Session 2

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Kat Johnson, Cancer Exercise Specialist

I have been a fitness professional for the past 15 years. In 2006, with a huge leap of faith, I left corporate America and started my fitness business running outdoor boot camps for women, training individuals on a one on one basis and teaching group exercise classes. I was also a fitness presenter to many public and private events, like the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Walk/Run, City of Fontana Kids Health & Safety Fair, County of San Bernardino Health & Safety Fair, Rancho Specialty Hospital Bariatric Support Group and Inland Behavioral Health Diabetes Support Group, to name a few. As a fitness professional I had the privilege of partnering with different Healthy Communities in the Inland Empire, County of San Bernardino, Healthy Families International, Desert Sierra Health Network, Network for Healthy California Physical Activity Committee, Redlands Unified School District and a few others.

In yet another huge leap of faith, I moved from Southern California to Las Vegas to get married. At this time, I gave my business a break and worked with the YMCA of Southern Nevada. I wore many hats - from Health & Wellness Coordinator to Personal Trainer and Group Exercise instructor. The most impact for me at the YMCA was being one of the healthy lifestyle coaches in which I received training for evidence-based programs and became their facilitator/coach for programs like:

~ Choose to Lose 12 Week Weight Loss Program

~ Enhance Fitness - a program for older adults living with Arthritis

~ LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a 12 Week Cancer Support & Exercise Group

~ Blood Pressure Self Monitoring - a program people with hypertension

~ EXERT Trainer for people with mild cognitive impairment (as part of a national study).

Since the lockdowns, I have been teaching group exercise classes virtually and online personal coaching. People have embraced and appreciated these online programs. As most trainers and coaches, it was a new challenge and an adjustment with the way I coach and teach through the screen. It has been quite fun, but the biggest thing that it has done for me as a trainer/coach was the opportunity to open more doors and to extend my reach across the nation and the world - that is quite exciting!

Why work with Cancer Survivors:

I lost my Father, Mother, two Brothers and a sister to cancer and other diseases. My Father, Brother and Sister all lost their battles with cancer. But, it was my sister’s journey and her battle with lung cancer that really sparked that passion in me to help survivors regain strength and stamina and give them hope. I truly believe that cancer wellness through exercise and movement are crucial for increasing overall quality of life with more energy and positivity, decreasing feelings of fatigue and depression and better outcomes for many.

ACSM Certified Personal Trainer

Cancer Exercise Specialist

Holistic Nutrition Coach