Coach Julia has gone above and beyond in her support during my cancer recovery….
Gloria B. - Naples, FL - 2024 - 2025
I initially began working with Coach Julia in preparation for a rigorous trip after completing treatment for breast cancer. The experience has been so helpful that I have continued my twice-weekly sessions long after that trip. I am convinced that her workouts are helping me with not only overall fitness, but also with building strong muscles and bones that help prepare me to be the best I can be.
Coach Julia has gone above and beyond in her support during my cancer recovery, providing needed encouragement and helpful advice.
Coach’s Note: A little more about Gloria’s journey…
Gloria began training with me in October 2024, just one month after completing treatment for breast cancer, which included a mastectomy and 14 rounds of radiation. She was understandably depleted but determined to rebuild her strength and vitality. To give herself a bold goal, Gloria committed to a once-in-a-lifetime church mission trip just six months later—a journey that would involve multiple countries and challenging hikes at high altitude in the Himalayas.
From day one, Gloria showed up consistently. She trained with me 2–3 times per week, walked 2–3 miles on her off days, and gradually added a weighted vest. Together, we focused not only on progressive strength training but also on the vital foundations of recovery—quality sleep and proper nutrition. Even when her body was still detoxing from radiation and adjusting to new medications, Gloria stayed committed and did what she could.
By April 2025, she was ready. During the trip, she climbed for seven hours to reach the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan—over 1,400 stairs at altitude. She later shared with me, …..
“Thank you so much for your strength training. I made it to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which was one big goal… My legs did well, but breathing was very difficult due to altitude and smoky conditions. Frequently stopped every 20 steps or so. But I was in the middle of our group of ten. Took 7 hours excluding breaks. Thanks for your big help.”
Now, nearly one year later, Gloria continues to train with me twice per week. Her strength, confidence, and resilience inspire me—and she is a shining example that it’s never too late to set bold goals and live life fully, no matter what challenges come your way.