“I believe that being strong makes everything else in life feel easier”
I’m a Level 3 qualified Personal Trainer based in Edinburgh who helps complete beginners and intermediate trainees alike to optimise their training, build their physical strength, and develop confidence and trust in their body’s abilities.
My approach is holistic: I understand that any training plan needs to work with your individual lifestyle and energy levels.
Wave goodbye to the concept of “no pain no gain” and pushing to the limit, leaving you feeling exhausted and falling back into old habits.
Through tailored personal training sessions, we will hone the skills required to maintain an effective exercise routine - one that leaves you feeling strong and trusting in your body.
If you need support, book a chat!
PT Packages
1-to-1 Beginner
New to the gym and unsure where to start?
This is for you!
"Julia offers more than just gym training — she offers a truly personal, tailored, and thoughtful approach to building a healthy lifestyle." Luna W
1-to-1 Intermediate Trainee
Training for a while but want to optimise your lifting technique and programming?
This is for you!
"Julia has helped me feel like I can take my training to the next level." James H
2-to-1 aka "Buddy" PT
If you and a friend have similar fitness goals, take advantage of the accountability and fun that comes with having a training buddy!
"...one of the most valuable aspects of the Aurora Strength service is the non-judgmental approach..." Carla M
What’s included in Aurora Strength PT Packages?
About me
To defy those who said it was impossible to get enough protein on a vegan diet, in 2015 I joined the gym to prove I could build muscle and get stronger!
Entering the weights room for the first time I felt daunted. But my determination to achieve my goal was stronger than the fear. Little did I know, this determination would lead me to develop a passion for strength training in itself.
Over the years I have delved into a number of training disciplines, including powerlifting, bodybuilding, kettlebells and Olympic weightlifting. I have studied each of them in turn, refining my technique with deliberate and precise programming. Now I have a variety of methods and philosophies to draw from, and continue to explore more ways to move!
Maintaining a holistic approach has always been my anchor, as I strive to find the most balanced and optimal approach to my training, nutrition and overall health and wellbeing. This is exactly what I help my clients to find, too. The best part is that each person’s idea of balance and optimal wellbeing will look different...so it’s always an exciting collaboration!
Qualifications
What my clients say about working with me…
Mariam A
" As a beginner in the gym, Julia played a big part in building my confidence up and helping me familiarise myself with the gym environment. Her commitment to my progress and success was evident from the beginning. What truly set her apart is her attentiveness and her ability to balance encouragement and understanding, never pushing me beyond my limits. Julia listened to me when I communicated a concern and never failed to adjust our sessions accordingly. I learnt so much in just a few months, I’m incredibly grateful and I couldn’t have asked for a better trainer to kickstart my fitness journey!"
Caitlin J
" Julia has really helped me get back into training and find a workout routine that works for me, despite my aversion to exercise! I have a really hectic work/study schedule but the programme Julia has designed is really suited to my physical/mental needs and I even look forward to the 'me' time doing deadlifts and kettlebell swings! I would highly recommend her services, as she is knowledgeable, professional and committed to helping me achieve my health goals."
Alister G
" When I began training with Julia, I wasn’t a complete novice at the gym, but had no idea how to do certain exercises or achieve the goals I wanted from training. This made me feel less confident about actually going to the gym and therefore less likely to go.
Since then, I am totally comfortable and confident about going to the gym. We did this by training with a totally customised programme created by Julia for me, that focussed on working on correct form and method in a way that was safe and effective! It has definitely worked as I have been seeing improvements in my strength week by week.
I have struggled with nutrition in the past and Julia has helped me to think about my eating and drinking habits in a way that doesn’t make me feel bad about it but rather to reflect on it and decide on a better way of moderating my habits that still allow me to achieve my goals without having to totally cut anything out.
I would strongly recommend Julia to anyone. She is, friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and obviously very passionate about what she does."
Maylene M
" I had no experience in the gym prior to meeting Julia but she has been so supportive by customising programmes to reach my fitness goals in a sustainable manner, whilst taking into account my issues with scoliosis and shin splints. I had a history of putting all my eggs into one basket when it came to fitness and diet which is why I could never sustain any progress long term while accumulating physical strain over time. Julia has helped with that by encouraging me to practice balance in my life. It was the first time I had realised that I did not have to be exhausted or extremely sore after each workout and that by taking a slower and steadier approach I have seen gradual and sustainable changes in myself and in my life. Through this I have become more attuned to my body, and to allow my body to rest when it needs to. This is not to say that she doesn’t push you to overcome your limits though, but that she encourages you to do it in a way that takes your overall well-being into account. In this way progress feels rewarding instead of damaging.
Furthermore, she has also been so supportive and kind with regards to my problems with diet and my associations with certain food groups which has helped me become more accepting of myself. Whilst I have made changes in my diet, they no longer consume my thoughts for the entire day and have almost become an afterthought.
Would definitely recommend Julia if you are looking for someone who is encouraging and kind to guide you through fitness and overall lifestyle changes. Every session feels like you are hanging out with a friend."
1-to-1 PT Client
" When I first started my fitness activity, I had trouble staying motivated and consistent. However, Julia's customised approach completely changed my experience. She set up goals for me to achieve based on my ability and kept careful track of my progress. This gave me a strong sense of accomplishment and made it much simpler for me to stick to my workout schedule. Seeing my progress over time has been immensely inspiring, driving me to enthusiastically reach my training objectives. I really enjoy the training and the outcome."
Caitlin K
" Aurora Strength has helped me build confidence in myself and has helped and supported me in learning about strength training. Before starting training with Julia, all I enjoyed at the gym was the treadmill because it was what I knew, but now I can confidently work on building lower and upper-body strength. Julia is patient, understanding and will work through any issue that you are having, for example, I have tension in my shoulders due to playing violin for many years. Julia has helped me build back flexibility I had lost. I highly recommend as Julia has helped me become more in tune with my body."
James H
" I was already a regular gym goer, but Julia has helped me feel like I can take my training to the next level. Her guidance has helped me develop my form and ability far more than I could have managed on my own. She has helped me to feel more confident in my abilities, and with her support I have set a clear path for meeting my fitness goals. She is great at adapting the programme to accommodate different needs and priorities, and I leave our sessions motivated to keep working on my wellbeing far into the future.”
Sanjana M
" Before I met Julia, I struggled with consistency, motivation, and had little to no idea on what to do in the gym. Julia helped me set realistic goals and made me understand how and why to perform exercises rather than simply instructing me to do so. Working with Julia has been a game-changer for me. Her approach was very tailored to me, ensuring that my workouts are effective, safe, and enjoyable. She has a deep understanding of exercise science, which has helped me improve my overall performance and understand the technicalities of the exercises I am performing. I can't express how grateful I am to Julia for her incredible support and encouragement. Her expertise and dedication have not only transformed my body but also my mindset towards fitness. I've achieved goals and did exercises I never thought possible. If you're looking for a knowledgeable, caring and fun PT look no further!"
Luna W
" Prior to starting personal training lessons with Julia, I had never step foot into the gym before. I always felt that going to the gym was a bit intimidating and overwhelming, but Julia made me feel super comfortable throughout all of our sessions together. She was always very attentive to my needs, how my body moves, which muscle groups I needed to work on, and created tailored work out plans to help me get stronger. I was challenged, but never felt like I was pushed over my limit. This made going to the gym an enjoyable activity for me, and I’m really glad I was able to build that mindset with Julia’s help. After five months of training with Julia, I feel that I have regained confidence in my body; I am capable of getting stronger and this doesn’t need to involve blood, sweat and tears! Training with intention and putting thought into each movement is what counts. Overall, I couldn’t recommend Julia more. Julia offers more than just gym training — she offers a truly personal, tailored, and thoughtful approach to building a healthy lifestyle."
Carla M
" I have had a really positive experience with Aurora Strength. When I first started, I was intimidated both by exercise and the gym generally. I felt out of shape and insecure, not knowing where to begin. Julia was invaluable in her support and guidance, helping me slowly build some lasting exercise habits and improving my confidence in my body’s ability and strength. Julia’s holistic approach is one that I have greatly appreciated, and she has worked closely with me to help improve my health in a few different areas, including nutrition habits, which has been really beneficial.
As well as offering support, guidance and expertise in her field, one of the most valuable aspects of the Aurora Strength service is the non-judgmental approach that Julia provides. She never made me feel anything but empowered to be able to look fully at my health and habits – regardless of what stage I was at – and she supported me in my efforts to change them for the better, along with her guidance and knowledge.
I would recommend Aurora Strength particularly to anyone who, like in my case, would love to build exercise habits but doesn’t know where to start."