Episode 20: INSPIRE with Jonica Bullock, Fitness Coach/Personal Trainer and Co-Host of the BUILT by FitBod Podcast
Some corners of the internet can be scary places. Social media in particular can be rough, with self-proclaimed experts on every virtual corner at the ready to tear us down, be critical, and just generally tell us why we don’t stack up.
However, bright spots exist, and hope remains. Take for instance Canadian Jonica Bullock. An interior designer by training and experience, she is in the midst of a major life transition to coaching and personal training, as years of hard work and experienced earned through relentless dedication not only changed her life, it changed the lives of those around her.
While Jonica never intentionally set out to inspire her corner of the world, that’s what happened as she steadily became the face of the FitBod workout app’s Facebook group—not to mention the curator of the page’s “Flex Friday” and an instrument of hope and light who provides genuine, heartfelt encouragement to others who are also on the path of their fitness journey. The work eventually led to her being asked to regularly contribute to a new podcast, Built Powered by FitBod that helps tell the stories of one of the most encouraging social media communities ever.
It hasn’t been an easy climb for her, though. Overcoming the shame, stigma, and unhealthy habits of an eating disorder that first showed itself during her teens, her condition got better for a season, then reemerged like an angry monster in her early 30s. Jonica will forever be grateful for the persistence of a concerned physician and the family and friends who supported her. Through lengthy, deliberate, and difficult work to heal and a steady resolve to learn and live through healthy habits, she discovered her voice and found her power…with that power being at an all-time high thanks to a disciplined approach to healthy fueling and serious work in the gym. And with her healing, she also discovered that she has a true gift for helping others navigate similar paths.
Hear Jonica tell her story of overcoming disordered eating, her road to recovery, and her current efforts to help others find success in Episode 20: INSPIRE.
Catch her on Instagram at @liftsheavyeatswell
Episode Summary (generously provided by Deciphr)
Jonica Bullock Shares Triumph Over Eating Disorder and Inspired Journey to Help Others.
SUMMARY
Toby Brooks invites Jonica Bullock, an interior designer from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to the podcast this week. John has gone through a difficult journey to overcome an eating disorder, and with her healing, she has discovered a true gift for helping others navigate similar paths. John shares her story of recovery, and she talks about how years of hard work, dedication, and support from family and friends have enabled her to make a life transition from interior design to coaching and personal training. She is also the curator of the Facebook group FitBod workout apps and uses her voice to provide genuine, heartfelt encouragement to others on their fitness journey. John is an inspiring example of how to take control of our lives and build a brighter future.
Jonica Bullock has a powerful story of finding a niche in the fitness industry that resonates with people. She started her path to becoming a fit person by wanting to be a stay-at-home mom. She got married young and had three kids and found joy in that. She then ventured out in the midst of a transition, taking bold actions and becoming a fit person. Her relentless positivity and energy has been a bright example to many people in the fitness world, and she is an inspiration to many.
The speaker shared how she loved the opportunity to stay at home and raise her children, which was something she always wanted to do. After high school, she went to a technical college and took dental assisting, but it wasn’t her passion. She and the other speaker met four years ago in a Facebook group tied to a fitness app. During the COVID lockdown, the speaker found the app, FitBod, to be essential in helping her build workouts after a long day of work. The group was filled with support and encouragement, which was a 180- degree difference from other Facebook groups.
The speaker recounts their journey of recovering from disordered eating. This journey began in their childhood, when they saw their mother struggling with their weight. As a teenager, they used food as a way to gain control over their emotions and anxieties. In their early thirties, disordered eating behaviors resurfaced and the speaker felt ashamed and embarrassed about it, as they were a fully functioning adult. They felt a disconnect between the healthy image they were trying to portray and the unhealthy behaviors they were doing. It was later revealed that their need to control the food they were consuming was a result of issues they were having in their personal life, and the inability to speak up and share their feelings. Overall, the speaker emphasizes the importance of facing issues and being able to share your story.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00:00 Interview with Jonica Bullock: Overcoming Eating Disorders and Finding Success Through Healthy Habits
0:03:28 Conversation with Jonica Bullock: Becoming Undone and Taking Bold Actions
0:05:05 Reflection on Motherhood and Career Path: A Conversation with Jonica
0:06:56 Exploring the Journey of Overcoming Disordered Eating: A Conversation with Jonica
0:11:57 Conversation with Jonica, a Woman Struggling with an Eating Disorder
0:15:49 Conversation Summary: A Reflection on the Impact of a Physician’s Intervention in an Eating Disorder Journey
0:17:45 Conversation Summary: A Physician’s Intervention in Mental Health Recovery
0:19:36 Conversation on Reaching Rock Bottom and Finding Motivation for Healing
0:21:23 Conversation with a Former Eating Disorder Sufferer: A Journey to Healing Through Fitness and Intuitive Eating
0:25:18 Refocusing on Strength and Wellness: A Conversation on Recovery from Eating Disorders and Anxiety
0:27:24 Discussion on the Difference Between Motivation and Discipline
0:29:16 The Power of Fuel and Training: A Conversation on Motivation and Discipline for Success
0:32:49 Conversation on the Benefits of Living a Healthy Lifestyle
0:34:32 Conversation on Finding Balance in a Healthy Relationship with Food
0:36:39 Exploring the Balance of Healthy Eating and Exercise for a Healthy Lifestyle
Conversation on Celebrating the Athlete Within and Separating Diet and Fitness Goals
0:41:33 Conversation on How Eating Disorder Journey Has Shaped Me
0:43:34 Conversation on Complimenting People’s Weight Loss and Body Image
0:47:57 Heading: Interview with FitBod Community Leader and Built Podcast Co-Host, Michaela Smith
0:52:09 Interview with Jonica: Transitioning from Day Job to Personal Training and Health & Fitness