Making a Healthy Body and Happy Mind Easier: An Interview with Coach Julie Kaminski

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How can you take a holistic approach to a healthy mind and body? Our latest guest on the Dominate Your Day podcast, Julie Kaminski, is a wellness expert whose philosophy centers on making a healthy body and a happy mind more accessible for everyone. Her motto, “making healthy body, happy mind, easier,” captures her mission as a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach.

Julie’s journey into health and wellness began as an athlete. Budget cuts forced her to shift gears, leading her into teaching group fitness, which later evolved into personal training. Her changing understanding of health led her to a holistic approach, recognizing that a perfect bicep curl isn’t the ultimate goal for everyone.

Her professional path took a significant turn when she discovered Wellcoaches, a formalized health and wellness coaching program. Julie was among the first cohort to earn credentials from the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching, combining her backgrounds in counseling psychology, health coaching, and personal training.

Julie’s tagline, “making healthy body, happy mind, easier,” reflects her understanding that managing a healthy and fulfilling life is challenging. She emphasizes the importance of tools and tactics that simplify this process, allowing individuals, especially women, to thrive.

In our conversation, we discussed the concept of thriving, especially in the context of women in leadership roles who often face burnout. Julie emphasized that thriving is unique to each individual, and she utilizes the construct of PERMA from positive psychology to guide her clients. PERMA, which stands for Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment, helps clients define what thriving means for them.

When asked about common themes among her clients, Julie noted that many people grapple with loneliness, whether due to living alone, loss, or other reasons. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and encourages clients to explore what enjoyment and thriving look like for them.

Julie shares an inspiring story of a client who, through their work together, discovered what enjoyment truly meant for her. This client pursued new courses, built a client base, and is now considering opening her own business. It’s a testament to how identifying and harnessing personal strengths can lead to significant, positive changes in one’s life.

Julie also began The Walking Book Club, a virtual global organization which encourages participants to engage in physical activity while enjoying curated audiobooks. The initiative not only promotes physical health but also fosters a sense of community and philanthropy. It originated from her experience with her dyslexic son, who used audiobooks as a learning tool. Julie created a rule for herself: to listen to audiobooks only while walking, transforming a simple activity into a fitness routine. The club is open to anyone, focusing on "healthy body, happy mind" topics. During COVID-19, the club expanded rapidly, offering a safe and engaging way for people to stay active and connected virtually. Julie also introduced "Heart and Soul Book Chats," pairing authors with charitable causes, further enriching the community experience.

The Walking Book Club has grown into an international community, with plans to establish in-person chapters, starting in Charleston, SC. Participants can join via Julie's website, social media, or a Facebook discussion group. The club provides a unique rating system for audiobooks, considering factors like motivation to move and quality of narration. The club offers a flexible, inclusive approach, making movement enjoyable and accessible to all.

For anyone looking to simplify their path to well-being, Julie’s insights provide a valuable roadmap. Embrace the tools that work for you, and remember that thriving is a personal journey, one that is easier with the right support and mindset.

About Julie Kaminski

Julie Kaminski MA, NBC-HWC, holds a master’s of art with distinction in counseling psychology, specializing in group work, and a bachelors in business with an emphasis in health and wellness. She is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach who holds ACE certifications in Group Fitness, Personal Training and Fitness Nutrition. In addition, she is trained with Wellcoaches, the only coaching program endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Saybrook University's Mind-Body Medicine program.

Julie is the creator of numerous small group training curricula, including The Walking Book Club and Fitness Plus. She has 30+ years of experience working in private practice, major corporations, clubs, and health centers.

Julie’s areas of expertise include group counseling, dynamic group instruction, and the development of creative solutions. She has extensive experience designing custom programs for individuals and groups across all areas of wellness, including fitness, health, nutrition, eating behaviors, stress management, and spiritual fulfillment. Her coaching skills include the application of motivational interviewing, goal-setting theory, and appreciative inquiry. She completed the University of Pennsylvania’s Foundations of Positive Psychology and is the author of The Flourishing Home.

Episode Minutes:  

• Minute 3:00 — Understanding Thriving and PERMA
• Minute 5:00 — Healthy Body, Happy Mind: 5 Pillars
• Minute 17:00 — Heart and Soul Book Chats and Philanthropy 

Episode Links:

• Visit Julie Kaminski’s website
• Learn more about The Walking Book Club
• Get your copy of The Strengths Journal
• Visit Dana Williams Consulting Website

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