About Me

It all started with spending hours working out and socializing at a YMCA 15 years back. Then shortly after came the nickname “Gym Chan”, where her passion and drive for fitness and health led to Julia Chan’s career as one of New York City’s outstanding trainers.

From beginners to trained athletes, Julia works with a wide variety of students, catering to their personal goals and lifestyles with her unique approach. With over fifteen years as a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, seven years as a Registered Yoga Teacher recognized through Yoga Alliance, five years nutrition coaching, and over ten years of continuous education and certifications, Julia embodies all of her teachings to offer a coaching experience that embraces every aspect of her students’ lives as a whole.

Julia recognizes that while a student’s goals may be fitness-specific, what they do outside of their workouts will have a major impact on their physical goals and overall wellness. Julia knows that stress levels, sleep habits, and nutrition all affect one’s ability to perform so she takes their entire lifestyle into consideration when creating customized plans to help them reach their goals – changing their life entirely.

Expect a completely unique experience with Julia. There’s no such thing as “one size fits all” program. Students will work towards their goals using a blend of strength training, yoga techniques, mobility and recovery tools, nutritional consultation, meditation, physical and mental modalities – all specific to their particular needs. Like the exercise industry itself, Julia’s education is always evolving with an eye towards keeping her programs challenging, fun, and original.

Julia believes in surrounding herself with like-minded fitness and wellness professionals who can help her students reach their goals. From functional medicine doctors, bodywork specialists, health coaches, nutritionists, acupuncturists to physical therapists, Julia goes the extra mile to connect her students with select trusted professionals that are part of the network she’s built. By partnering and fostering these relationships, her students can take advantage of the expertise of some of the country’s most renowned health and wellness experts to extend their knowledge in how to live a healthy and balanced life.

Julia’s signature “tough love” style is what makes her students work hard each session and faithfully return for more. Her honest passion shows in every uncompromising direction she gives and her attentive support motivates her clients to do their personal best. Julia recognizes the importance of being realistic with daily habits and indulging when you need to. Her ultimate ambition is to see them achieve their goals AND embrace a healthy, balanced lifestyle of their own.

Currently teaching out of select independent training facilities and fitness studios in New York City, Julia offers one-on-one, semi-private and group/corporate sessions. You can also find Julia teaching group fitness and yoga classes at multiple Crunch Gyms. For those living outside the New York City area, Julia accepts remote sessions, offering everyone the same time and dedication she delivers to her in-person sessions. For more information on working with Julia as a student or professional partner, please connect with her here.