Meet a Health Hero: Elaine Johnson


Elaine Johnson lead

Elaine Johnson

» You can vote for Elaine here September 29th through October 5th. Mark your calendar! 

Name: Elaine Johnson

Role: Founder of Latinas in Motion, a community created to encourage Latina women to make fitness an everyday part of their lifestyle.

Who or what motivates you to be healthy?
My daughter Eva (5) and my son Ian (1) are my biggest motivators. I love educating them about healthy meal options and teaching them how to have an active lifestyle. 

Describe a health or fitness related turning point in your life. 
While pregnant with my daughter Eva, I gained over 50 pounds over the course of my pregnancy. After I gave birth, I found myself unhappy with the way that I looked. I felt so tired, insecure and depressed. As a new mom, I decided to begin a new journey with running (this also served as my “me” time). I was never athletic but running outside was free so I decided to give it a try. Never in a million years would I have thought I, Elaine Johnson, would be a runner. But here I am … age 29, a Latina marathon runner. I ran and lost weight. I ran and gained confidence. I ran and found myself.

What “policy” would you institute to make Greater Philadelphia a healthier region?
I would institute a “30-minute walk” policy. Could you imagine a life where families walk together for 30 minutes every day? Could you imagine employers setting aside 30 minutes for their employees to take a walk outside. We could get Philadelphians active and healthy. This would also institute healthy habits throughout the city.

What’s the most important part of your health or fitness regimen?
The most important part of my health/fitness regimen is creating a health/fitness lifestyle. Being fit and healthy isn’t a seasonal thing for me, it’s my lifestyle. I don’t believe in yo-yo dieting or getting fit for the summer. I believe in making time to work out and eating nutritious food that will fuel my body for the better. Most importantly, I am also creating this lifestyle for my family. Create a lifestyle where eating well and working out is the norm.

What is your number one piece of health-related advice?
The best advice I have for anyone looking to change their lifestyle is: fall in love with the process! You see, love is eternal, but there is always process for love. For marriage, there is a dating period where you get to know each other and fall in love. For parents, there is a pregnancy, were you fall in love with your baby and the process. With fitness and nutrition, it should be the same. Fall in love with your journey to be healthy. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Your journey is your journey. That’s what makes it so beautiful. I dare you to fall in love with the process and watch how fitness and nutrition will manifest itself in your life!

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