We had the good fortune of connecting with Dianne Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dianne, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Movement saved my life. With depression, Body Dysmorphia, eating disorders, and anxiety, consistent yoga and group fitness has done more for me than therapy, counseling, and medication. I was at a point in my life where I had tried everything, and nothing had worked. While I know this isn’t a solution for everyone, I wanted to offer my knowledge of movement and it’s healing possibilities to others; especially mothers. I wanted to offer fitness that wasn’t focused on aggressive instruction and body shaming. My fitness teaching philosophy focuses on the purity of movement and shifts away from obsessing over weight loss, clothing sizes, calories, etc. to showing up at the gym or your mat with the sole focus of moving and honoring the body.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Movement By D, L.L.C. provides Yoga classes and instruction, personal training, and group fitness classes. Certifications include; Group Fitness 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Personal Training Currently enrolled in: 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training 200 Hour Vinyasa Teacher Training Senior Fitness Training I started out with a gym membership! That was my first personal and business investment. Honestly, I had no intention of getting this far. But, something in me keeps taking active steps to invest in increasing my knowledge and experience and showing up every day to train and support others. I am proud of my persistence. Because this career path is so different than what I originally chose for myself, I am honestly surprised that I am still doing it! I’ve stepped so far outside my comfort zone that I’ve evolved into this person that I don’t recognize anymore. But, I am loving every moment! I encourage my clients to have ‘body goals’, but I also encourage them to make mindful decisions to be present with and honor their bodies during this journey. Being present as in embracing and loving their body every day and not just on the days where they’ve lost pounds or noticeable inches. We set goals to become stronger and more flexible both mentally and physically. Movement energizes the mind, body, and soul. It awards strength, endurance, confidence, pride, and self-awareness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
LoL! I need a best friend to take me out and show ME a good time! You see, with the way my life is set up…. me and “free time” don’t know each other too well! Y’all email me some suggestions!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Shout Out goes to Laura Hughes! Laura is a Group Fitness Instructor and the Group Fitness Instructor Manager at World Gym in Smyrna, Georgia. I joined the gym in 2018 because it was the only one in my area with childcare and the amenities that I wanted. I remember walking in with my youngest son strapped to my back while I took a tour of the facility. I was nervous. I wasn’t sure that I was in the mental headspace to truly commit to going to the gym. Signing up for a membership was out of my budget, but I told myself that it was an investment in myself. I had seen Laura around the gym, but hadn’t spoken with her. At that point in my Movement Journey, I was only using the cardio room and taking sporadic yoga classes. I decided to inquire about personal training to guide me in the right direction. Fate paired me with Laura! During our consultation, she recommended that I attend one of her group classes. I love the way she teaches. Laura is intuitive, knowledgeable, and supportive. Any questions I had, she had answers. One day she had a question for me: Do you want to teach? I honestly thought she was joking. I had no fitness or exercise science background. She literally asked me after every class, and I’d just laugh it off. Next thing I know, I’m purchased a test for group fit instruction! I met Laura at a time when I was frustrated and hopeless. She helped reconnect with my body and confidence. She’s my mentor, teacher, and a dear friend. She saw something in me that I couldn’t see. It took me a while to trust her judgement. I kept asking, ‘Why me?’. But, all of the instructors at World Gym are amazing and diverse. She has an eye for talent. She saw it in me. Her persistence in pushing me to step outside my comfort zone got me where I am today. She is constantly speaking power and pouring into me. There would be no Movement By D without her. I’d also love to shout out those who have helped me, mentored me, and supported me: My World Gym family (especially Will, Debbie, JoAnn); my yogi mentors, Tanya, Jackie, Simone, Antoinette, Ife; Stacey, JaMaya, Jackie, and My Silent Partner. I am so grateful for you all.

Website: www.MovementByD.Com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movementby.d/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MovementByD/

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