We were lucky to catch up with Joanie Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joanie, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
Before I dove into the world of pre and postnatal corrective exercise, I spent a decade as a professional dancer in NYC. It was the career of my dreams and fitness had always been a complementary pursuit to supplement my income as a dancer.
Pregnancy became a turning point, leading me to explore pre and postnatal corrective exercise in depth. This exploration put me on a path that changed my entire career. Unlike traditional fitness, corrective exercise is the study of how the brain communicates with our muscles. Through my own pregnancy experience, I witnessed firsthand the impact of training my body in this specialized way. It was a game-changer, not just during pregnancy but also in the postpartum recovery phase. I emerged from my postpartum recovery as the strongest I had ever been.
I quickly learned there’s absolutely no comparison between pre and postnatal fitness and pre and postnatal corrective exercise. The latter goes beyond physical exertion; it’s about rewiring the body-mind connection for optimal function and recovery during and after pregnancy. It takes into the consideration each mother’s body, mind and health from a holistic perspective. Each pregnancy, recovery and journey through motherhood is different from the next which is what makes my work so special and meaningful.
As I navigated the challenges of motherhood and postpartum recovery for myself, I made the decision to open up and share my journey with others. This vulnerability, combined with my years of being a born mover and my expertise in corrective exercise, laid the foundation for true authenticity in my work.
Since then, I’ve continued to prioritize authenticity and vulnerability in everything I do. My journey from professional dancer to pre and postnatal corrective exercise specialist has been marked by growth, resilience, and a deep commitment to supporting others on their own wellness journeys.
I discovered that my greatest power lies in my ability to embrace vulnerability and share my truth with the world. It’s through authenticity that I’ve been able to forge meaningful connections and create a lasting impact with all my clients. And for me, that’s the essence of a fulfilling and impactful career.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey into pre and postnatal corrective exercise stems from a deeply personal experience. Before I found my niche in this field, I spent a decade pursuing my passion as a professional dancer in New York City. Fitness was always integral to my life, and I will forever love the energy of using fun music, teaching group classes, and coaching people to enhance their health and happiness through movement. Even though I’m no longer teaching fitness in that way, that element of fun and enjoyment is something I still emphasize with my clients today. I often tell them, “I don’t want to keep you as a client forever. Let’s guide you through pregnancy, lay a strong foundation in postpartum, and get you back to the movement and level of fitness that you love!” Humans were made to move! My goal is that everyone feels good moving as much as possible.
Pregnancy became a pivotal moment that led me to a deep dive into pre and postnatal corrective exercise. I was lucky enough to find a top notch education in a continuing education company names, Fit For Birth. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I also joke that I learned everything the hard way. Despite being conditioned as a dancer, pregnancy quickly humbled me. I was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, and my regular workout routine came to a halt as my main priority became keeping food down every day. The change in my routine and decrease in activity led to a slew of muscular imbalances, resulting in sciatica, pelvic floor dysfunction, and pelvic girdle pain. Enduring a long labor and an extremely tough C-section recovery further contributed to my journey.
These challenges seemed devastating at the time but I know realize they molded me into the knowledgeable and empathetic trainer I am today. Due to my own experience, I didn’t return to dancing as planned. Instead, I shifted my career to providing specific support for pregnant and postpartum women. My brand focuses on delivering personalized corrective exercise programs, mindful movement practices, and holistic wellness solutions to address the unique needs of my clients.
I bridge the gap between traditional fitness and the specialized corrective exercise solutions I teach during pregnancy and postpartum. My programs prioritize knowledge, efficacy, and empowerment, guiding women through this transformative life stage with confidence.
What sets me apart is my firsthand experience and deep understanding of the physical and emotional challenges women face during pregnancy and postpartum. I bring a level of empathy, authenticity, and insight that deeply resonates with my clients. I approach each client’s journey from a holistic perspective, helping them recognize the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
I’m most proud of the impact I make in the lives of my clients, empowering them to embrace their bodies and navigate the ups and downs of motherhood. I show them how this period of time has the potential to transform their entire lives, connecting them with their bodies in profound ways that they will carry with them forever.
My brand offers more than just a fitness program—it’s having a movement professional by your side. I provide unlimited access to me and opportunities to fully customize each program. I want working with me to be a source of empowerment and hope during one of life’s most profound transitions. Whether you’re expecting a baby, navigating postpartum recovery, or wanted to strengthen and feel better in your body after being pregnant years (or decades ago!) I’m here to support my clients through it all.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
I’m an empath and used to view it as a weakness. I now realize that empathy and understanding are essential to the success of my business. Being able to empathize with clients and truly understand their unique challenges and experiences is key. It allows me to tailor my approach to their individual needs and build strong, supportive relationships.
The other non negotiable is adaptability and flexibility The field of pre and postnatal corrective exercise is constantly evolving, and being adaptable to new research, techniques is essential for staying relevant and effective. I’ve seen lots of big name fitness companies fail because they develop a “method” and get stuck in their ways. You have to be humble enough to know that there is always knowledge to gain and be constantly seeking to learn and ingest it!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2017, I embarked on a thrilling venture by launching New York City’s first pre and postnatal boutique fitness studio alongside a business partner. Initially, the rapid pace and success of the business were exhilarating. Our work gained the attention from many big publications such as The Bump, Parents Magazine, Good Morning America, and even Vogue. It was immensely gratifying to see strength training during pregnancy and postpartum gain recognition and validation.
However, within two years, the realities of startup life began to set in, and I realized that it’s not for the faint of heart. Founder burnout became a palpable challenge, and I found myself at a crossroads. Making the decision to step away from my company was one of the most difficult and anxiety-inducing choices I’ve ever had to make. Despite missing it dearly, I knew it was essential to prioritize my well-being and that of my family rather than continue down that path.
This experience led me to reevaluate my approach to business and life. I recognized the importance of placing personal needs and family above all else, especially when providing support and empathy on such a deeply personal level to others. Just like the airplane analogy of putting on your own oxygen mask first, I understood that I needed to prioritize self-care and balance to thrive both personally and professionally.
Since then, I’ve committed myself to a different path in business—one that prioritizes sustainable growth and holistic well-being. Though the journey has been slower and at times more challenging and frustrating, I’ve found myself infinitely happier and more fulfilled. Success, I’ve come to realize, isn’t solely measured by external accolades or recognition. True success lies in personal fulfillment and alignment with one’s values and priorities.
(I should mention that I now live in the Caribbean, took up surfing and stop my workday by 1pm in order to prioritize family and feeling balanced and fulfilled!)
This pivotal experience taught me the importance of defining success on my own terms and embracing a more balanced and sustainable approach to both business and life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.transformation-nation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformationnation_workouts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsTransformationNation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaniejohnson1/
- Other: Google Reviews: https://maps.app.goo.gl/s6MLiMvrTP7ApxFm6
Image Credits
Micah B. Rubin