Fit over 40 in Overland Park!

Shannon’s Testimony:

Hello, my name is Shannon Johnston. I am a wife, mother, and an educator. I am married to Josh and we have 2 awesome boys. Garrett is 19 and is referred to by his brother as the “nature boy”! Thomas is 12 and he is my “gamer”, and I think the only one in the house that knows how to turn on the “smart” TV. We have also been blessed with a very ornery dachshund named Chesney, and a lab/pointer mix named Max. So if you haven’t figured it out yet, I am the only female in the house!

I was very athletic growing up and continued to be throughout my adult life. I had started running to help with all of the stress that comes with my chosen career, but after I turned 40 it just wasn’t enough. I was introduced to Hitch Fit and my wonderful trainer Amy in January of 2015. She helped me to get back on track with nutrition, cardio and strength training. I think that the hardest part of the process was figuring out a time to fit it in with all of the responsibilities that come with being a mom and a career woman. I started prepping all of my food on Sundays and would sit down and look and my workouts to determine the ones that weren’t as time consuming and do those on the nights that my husband worked late so I could get home to my boys. The plans were always easy to follow, but if I had a question Amy and I would discuss it at my next session. One of the hardest hurdles was having to get up at 4:30 in the morning to get my 1 hour of cardio in before work! I was only able to do this with the help of my great friend Sherry! Once my family saw that I was very determined to get my athletic body back they became great supporters. I am also very blessed to work with an amazing group of women who cheered for me from day 1.

I knew as soon as I had my first session with Amy that she was different than all the other trainers I had worked with before. The Hitch Fit Gym has a wonderful environment that really made you want to workout there. She was always next to me giving me the encouragement that I needed to push through. I knew that if I had a question that I could text her and she would get right back to me. Amy loves what she does and it is evident by the beautiful smile that is always on her face. She is my trainer, but also my friend. When I decided to compete in my first bikini competition, Amy was my #1 supporter. She worked with me and made the experience a great one. I have to admit it was one of the hardest things that I have accomplished in my life.

A quote that I found that inspired me is, “Faith isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice to trust God even when the road ahead seems uncertain.”

I have learned that I am a strong woman and that through my transformation I have inspired others to start on a pathway to a more healthy lifestyle.

I am not sure what the futures holds for me when it comes to competing, but I will definitely continue to train with Amy, my support, and friend.