Fit Bits: Personal trainer Julia Kraus is determined to make fitness inclusive and fun

Julia Kraus owns award-winning, inclusive gym Lift Fitness in Cambridge and runs her own PT business, T Rex Training, focusing on the fun side of exercise

My fitness story

I started as a personal trainer in 2020, working at various gyms and ultimately founding my own gym, Lift Fitness, in October 2023. I have been running Lift Fitness for over a year now with more than 20 fitness professionals by my side.

Why I love my job

I firmly believe my team and I are taking on the toxic fitness industry. Our gym values inclusivity, community, education, and diversity. Every day, we shine those values onto everyone who steps through our door. In addition to working with our clients at the gym, we regularly host fun and educational community events like our annual sports day and free business seminars, and give talks on topics ranging from handstands to men’s mental health.

My go-to quick workout

Ironically, running a gym and a PT business doesn’t leave me much time to exercise. On busy days, I do a 30-minute AMRAP (as many rounds as possible). We are fortunate to have really varied expertise at Lift, so sometimes I ask a team member to come up with something spicy, and they always pull through for me.

My favourite feel-good long workout

I run a spin class every week, which is always a highlight. I love encouraging everyone to work hard and have fun. I’m a bit silly and unhinged, and my message is that health and fitness doesn’t have to be miserable; you’re allowed to enjoy yourself. My classes are on a scale of 1-10 of difficulty and that scale depends entirely on you and how you’re feeling. Your scale might be different than mine, and that’s completely okay! So, whether you’re hungover or coming from another HIIT class, we’re all here to have a laugh and get moving.

The energy-boosting snack I swear by

Every day I have a massive breakfast (e.g. eggs with spinach and cheese in a large wrap) because during the day I’m always busy at the gym, so I never have heavy lunches. For lunch I snack, typically an apple and peanut butter or some crackers and hummus.

My indulgent treat food

I don’t like the word ‘indulgent’ here. Food doesn’t have a moral value. You’re not a good person for eating a salad, or a bad person if you eat a cheeseburger. We need to eat food every day to survive- none of it is morally good or bad. I like to have big breakfasts and small lunches because it suits my hunger and daily energy levels. This might not work for someone with a different schedule.

How I kick back and relax

I’m very social, so you can usually find me in the pub watching football with my friends over a pint. I also like to watch scary movies with my partner.

My top tip for anyone who needs motivating to start exercising

Whatever you can do consistently, do it. Want to wake up at 5am every day for your CrossFit WOD? Do it! Want to go for a walk around your block every evening? Awesome! Find something active that you enjoy doing regularly. It doesn't have to be complicated or serious. Enjoy the process and stay consistent.

Contact Julia at julia@trextraining.com or via instagram @trextraining20 and find out more about the gym at liftfitnesscambridge.com or follow @liftfitnesscambridge