Julie Luther loves the fitness industry and everything about it – especially the people she gets to meet and help along the way! Since her start as an aerobic dance instructor in the 70’s, Julie has immersed herself in the world of health and fitness, and she wouldn’t have it any other way!
Julie Luther loves music, exercise, telling people what to do and being in the spotight, so when aerobic dance began back in the 1970’s, it was the perfect thing for her to do! She has been teaching ever since, and has seen the fitness industry change and grow quite a bit over the years.
Julie started her own business teaching fitness classes in companies, churches and for community groups, and she also had a fitness show for 11 years on the local education channel, which appealed to her because she knew she was reaching people who could not afford to work out in a health club. Julie also began lecturing on health and fitness, writing articles for magazines and newspapers, and eventually opened PurEnergy – her very own fitness center – in Greensboro, North Carolina. “There are countless reasons why I love what I do, but the most heartfelt reason is that I can positively affect people’s lives,” she says.
When it comes to her own club, Julie says that making the gym an extension of someone’s family is important. “I want PurEnergy to be their ‘third place’ – our members have their families, their work and PurEnergy!” she says, “We have so many members that have worked out with us for years and they really feel like they are part of our success. They are constantly asking what our next specialty program will be so they can join and get with a group.” Julie has found that this type of activity builds bonds and relationships that help members create new friendships. Some of her club’s members have even gone on to do adventure trips together!
“I also enjoy the variety of folks we attract. We have a large amount of seniors, and I just love them!” she says. PurEnergy also attracts quite a few serious athletes, and Julie rises to the challenge of keeping them fit. “I love creating brand new workouts every day and watching them marvel at what their bodies can accomplish,” she says. She also performs all of the assessments at the club, so she is involved in couseling everyone and helping them own up to their behaviors from day one.
Julie says the best part of her job every day is teaching groups because she loves the energy everyone can experience. “Since I’ve been teaching groups for so many years and it’s my favorite thing to do, I can come into the class with no preconceived notions about what I am going to teach.” The perfectionist in her enjoys the intensity of everyone ‘getting it’ and seeing everyone in sync.
Julie has two grown boys, Troy, 28, and Blaze, 30. Blaze works at PurEnergy, as does her sister Lynne, making it a family affair! “Even when my boys were young, my Mom or Dad would come by to give me a chance to go for a run so I could get away and come back refreshed,” shares Julie. “Today, since my family works with me, I get the best of all worlds. My fitness routine is not at all compromised and they understand my need to get away to the beach for some true relaxation so I can come back refreshed and rearing to go!”
NUTRITION: “I begin each weekday at 5 a.m. and eat a fiber and protein-filled breakfast that can consist of Kashi GoLean waffles or a new energy bar I’ve found called Heart Thrive. I usually go home from 12:30 to 3:00 for lunch, which is typically a Healthy Choice or Health Valley can of soup, a Healthy Choice or Kashi frozen dinner, or a salad with tuna. Dinner is usually out for Thai, Korean or the occasional steak and salad. I get to cook from scratch more on weekends, and one of my favorite things to cook is a big pot of bean soup. I also have a fabulous garden from June thru October, so I get to eat a lot of fresh vegetables. I avoid alcohol, caffeine, sweets and staying up late – I’m usually in bed by 9:00 p.m.”
FITNESS: “I teach one or two classes every morning, usually a Spinning® class and a senior class or a Spinning class and a sculpt class. While I’m home for lunch I walk my dog most days for 30-40 minutes, then take a hot bath and prepare for my afternoon routine. Back at the gym I take a Pilates System® class on Monday and Wednesday and train clients until 7:00 p.m. or so. I teach a great sculpt/spin class one Saturday a month and on other weekends I go to the beach with a friend and run with my dog. I also get a massage at least once a week and get manually stretched twice a month by one of our yoga instructors.
MOTIVATION: “I feel it is very important for fitness professionals to live the fitness life and I do in every sense of the word. I know this inspires our members. I am not afraid to tell my feelings and be vulnerable in front of others, which gives them a chance to make mistakes and share their feelings about it. I also try to invent new and exciting programs and activities for our members, like our Boot Camp Challenge, Beach Ready Bodies, Fit Into Your Jeans, and Ageless Energy, just to name a few. ”
PHILOSOPHY: “I believe that we in this industry need to set an example for everyone to aspire to. As my mom says, I came into this world jumping around, so I have to slow myself down to sit and read or meditate every day.”
HEROES: “I’ve always admired Kathy Smith, but really my heroes are all the folks I have met who have truly been able to change their behavior for the long haul. Anyone who is able to go from loving to eat high fat foods and leading a sedentary lifestyle to eating healthy, exercising and enjoying it – they are my heroes!
