Local gym owner and personal trainer Krista Johnson recently received national attention for her success in losing belly fat through an article published in First For Women’s October issue (which has been available in grocery stores nationwide for the past few weeks).
In the article, Johnson tells her story of success losing weight and belly fat through the metabolic effect philosophy. She has been a part of the Metabolic Association and has been learning under the influences of Jade Teta working with his wife as her own personal trainer.
Johnson answered a call in the spring of this year when First For Women was looking for “anyone who has had success with belly fat” and to email their story to be used in a feature article in a later issue. She was contacted in June by a writer (via telephone from New York) who stated that the magazine wanted to use her story and asked her go for a photo shoot in Dallas. Little did Johnson know the article would feature only two women, giving her story a full two page spread in the magazine.
Johnson explains that in achieving her belly fat loss, she basically focused on eating better and monitored what foods seemed to work for her, netting results of belly fat and weight loss.
“I had to retrain my brain. Eating grains and such gave short term results and didn’t continue to give results,” said Johnson. “I began balancing hormones with my eating, keeping estrogen in mind.”
She explained that she also combined a workout twice a week, keeping the metabolic effect philosophy in mind regarding her diet.
“It’s so exciting and works for all ages, shapes, and sizes, even for nursing moms. Not one plan is perfect for everyone,” said Johnson. “It’s great, an absolute answer to everything by using a scientific process where you try different things to see what works for you in particular.”
Johnson stated that most people work out and lose weight but then hit a plateau where the weight loss seems to be a harder battle, especially for those in their 40s or older. You can over exercise and cause negative effects she explained. By using the metabolic effect philosophy, Johnson stated that people can learn to eat more and exercise less. A strict meal plan “cleans you out and gets rid of water retention,” Johnson explained.
By using this metabolic effect philosophy, Johnson is now teaching people a 30 day fat loss program in her gym. Many of their success stories are pictured on the gym’s Facebook page, FitbyFaith.
Johnson was very excited to be featured in the magazine, but states it is somewhat surreal to see the magazine in a grocery store checkout line.
“I am so happy that they did the article,” said Johnson. “But it is so weird to go to the grocery store and see myself on the cover.”
Johnson has received many Facebook comments regarding the article including one from a woman she encountered approximately 10 years ago when Johnson worked for iVillage as a monitor encouraging weight loss. The woman was inspired by Johnson years ago and told her through Facebook that she had since become a chef.
Johnson began her business Fit by Faith in Brownwood in October 2006, which was a vision inspired during her own weight loss battle. She is a mother of four children and has a passion for helping others “get in shape from the inside out.” She herself, having lost over 100 pounds and kept it off for years, is an inspiration to others. Through her gym, she has changed the atmosphere of fitness to one of individuality while strengthening a person’s spiritual health.
She holds certifications as a Personal Trainer with the International Sports Science Association Tae Bo® fitness instructor (Certified by the creator Billy Blanks) Group Fitness Instructor for Adults, Children and Seniors SilverSneakers® Muscle Strength & Range of Motion for Seniors, and Black Belt 4th Dan in the art of Tae Bo Kwon.
Johnson has appeared in 3 Tae Bo® infomercials on national TV Shape, Collage Video, Looking Good Now and Christian Living Magazine, along with several times in local news media. She has also been featured on several websites such as The Fitness Zone, The Biggest Loser, iVillage as well as the Billy Blanks website. She has been a motivational speaker at many churches and radio stations. She and her husband John co-own Fit By Faith and have hearts to help others to feel good, to be healthy.
They are currently relocating their business Fit By Faith on Austin Avenue to the Heartland Church, located at 2845 Hwy 279 in Brownwood. They have temporarily closed for this week only, to move equipment and prepare for classes which will start back up on October 8th at Heartland Church.
“Our old building is empty, but the memories made there will live on as we look forward to a better place for all of us to make even more memories!” said Johnson on her FitByFaith Facebook page.
Johnson explained that most classes will remain at the same time and that a new schedule is available on their website. Takenda Cotton will be teaching her evening Zumba classes out of the Benny Houston Community Center.
Although Heartland Church is a temporary home for Fit By Faith, the Johnsons are planning and preparing for a permanent home for the gym. Johnson stated further on her Facebook page, “Our full vision is coming to pass and Brownwood is going to be blown away. Thank you for your support and patience as we transition.”
Pictured above is the First For Women’s October issue article featuring Johnson. Photo contributed.
