We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Megan Johnson McCullough . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Megan below.

Megan , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

I had completed my Masters degree in Physical Education and Health Science with a teaching credential. The career I really wanted at the time was to be a high school P.E. teacher and basketball coach. For a little over 2 years I did substitute teaching hoping for a permanent position to open up, but the future seemed hopeless with so few opportunities becoming available. School ended about 3pm and I would head over to the local gym and get my workout routine going. I was certainly a regular at the gym, so I was a familiar person to the staff. One day while doing cardio the gym manager complimented me about my commitment and that it seemed like I really knew my way around the equipment. He said they were hiring personal trainers. I needed to pass a test for it which he said I would definitely have to study for at least 6 months. Little did he know my educational background. I asked my grandpa to pay for the rather expensive certification. There was a test date locally in 2 weeks. I took it, passed it, went back to the gym manager, and was immediately hired. I worked as a corporate personal trainer for about 2 years before I opened my own fitness studio.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a Doctor of Health and Human Performance and owner of Every BODY’s Fit fitness studio in Oceanside CA. For 12 years at this location, I have offered small group and one on one training. I’m also a professional natural bodybuilder, fitness model, and author of 8 books. I focus on medical fitness, and I am a Drug & Alcohol Recovery Fitness Specialist. I have also developed a cell phone app called Fit PACE for persons in addiction recovery using exercise to maintain sobriety.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Initially I really wanted to be a teacher like my parents. I had played college basketball so coaching was something that seemed natural to me. However, the California education system was eliminating rather than adding teachers and subjects. P.E. and Health classes were electives that were being cut back on. That meant there were fewer and fewer jobs for a new teacher. God had a different, much better plan for me. I am so blessed to own my fitness studio and don’t at all regret taking a different career path. Life always works out even if we don’t understand the challenges or struggles that lead us to where we truly belong.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a small business owner, being closed for 3 months due to Covid 19 tested my mental and physical health. My anxiety levels skyrocketed with such uncertainty regarding if or when I could ever re-open. Financially, I was stressed and applied for every loan and grant I could. Every day I felt like my purpose had been stripped right out from under me. I worried if my clients would come back. God took care of me and the loans I was granted were forgiven and I had received 3 grants. I came out on top and now when the business brings me other stressors, I can recall going through the hardest test of all. With that in mind, I know everything will always be okay.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.everybodysfitoceanside.com
• Instagram: Dr.megan_everybodysfit
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.johnson.374549
• Twitter: Everybodysfit
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/fitlifeeverybodysfit
• Other: Amazon https://bit.ly/MeganJohnsonMcCullough

Image Credits
Kathy Magerkurth Chris_photographe