about julie.
My mother told me that I was born a 'miracle child'.
At 7 months pregnant, my mother developed a bad case of internal poison ivy. The poison ivy attacked the umbilical cord and prevented me from receiving the proper nutrients to fully develop. At birth, my heart stopped and after several unsuccessful attempts of revival, I came back on my own will. The doctors told my mother that I wouldn't live long, but there was nothing they could do as I was too small to operate (4 lbs). They said that I had a ventral septal defect and a heart murmur (holes in my heart and valves that weren't closing correctly). They told my mother to take me home and love me - I would be lucky to see 6 months. Six months later, my mom brought me back and the doctors wrote 'miracle' across my chart.
As a child, I was told I would live to my mid-teens due to my heart condition. At the age of 7, my gym teacher taught me that the heart can be strengthened through cardiovascular exercise. Thanks to Mr. Larson, I adopted an exercise routine. At the age of 18, all life expectancies placed on me were lifted - I was told I would grow to live a normal life. At 24, I ran my first marathon, in honor of Mr. Larson. I believe that the gifts we are given in life are not worth anything unless we can give them back to others. Fitness gave me my life, and so I would like to give that gift back.
I have taught fitness classes for 18 years and have a Master's degree in Exercise Physiology from The Ohio State University. I give motivational talks across the globe, and lecture at national health conferences. I have shot over 15 fitness videos, under my own label as well as for other companies, and plan to continue to motivate and inspire others through additional fitness videos, overseeing programs and television opportunities.
We don't have control over everything that happens to us, but we can control how we take care of ourselves. I invite you, at whatever place you are at in your fitness journey - to join me in my on-going quest for a good, long life.
Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Make your life extraordinary.
In good health,
Julie
Founder of Julie Wilkes, Inc, Julie Wilkes Studios and Julie's Wish
- Chosen by FITNESS Magazine as one of the
Top 10 Champions of Health & Wellness
- Written about by the US Chamber of Commerce
- lululemon Ambassador (see Gallery)
- BusinessFirst 40 Under 40 Award 2010
- Owner, Julie Wilkes & Julie's Wish Charity
- Accenture US Wellness Lead
- Cap City 1/2 Marathon Corp. Wellness Lead
- LifeTime Fitness Master Instructor Lead
- Fitour ProTrainer/Certification Trainer
