Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Johnson.
Hi Cindy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from Bowie, MD and come from a large family (I’m the youngest of seven). I was an active child, trying different sports, but my main interest was in dance and performing. I took recreational dance classes and was on the Pom team all four years of High School. While in my freshman year of college, I had my first child and moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina, where my ex was stationed for the USMC. I began my career in the health and fitness industry in 2001, after my 2nd child was born. I first became an AFAA group exercise instructor and taught group fitness classes on the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base. I moved back to MD in 2002 and continued teaching a variety of group exercise classes while I returned to school to become a Registered Nurse. I was inspired to become a nurse while helping to take care of my mother after she had undergone major cytoreductive surgery for a rare type of cancer. I enjoy helping and serving others, so nursing was a great fit for me.
I graduated from nursing school in Dec of 2005 and my first position as an RN was in the same surgical ICU at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, where my mother had been treated for her cancer just a few years prior. I moved across the country to Gilbert, AZ in 2010. Since then, I’ve had two more children, taught at different health club settings, run two full marathons & other races, all while working as a PACU (recovery room) nurse. I worked at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center for six years before transitioning to the outpatient surgery center setting. I currently work full-time as a PACU nurse for an orthopedic surgery center. Last year, I added to my fitness repertoire by completing the trainer certification for AKT (Anna Kaiser Technique). I was thrilled to join AKT Gilbert’s team and to continue to share my love for dance, fitness, teaching and helping others achieve their goals! In March of 2020, I downloaded the Tiktok app for fun and began posting videos of me dancing (some in my scrubs) to help spread some fun and positivity in the midst of the global pandemic. Since then, I’ve had several videos go viral and now have over 600k followers. I’ve even had a couple of my videos be aired on National TV (America’s Greatest Home Videos and Teen Choice Awards pre-show). I hope that I can continue to inspire, entertain and spread positive energy! You can find me on TikTok as @fitandphat and on IG @fitandphat123.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It most definitely has not been a smooth or easy road! I had placenta abruption with my firstborn, which required an emergency C section. We were both close to not making it. Being a single parent is tough, and I’ve been a single mother more than not. Going through nursing school with two small children was stressful, but it was necessary and totally worth it! Being able to support yourself and your children is a great feeling. Divorce is always hard, and having gone through more than one is tough. Feeling like you failed and made poor decisions. Happy to say we are now friends and co-parent very well. Having a back injury and other random injuries Dealing with negative comments on social media. In 2020 alone, I lost my mother in Jan, went through a breakup, moved twice, had a health scare with my youngest child, two nieces diagnosed with stomach cancer, lost my dad in October and then got Covid. But there were also lots of positives: buying my own house, meeting a great guy, growing my social media and having the opportunities that came along with it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Health and fitness has been my biggest passion. When I first started teaching group fitness in NC, I was part of the “SemperFit” team that would train with the marines. I’m pretty sure that is where my “intense” instructor reputation started! I’ve continued my journey in health/fitness over the years by achieving additional fitness certifications, participating in different races (running two full marathons), and also by becoming a Certified Personal Trainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). I’ve taught at a variety of gyms and fitness centers with class sizes ranging from 2-60. I’ve also appeared in a cycling workout video. I love group fitness because I can combine my love for teaching, motivating, helping and inspiring others with dance and exercise. I get to make a difference and help people in Nursing as well. I enjoy taking care of my patients post-operatively and helping them have a smooth recovery. In pacu (post-anesthesia care unit), we make sure their vital signs are stable, they have a patent airway and are able to breathe on their own, pain and nausea treated as needed, family educated on home care and discharge instructions. And now on Social media, I’ve gotten the nickname “the dancing nurse,” and I love it. Just because you are a professional, a mom, or over a certain age doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and inspire others to do what they love and enjoy.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve always been type A. Someone with a lot of energy and drive. I participated in many clubs in HS and was in student government all four years. I was always an honor roll student. Very dependable. The family has always been the most important thing in my life. My family is close and we would have get-togethers and parties quite often. My parents raised me to accept everyone and to serve others whenever I can. My parents were from the south and I learned how to cook and bake from my mom. I would sit in the kitchen, watching her cook and help with food prep whenever I could. I’ve always been a determined and resilient individual. I’ve never let my circumstances stop me from setting goals and achieving them.
Contact Info:
- Email: fitandphat123@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/fitandphat123
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMerJnBJu/
What to check out next:
Aleasha Bahr is a sales & marketing strategist known for showing introverts and ambiverts the Secret Art of Subtle Selling. She personally sold millions in revenue while discovering introverts are usually top sales people – as soon as they stop trying to act like extroverts. We’ve partnered with her to produce Introverted Entrepreneur Success Stories. Check out episode 1 below:
