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In 1993, Beth Johnson was a "typical" thirty year old living in New Jersey, attempting to find her true passion in life.  Johnson was very career-focused, but realized that she needed to seek alternate activities to enrich her personal life.  Although Johnson was not grossly overweight, she was a little self conscious about her weight and decided to join a gym and work towards shedding a few pounds. 

Johnson joined Gold's Gym Paramus and signed up with a nutrition analysis counselor to learn the best way to go about losing weight at a healthy pace.  After carefully reviewing Johnson's height (5'2"), weight (135 pounds), body measurements and body type, Johnson and her nutrition counselor agreed upon a common goal weight of 100 pounds.  Johnson worked closely with her nutrition counselor for several years and learned the importance of eating nutritious foods and exercising to boost her metabolism.  Eventually, she reached her goal weight of 100 pounds through hard work and perseverance, and was extremely proud of her new, lean body.  "I find it extremely rewarding when I'm able to achieve my goals-and to top it off, my new healthy habits make me feel better and give me more confidence." 

In 2002, Johnson began working with Gold's Gym Paramus Personal Trainer, Dan Sullivan.  During the initial consultation with Sullivan, Johnson informed him that she wanted to increase her strength and tone her stomach and thighs.  They worked together three days a week to develop a fitness routine based on core and strength training, balance and cardio exercises to help Beth achieve her fitness goals.  "Everyone at Gold's Gym is extremely supportive - from the receptionist, to the owners, to the personal trainers," stated Johnson.  "It feels like we are an extended family because Gold's creates a great atmosphere for all of its members."

Unfortunately, Johnson was faced with an extremely traumatic experience in 2003, when her sister passed away unexpectedly.  Johnson was very close with her sister and couldn't find a way to bring herself back to her high-energy lifestyle.  She opened up to Sullivan, expressing her feelings of sorrow, and together they discussed healthy ways to cope with her negative emotions and avoid weight gain during this difficult time.  Sullivan encouraged Johnson to join the Gold's Gym "Apple Challenge," by eating an apple before or after every meal to help curb her appetite and stay in control of her weight.  Beth agreed to the Challenge and made a conscious effort to stock up on apples throughout the day to refrain from gaining the weight that she worked so hard to lose. 

After a few months, Johnson was able to get her life back on track and resumed her training sessions with Sullivan at Gold's Gym Paramus.  As a goal-oriented woman, Johnson decided to take on another fitness challenge and become a competitive bodybuilder.  To begin training for her first fitness competition, Johnson knew that she had to become very flexible and therefore began taking ballet and gymnastics classes and increased her strength training sessions with Sullivan.  She signed up for her first Figure Competition in May of 2004 and placed second at the competition.  "Everybody gave me the tools I needed to perform, and I was thrilled to receive second place," said Johnson.  In November of 2004, Johnson competed in a Fitness Competition and placed fifth at the event.

Johnson's new profound passion for fitness was evident to her family, friends, co-workers and Gold's Gym staff and members.  She made fitness a priority in her life, rather than a sporadic activity.  Johnson decided to switch fitness goals and began training for various sporting events such as biathlons, small town runs (five & 10K's) and intense half marathons. Last April, Johnson competed in her first half marathon in Long Branch, New Jersey and completed the 13 mile race in an astonishing two hours and eleven minutes!  She is currently training for the Harriman, NY triathlon that will be held this August. "I love having a goal and know what I'm working towards," said Johnson. 

Johnson is still training with Sullivan at Gold's Gym Paramus and looks forward to their bi-weekly sessions together.  When she's not training with Sullivan, Johnson partakes in Spinning, yoga and group exercise classes at Gold's Gym Paramus.  Outside of the gym, Johnson is employed as an accountant at Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood, New Jersey.