Julie Padilla

Zumba Instructor

Julie Padilla is a Zumba fitness instructor who began her health journey one year ago and has fallen in love with fitness since. Zumba is a great way to get your blood pumping and your body moving as you dance to different songs of different genres while burning calories. Zumba is thought of as salsa, reggaeton, merengue, cha-cha, samba, hip-hop, and many other diverse styles. Julie’s Zumba attendees especially love her salsa and cumbia combos, two of the many styles that Julie is experienced with both teaching and dancing.

After the birth of her second son, Julie was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes caused by either a lack of insulin, or irregularity of insulin levels that result in higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. Before being diagnosed, Julie was completely healthy and never expected her life to change so drastically, as quickly as it did. She enjoyed fried foods and soda without giving second-thoughts about the effects of these foods. But after being diagnosed, she had to start checking her blood sugar after eating any meal or snack, and had to be aware of the effects that every food and drink would have on her body. Julie’s diagnosis caused her to step back and reflect on her health choices, and to take action to turn her life around. She didn’t want to worry about blood sugar and insulin levels anymore. She soon realized that the diet changes she made to manage her diabetes made her feel better and gave her more energy. Eating cleaner, healthier foods was not just a need for Julie anymore, it was a want.

“I know exactly how it feels to be lost and not know where to start. When I started going to the gym, I couldn’t help but feel like people were watching me.”

  - Julie Padilla

In just one year, Julie has lost 52 pounds and continues to make progress towards her goal weight. But Julie hasn’t forgotten how it feels to be a beginner or how difficult it can be to attend your first fitness class and to continue returning each week. Julie is very open about how rough the start of her journey was as a student. She would sometimes leave Zumba classes in tears, completely discouraged and down on herself because she couldn’t achieve nearly as much as the people around her.

Julie’s doctor told her that she needed to change her meals and cut out many of her favorite foods, or her baby could potentially be harmed. Before becoming pregnant, Julie didn’t go to the doctor regularly. Julie explains, “I didn’t do anything: I didn’t work out, and I just didn’t love myself.” Exercise had never crossed her mind until it was her only solution to keeping her son safe during her pregnancy. “I knew I should probably workout, but I didn’t have the motivation, and I never took the initiative.” She had to check her blood sugar and prick her finger multiple times a day, and her doctors said she was on a trajectory that would lead to taking insulin daily.

After going to the gym for about a month, Julie eventually found a place for herself and became encouraged by the “positive vibes and amazing environment” that Zumba provides. She loves to dance, and Zumba is a way to do what she loves while also relieving stress and improving her physical health.

Herbalife Prepare is Julie’s go-to pre-workout when she wants quick energy to keep her “super hype” through her workout without feeling jittery. She also enjoys adding Herbalife Protein Formula to her protein shakes and waffles. When Julie began going to the gym, she was a complete beginner. Her nutritionist recommended that she try Herbalife, but it took her weeks to finally try it for herself. “It really changed my life. I tried the products little by little and now I love them.” Julie has found that her body benefits the most from her workout when she has a small snack beforehand. Her snacks are usually light, like an apple or yogurt, but she typically sticks to protein shakes either before or after her workout.

Some people don’t like protein shakes or supplements, and Julie wants them to know that these are just options that work for some people and don’t for others. Through experimenting with her diet, Julie has found that she feels her best when she portions her meals and just tries to eat cleaner overall. “I knew absolutely nothing before starting Zumba. I just researched good foods for nutrients and foods with less carbs.” At restaurants, she usually orders grilled chicken and rice. She has smaller meals, with mostly protein and vegetables, and multiple snacks throughout the day. When she began making changes to her diet, the health experts that she consulted advised her to go on a strict eating plan. “It just wasn’t sustainable. I didn’t feel good.” As she shares her journey, Julie wants others to know that it’s okay to do something differently than the people around you. It’s important that you feel your best, and everyone’s best is achieved differently.

“It’s all about balance. To me, health means taking care of your body.”

Soon after finding a passion for exercise, Julie drastically reduced her soda intake. She realized that she had been drinking soda mindlessly, especially at restaurants and social events. Today, she will have a sip here and there, but never a full drink. Julie initially cut out soda because she knew it was becoming unhealthy, but she was able to keep soda out of her diet once she noticed huge changes: increased energy levels and decreased bloating. Today, Julie only drinks water and tea. It has become natural for Julie to eat cleaner. She won’t restrict herself from eating her cravings once in a while, but has discovered that she feels her best when she’s fueling her body with the proper nutrients.

Soon after finding a passion for exercise, Julie drastically reduced her soda intake. She realized that she had been drinking soda mindlessly, especially at restaurants and social events. Today, she will have a sip here and there, but never a full drink. Julie initially cut out soda because she knew it was becoming unhealthy, but she was able to keep soda out of her diet once she noticed huge changes: increased energy levels and decreased bloating. Today, Julie only drinks water and tea. It has become natural for Julie to eat cleaner. She won’t restrict herself from eating her cravings once in a while, but has discovered that she feels her best when she’s fueling her body with the proper nutrients.

Julie’s passion for health and Zumba soon led her to becoming an instructor at her fitness studio in March of 2021. To become a fitness instructor, she first completed online training to earn her certification as an Herbalife coach. Julie’s love for fitness has only grown since she began instructing, and she continues to research information and tips related to exercise and nutrition. Someday, Julie hopes to open and manage her own nutrition club; a place where people are excited to workout and where they have the opportunity to try new forms of exercise, such as fitness boot camps.

Julie’s biggest encouragement comes from her coach. Alondra continuously motivates Julie to keep training, pushing herself, and eating well. Julie is a mom, wife, daughter, coach, and full-time worker, but she makes the time to exercise because she loves it. “I would still be happy if I didn’t exercise as much, but I love myself now that I try to take care of myself. It’s okay to take an hour out of your day to care for yourself. You’re important too.”