Meet Beverly K. Johnson, also known as Coach Bev, a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition and Transformation Coach, and Founder of The EPIC Academy and Genesys Fitness. After being a Zumba instructor for years, Beverly knew her influence included more than helping “forgotten women” lose weight. She has grown her coaching practice into serving men and women who need a makeover from the inside out.
Beverly is a member of the International Sports Sciences Association. Having been featured in dozens of national and international magazines, Beverly has been recognized by SwagHer Magazine, Meta, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Black Speakers Network.
Previously, she was a military officer in the Army. Beverly is a proud graduate from Alabama A&M University. She currently lives in Alabama with her dog diva, Zoe.
What’s something new you have been working on?
Coach Bev: Lately, I’ve been working on my personal development. Over the last months, I’ve been working on my continuing education credits and improving systems and processes for the business. Now that I’ve completed the rebrand, I’ve been finding ways to improve my processes and deliver a quality product to my clients.
Please tell us a little bit about Epic Academy.
Coach Bev: From my years as a trainer, I discovered that most of my clients needed assistance beyond the exercise portion. For a program to be effective, a mindset makeover is necessary to address the issues that cause us to be stuck. The EPIC Academy was designed to provide a holistic approach to my clients. EPIC addresses the mental, nutritional, and physical needs of my clients. EPIC is a customized fitness and weight loss program that provides specialized solutions for your lifestyle, goals, body type, & age.
Can you give our audience a few fitness tips to get that summer body?
Coach Bev: As women, we are inundated with images that can cause harm and lead to negative perceptions about ourselves. I’ve had prospective clients show my pictures of celebrities, and they’ll tell me that’s who they aspire to look like. Those aspirations are difficult to achieve because we lack the resources of a personal chef, nutritionist, trainer, makeup artist, and stylist. I often tell my clients that our bodies begin to change as we age, which will require us to accept the changes. A scale never defines our worth and beauty. I recommend the following tips for a summer body:
● Find your favorite suit.
● Pack your bags.
● Go to the beach, enjoy yourself, and remember your sunscreen.
What have been some challenges you have faced as an entrepreneur?
Coach Bev: As a new trainer, I pursued practically every opportunity that came my way. I found myself burned out and had a low conversion rate. Translation- I was doing the most with no results and no sales. To manage my resources, I’m very intentional about which opportunities I participate in. The opportunities must align with my vision and brand.
Like many entrepreneurs, the biggest challenge is time. I’ve struggled to find that happy balance between my business and my personal life. There’s always a never-ending list of work that needs to be done.
From your experience, should aspiring fitness trainers be prepared for before entering the industry?
Coach Bev: I had to take some time to find my voice and brand identity. It’s easy to become swept away by everything on social media. If you’re not careful, you’ll feel tempted to chase every new trend that comes along. Your message and personality will resonate with your clients and prospective clients. Take time to find your niche and define your ideal client. And don’t be afraid to ask for help; a mentor or coach can be a valuable resource.
What is something you enjoy the most, other than fitness/health, and why?
Coach Bev: Many people are shocked to learn that I love going to movies. Not just the movies but the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Yes, the world of Iron Man, Captain America, and the Black Panther. I also enjoy traveling. For my birthday this past March, I took a 7-day cruise and experienced the beauty of the Caribbean islands. In both situations, I have a chance to spend time with friends and experience new things.
What is one thing you would go back and tell 16-year-old Beverly?
Coach Bev: There are so many things that I would tell that precious soul. One thing that I’d tell her is this- You are an amazing person full of light and joy. Embrace everything that makes you special.
Connect online @imbeverlyjohnson
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