Interview: Julia Stern, Rumble Boxing Trainer
First off, can this girl be any more beautiful? I first met Julia when we worked the front desk together at Rumble Boxing - I had just quit my job in PR to go back to school & Julia had just quit her job as a middle school math teacher. I reached out to Julia to see if she would be a part of my Q&A series because her journey is one for the books and a story that I think everyone would benefit from hearing. From her first day working at Rumble’s front desk, to now being a fan favorite trainer and traveling the country to open new studios, this girl has an energy that truly lights up a room. So excited for you all to hear more!
Julia is a former middle school math teacher and professional dancer. She now is a trainer and manager who travels the country to help open Rumble Boxing studios in new markets.
Over the past couple of years, you’ve completely transformed your life & career. You’ve gone from teacher -> part-time fitness instructor -> full-time Rumble Boxing trainer and cross-country traveler opening up their new studios in LA, SF, Philly, and DC. Where do we even begin?! Let’s start with your transition from teaching into the NYC fitness scene – how did you know it was time for a change?
Even now, it’s so insane for me to wrap my head around! The past two years have been jam packed with growth and change, but it’s gone by in a blink. I graduated from grad school and became a middle school math teacher in 2014. I love working with kids and find the field of education both interesting and important, but I also grew up dancing and performing, and had a passion for fitness.
When I began teaching, I would work every minute of the day so I had time after school to hold different part time jobs (dancing in the NBA, teaching dance, teaching group fitness) because I truly loved it and wanted to be able to do what I loved, even if it meant working 14-15 hour days.
I really didn’t know that you could earn a decent living as a trainer until I was introduced to the NY fitness scene! I was moving to NYC, and needed to leave my job regardless. I had the choice to apply for more teaching positions, or make the switch, and I chose to try to make the switch work! I’m very grateful that it did.
Your husband, Andy Stern, is one of the founding members at Rumble Boxing (and one of the best guys I personally know!) – was your goal to always work towards becoming a Rumble trainer, or did you have other plans in mind?
I didn’t vocalize it at first, but it was always my goal to be a Rumble trainer. It was (and still is) really important to me to have a presence in the company other than “Andy’s wife.” I wanted to be prepared and do it the right way, instead of trying to slide in because of who I knew.
My first job at Rumble was working behind the desk. I value everything I learned during that time- it taught me the ins and outs of Rumble that most people don’t even think about. Once I became a trainer, I was actually hired to be on the schedule for 4 classes, while working simultaneously as the assistant manager in LA. That was a lot of hours spent at the studio, and I learned even more about everything from studio maintenance to how to work at job where the hours weren’t broken into class periods (it was a major change for me). It wasn’t until later that I transitioned out of ops completely. Now I’m a full time trainer, and a talent manager, meaning I manage and help onboard new trainers. I’ve also helped open studios in LA, SF, and DC.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to completely change careers to follow a passion they absolutely love?
Take any and every opportunity you’re given. No joke- I used to google “how to change careers” all the time because I was so desperate for a game plan. The hard truth is that it’s not going to be linear. While I was working behind the desk at Rumble, I taught fitness at two other studios, I trained private clients, and I tutored kids in math for extra income. I reached out to people on instagram to network. I’ve also taken plenty of meetings that never amounted to anything. They might not all be your end goal, but you’ll learn something and make a connection to get you forward. Also, be willing to learn. I think the reason that I continue to grow is because I ask a million questions.
You’ve talked a lot about the mind + body connection as you’ve gone through this huge lifestyle change – what are some of the major takeaways you’ve gotten from it so far?
My transition into Rumble was much easier said than done. It really looked like a bunch of nervous days, failed attempts, bobbing and weaving until I found my voice and was confident about what I was capable of. I’ve learned to take care of myself. I haven’t gotten into meditation and journaling, even though I’d like to. But I do take breaks. I watch Friends, I eat ice cream, I put my phone down when I’m being hard on myself. I’ve tried to run on empty when my mind’s not there, and it’s impossible.
What does a week of workouts look like for you? You’re always in the Rumble studio teaching classes, so how do you fit in time for yourself?
I try to find 45 minutes-an hour a day to work out, 5 to 6 times a week. I dance, lift weights, run, box and take Rumble (obviously). I never force myself to workout if I don’t want to. If I’m tired, I sleep. I think there’s a difference between getting motivated and making workouts look like a chore. At the end of the day, I know I’ll feel better and teach better if I’m working out consistently, so that’s why I do it.
We all know the saying “abs are made in the kitchen” – you know my nutrition brain is ALL about this – but what’s your philosophy behind food & nutrition?
My food philosophy is very similar to my workout philosophy! Yes, abs are made in the kitchen. Yes, my ideal diet is full of greens and fruits balanced with proteins and healthy carbs. I realized at my best when I was living at home with my parents, working a normal schedule and my mom made my lunch every day.
Recently, while traveling so much, I’ve really struggled with my diet. In January I tried a strict diet and failed because I was obsessing about what I could and couldn’t eat, and I wound up not eating enough and getting cranky. Now, I try to make the healthiest choices I can while I’m out. I don’t restrict anything, and I eat everything in moderation. I’m looking forward to making my own dinners when I’m home in NY for the summer.
What are some of the foods that you stock up on every week at the grocery store. Do you have any favorite breakfasts/lunches/dinner/snacks?
I love spinach and kale. I can’t get enough greens in my smoothies in the morning, and in my salads during the day. I love hard boiled eggs on the go! For a snack, an apple with some almonds. Also a big fan of mango. I’m writing this while I’m on the train to NY and I’m so excited to grocery shop again!
If you could look back to when you FIRST started this entire transformation process, what’s one piece of advice that you’d give yourself?
Stop assuming that everyone has it figured out. No one does. I went into this change assuming everyone was better than I was, and it was my biggest downfall. I was really hard on myself when I first moved to NY. As much as I think the pressure I put on myself helped me to get here, it also made me get in my own way.
You’ve done such an amazing job growing your name in the business & on social media. I think you started this journey with about 2k IG followers, and now you’re up to almost 15K in just over 2 years. When did you start doing to see those numbers jump and what tips would you give people through your experience?
I had 600 followers when I moved to NY! I worked for a few different fitness companies and one of them gave me exposure to people all over the country, which helped. Working with clients in different cities with Rumble has also helped.
I also think it’s grown because I engage with my followers. Instagram is such an amazing tool. My followers are not my fans. They’re clients and people that I’ve met and DM-ed with and connect with. I feel like they’ve seen me grow and a lot of the cool things I’m working on are because of the people I’ve met on there. If you’re looking to grow your IG, find what makes you different, be as authentic as possible, and connect with people.
What are 3 of the biggest things you credit your success to right now?
The bosses at Rumble for giving me the opportunity to be in this position.
My ability to get knocked down, over and over and over, and get up, embarrassed, and keep going.
My parents.
What’s in the future for you + what are you most excited about?! Any big dreams that you’re hoping to fulfill?
I plan to keep traveling to open up new markets with Rumble for as long as I can! It’s an amazing experience and I love what I do everyday.
I also have plans to work with some major brands in the coming months, and some personal projects that help me transition from fitness to wellness. Stay tuned :)
