Photo courtesy of Melissa Johnson
In her 16 years as a weight loss coach and figure competition trainer, Melissa Johnson has 23 professional shows, finishing in the top four in 21 of those, and went on to win a world American Natural Bodybuilding Federation championship in 2015. Her clients at Custom Fitness by MJ (customfitnessbymj.com) receive all the expertise she's gathered over her decorated career.
Johnson says she focuses on designing meal plans and workouts tailored to individuals. “Everyone’s body responds differently, and that has to be paid attention to for them to succeed,” she says. She designs a clear workout plan, works with clients to acclimate them to food preparation, and explains the nutrition behind the plans. “I hold their hand and walk them through the entire process, and I take all the guess work out of the game for my people.”
What key factors about fitness do you feel are important?
Fitness has to be fun; it has to have variety.
What thing do you feel has contributed to your success the most?
You have to pay attention to detail, and you have to genuinely care.
What was your greatest achievement in the fitness business?
I became a world champion; as a figure pro, I always wanted to achieve a high end victory.
What do you want your clients to take with them once they’ve trained with you?
It’s important to me that they learn how to push themselves. I hope that I instill the desire to experiment and to go past their normal boundaries. Most importantly, patience. Without the notion that this process takes time, my clients would never be successful.
Is there anything in the industry that you want to accomplish that you have not already?
No, I feel like being able to do what I love for a living is a huge accomplishment all in itself. I would like to write a book that is not fitness-related, but as more of a life-coach—because of all the life experiences I have been through.
What big things are on on the horizon for you?
I have retired from competing and am so happy to say that I am starting a chapter in my life with my son and my ex-husband. We are getting back together. I will still be a life coach and a weight loss coach, and I will continue working with my clients because I love what I do. But I am now focusing more on having that family I have always wanted.
