5 Minutes with Julie Denton

This month our member in focus is Julie Denton, guiding light of all things yoga, health and lifestyle, from ONE YOGA & LIFESTYLE. 

1/ Who is Julie?

I am a local Limestone Coast girl currently living in Mount Gambier; I’m married to Andrew and mother of Brittany, Tara and Liam.

2/ What are the main professional areas you have worked in over the years ?

I began my working life with a career in banking, I’ve worked in various administration, reception and payroll jobs over the years, and had a stint as an ESO in schools.  An eating disorder at 18 led me to discover “aerobics” and a love of exercise, and through this I healed and found my place in the world.  I’ve been in the fitness industry for over 35 years now and have worked as a Fitness and Gym Instructor, Personal Trainer, as well as a Trainer and Assessor (and mentor) to students studying Certificate III and IV in Fitness.  In 2018 I opened my Yoga Studio in Mount Gambier which now sees me in the role of Yoga and Meditation Teacher, plus I’m also currently studying Ayurveda.

 3/ What is the biggest challenge you have faced professionally or personally?

Personally my biggest challenge was when my mother suffered a stroke.  I had three young kids and was running a PT business and my whole world just collapsed.   I realised then, more than ever, that it’s imperative to take care of yourself, to be responsible for your own health, as you just never know what’s around the corner.  Thankfully Mum survived but she was left with her own personal challenges as well,  which impacts the family as a whole.  Please look after yourself everyone!!

Professionally, I have owned two businesses now and whilst I’ve loved every minute of it, the challenge is always finding that work/life balance and trying to avoid the guilt and anguish of not always being there at home.  I’m so proud of the adults that my kids have grown into, and I hope that seeing their mum happy and thriving and succeeding and even taking risks and  “having a go” has fortified and inspired them on their own journeys.

4/ What is your favourite place to visit in the Limestone Coast & Western Victoria area?

ROBE !!   Always Robe!!  I have been to many beaches around the world but I’m yet to find one so consistently breathtaking! Robe has a vibe that inspires and invigorates me every time, no matter the season or the weather or my reason for being there.  The people are positive and friendly, the food is amazing and the light there is magical. I can’t wait to live there one day!

5/ Do you have any recommendations for our members to  take away ?

I’ll just leave you with some of my personal mantras, that I tend to have “on repeat” in my head quite a bit!

You are your own responsibility.  Take control of what you eat, what you drink, how you move, how you sleep, how you perceive and and what you believe.
Your health is your greatest wealth.
What others think about you is none of your business.
Everyone is just doing the best that they can.
Never stop moving, learning or playing.
Breathe.
We are all One.