Keywords: chronic fatigue, health coaching, fitness, self-discovery, mental health, wellness, personal growth, resilience, healing, lifestyle changes

Summary: In this episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino speaks with health and fitness coach July Styles about her journey through chronic fatigue syndrome and how it shaped both her life and career. July opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of living with chronic illness, the insights she gained from deep self-reflection, and how it led her to a new approach to health coaching.

They explore the importance of individualized, client-led coaching, the mental health benefits of regular movement, and the need to release perfectionism and comparison. July also shares how she created a unique low-stimulus gym to support others with similar health needs, and why it’s never too late to start finding joy in movement. Plus, we dive into her DJ persona “Feminem” and how music plays a part in her thriving journey.

Takeaways

• Everyone’s experience with chronic fatigue is unique.
• Healing often requires deep inner work and self-compassion.
• Coaching should be client-led and adapted to individual needs.
• Movement is about joy and well-being, not punishment or perfection.
• A low-stimulus environment can make fitness accessible for all.
• Recovery isn’t linear—support, patience, and acceptance are key.

Sound Bites

• “The body knows the score.”
• “Get rid of all comparison.”
• “It’s never too late to start.”

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Thriving Not Surviving

01:54 – Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

05:46 – Deep Inner Work and Personal Growth

10:33 – Becoming a Health and Fitness Coach

15:07 – Building an Accessible Fitness Environment

18:37 – Individualized Coaching Models

25:54 – The Five Pillars of Health

30:53 – Neurodiversity and Acceptance

34:07 – Coaching Through Lived Experience

38:11 – Lessons from Chronic Fatigue

41:50 – DJ-Feminem and the Healing Power of Music

47:13 – July’s Wellness Tips for Thriving

Resources

Follow @trainwithsculpt on Instagram

📸 Learn to Lift – @trainwithsculpt

🎧 FEMINEM mixes on SoundCloud

🔗 Helen on LinkedIn

🌐 www.inspiredhealing.co.uk

📷 IG: @ helens_inspired_healing

📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551922200224

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

📧 Full transcription available: [email protected]

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