Julia Mix Baraglia grew up in Park Ridge, was a Hawkette at Maine South, and she and her husband are raising their three boys a few blocks from where she grew up. She has been in the fitness industry for more than 20 years and, as a certified personal trainer, wellness coach and group fitness instructor, she has helped thousands of people reach their fitness goals and live a healthier, higher quality of life. Six years ago Julia launched her wellness coaching business, Mixfitliving, to help local moms and families prioritize health and fitness in their homes, build a supportive community, and share a journey of growth and wellness.

“Being fit isn’t about how you look, but how you feel in your own skin,” Julia tells us. “A fit mind and fit body allow you to live a fulfilled life with resilience and confidence.”

Email Julia at mixfitliving@gmail.com and follow her on Instagram at @mixfitliving

Mixfitliving was launched to help local moms and families prioritize health and fitness in their homes, build a supportive community, and share a journey of growth and wellness.

Q: What are three effective exercises that can help shed those annoying extra few pounds this summer?

A: Compound exercises are the most effective ways to burn overall calories, but weight training is actually my preference to build muscle and burn fat. This is especially important as we age because if we don’t actively work to build muscle, we lose it, so adding weight or resistance training 2-3 days a week should be a priority. 1.) Squat press (works legs and shoulders) 2. Hinge/deadlift row (works hamstrings and back) 3. Walkout push-up (core, chest and arms).

Q: What’s your favorite class right now?

A: Bootcamp, which I coach at 8 a.m. on Saturdays at St. Andrews Church here in Park Ridge. Nothing is better that being outdoors surrounded by community and friends and feeling the warm breeze and the sun on your face after a long winter indoors.

Q: What’s the most important thing to remember when taking the first step to get (back) in shape?

A: Set realistic expectations. You won’t go from not working out straight to six days a week, so start with even two or three days. Remember, there is no workout too small. Even 10 minutes of movement is impactful on your mind and body. If you can, work out in the morning so everything else you do will feel easier with that already accomplished.

Set realistic expectations. … Remember, there is no workout too small. Even 10 minutes of movement is impactful on your mind and body.

Q: How do you focus on “making life simple”?

A: Set a schedule and stick to it. Follow the two-minute rule: If you can do it in two minutes, do it right then. Our family motto is: “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” I frontload my day and week and make sure I have things to look forward to at the end of week and weekend. Our weekend rule is each person gets to do something they choose alone, my husband and I do something together, and we as a family do at least one activity together. The kids and I always write out a summer bucket list and check off something weekly — it’s a summer kickoff highlight. Some of our favorite days are spent at nature centers hiking and fishing. Simple and free!

Q: What are some fun, healthy summer snacks you prefer for you and the family?

A: We love picnics and pool days and always pack a cooler to prevent eating pizza and chicken fingers. Some of our favorite snacks are apples and almond butter, seaweed chips, squeeze fruit and veggie pouches, hard-boiled eggs with avocado, cheese (sliced or string), tuna salad, crackers, sliced peppers, hummus and lots of fruit. The more color, the better!