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How Beverly Johnson Empowers Us to Become Our Ideal Self

Having been a Zumba instructor for years, Beverly K. Johnson knew her influence included more than fitness training when a candid conversation with an exercising client revealed that women in caretaker roles often forget about themselves. She named her new motivational fitness business Genesys Fitness because it signified a rebirth for the often “forgotten” woman: the divorce’, caretaker, and empty-nester.


GenFit is a community of women who recognize the need to reclaim their lives and are emotionally ready to do the work with Beverly K. Johnson, a motivational life coach, fitness trainer, and “girlfriend of authority”. At GenFit, we believe self-care takes priority over caring for others because it is in caring for ourselves that we make the best caregivers. We believe that by helping women rediscover who they are after suffering a loss, she will be empowered to become her ideal self – physically, mentally, and emotionally.



1.Why did you become a Fitness Coach?

Before I became a fitness coach, I was a group fitness instructor. I earned my license as a Zumba Fitness instructor in 2010. Many of my students began to ask me for assistance regarding their fitness needs. Pursuing into the realm of coaching was a natural progression. I became a certified fitness coach/ personal trainer in 2015.


2.What are your personal fitness goals?

As I’m getting older, my personal goals have changed. As we age, mobility and the need for strength training grows. My goals are now to improve my mobility and maintain my strength levels. Another goal is to resume my training for running 5k races.


3.Can you teach any fitness classes?

I can teach dance fitness, cardio kickboxing, and strength training.

4.What do you know about nutrition?

I’m certified to in nutrition coaching and it’s a topic that doesn’t receive enough attention. Nutrition is often overlooked in our wellness plan. You can’t out-train a bad diet. It’s a strong component in achieving your goals.


5.How important do you think customer service is to this job?

Customer service and being attentive in my business is crucial. As a coach, I strive to develop relationships with my clients. The relationships are based on trust and open communication. My goal is to partner with and create a wellness plan that allows them to achieve their goals.


6.What is your personal training philosophy?

I want to prepare my clients to lead healthy and fit lives. My personal training philosophy is based in the concept called functional fitness. Functional fitness exercises train your muscles to work together and prepare them for daily tasks by simulating common movements you might do at home, at work or in sports. While using various muscles in the upper and lower body at the same time, functional fitness exercises also emphasize core stability.


For example, a squat is a functional exercise because it trains the muscles used when you rise and down from a chair or pick up low objects. By training your muscles to work the way they do in everyday tasks, you prepare your body to perform well in a variety of common situations.


7.How would you structure a new client's nutrition plan?

One thing my years of training has taught me is that we are all different. Contrary to social media, there is not a “one size fits all” meal program. The reality is there is no “best diet”. We all have different body types, fitness levels, budgets, and dietary preferences. My strategies promote regular exercise, appetite controls, and food intake.


8.How would you structure a new client's workout plan?

Like the nutrition plans, develop a suitable workout plans follow similar logic. Prior to the plan, my clients complete an intake process that provides their medical history or other concerns. Knowing whether a client has certain medical conditions, impacts the plan that is created. The goal to create a plan that addresses their concerns, improves strength and confidence.


9.Which is more important to you: physical fitness or nutrition?

There have been times when so much emphasis has been placed on the physical component, leaving nutrition in the shadows. They are interconnected in achieving your goals. Both play an important role in your wellness journey.



10.To become a Fitness Coach do you need any certifications?

I would encourage anyone who’s considering becoming a coach to obtain a certification. It will benefit you and the client. There are several licensing bodies for a person to consider.


11.How did the idea for your business come about?

I wanted to grow and expand as an entrepreneur. The idea started in 2015 and all I knew that I wanted to help women achieve their goals.


12.What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?

It was the freedom to determine my own path. I have greater discretion in selection my hours and what market I target for my prospective hours.


13.How did you come up with the name for your company?

Totally by accident! I had a list of 10 names that I wanted to consider, and Genesys wasn’t on the list. However, when I went to purchase the domain name, ALL my ideas were taken. I had to sit at my desk and regroup. I had to ask myself, “what am I providing to my clients? A new start. A genesis, a new beginning.” And the rest is history.


14.How did you raise funding for your venture?

My business was self -financed. I paid for all of my equipment, training classes and other needs from my day job paycheck. I was willing to make the sacrifice to manifest my dream.


15.How do you build a successful customer base?

My business is built on referrals and word of mouth. I’ve built my base by creating a solid product, engaging with people in person and on social media, and remaining consistent. The process requires us to be intentional.


16.What kind of culture exists in your organization, and how did you establish it?

I heard this quote from Pastor Dharius Daniels- lead pastor of Change Church, “you can’t do leadership without treating people well.” You can’t expect any organization to flourish until an inclusive and diverse environment. Everyone has a voice. The tone of the organization begins with me. Your team will follow your actions not your advice.


17How many hours a day do you work on average?

Between my day job and the business, the hours can vary. The average days is usually about 12-14 hours.


18.Can you describe/outline your typical day?

My typical day:

7-4:30- day job as a budget analyst

4:30-7:00- classes and clients

7:00-9:00- review content, prepare for the next day, study/read.


19.What motivates you?

My motivation comes from knowing that I’m walking in my purpose and enjoying myself. I’ve allowed myself to grow and evolve so my business is never stagnant. There’s always something new to learn.


20.What piece of advice would you give to college graduates who want to become entrepreneurs?

1. Do your research and become aware of the trends.

2. Find your niche and identify who your ideal customer will be.

3. Develop your messaging; how will you connect with your audience.

4. Ask for help; seek out mentorship.




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