draw on positive emotions and character strengths to build confidence, expand awareness, and create a unique wellness journey for each client.
About Holden Lifestyle Health
Holden Lifestyle Health offers a harmonious blend of functional medicine principles and firsthand experience overcoming health challenges while balancing high expectations in work and life.
Our core values serve as our foundation:
-
We encourage incremental and sustainable changes that are achievable for each client, avoiding quick fixes and unrealistic expectations. We promote a balanced approach that integrates healthy choices into daily life without feeling overwhelming or limiting.
-
We provide personalized, 1:1 support and tailored guidance to each client, keeping their unique health situation at the forefront. By building meaningful connections, we ensure each client feels heard and supported, serving as a trusted ally in their wellness journey. We help clients connect to their inner motivations for change and overall wellness vision.
-
By supporting clients in taking ownership of their lifestyle choices and providing the resources needed to help them to make confident, independent decisions, our clients are empowered to take control of their health. We encourage clients to become that ideal version of themselves and make it part of their identity, while celebrating all successes, even the small wins.
-
It is important that we cultivate a calm and peaceful environment, creating a space where clients can feel at ease, using practices like breathing exercises to foster a tranquil mindset. We emphasize the importance of relaxation, reflection, and an appreciation for the charm in every moment.
-
At HLH, we prioritize alignment of the body, mind, and spirit, supporting clients in achieving equilibrium in all aspects of their well-being. We encourage clients to connect their health goals to things that bring them joy, allowing them to associate healthy habits with positive emotions. We build a collaborative relationship with our clients to create a fulfilling coaching experience.