Danika Johnson
It has taken me far too long to write up this testimonial. Reasons being 1. I am just plain and simply an over-thinker which leads to procrastination. 2. Every time I would begin to write about my experience with Andrew as my coach and trainer, I’d get teary eyed and at a loss for words. I have been involved in health and fitness for what seems like my whole life. At the age of 11 I was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes, which began my journey with discovering food as fuel, appreciating how our bodies are just like machines, and learning so much about myself as an athlete. About 6 years ago I got into the competition world, eyes wide and not knowing how far I would take this chapter of my life. I fell in love with the commitment, dedication, challenge and the exhilarating moments being on stage. I have been truly blessed to have met so many people during these past years of competing. I’ve worked with 4 different coaches, each one providing me with great insight, knowledge and different experiences that I am so grateful for. In 2012 I attained my IFPA Bikini Pro Card status; this was by far one of the best feelings as a competitor and athlete, but also brought new challenges. I knew I needed to put some time and dedication into building my physique up in my off season to be able to place well at the Pro Level. Working alongside Andrew at The Edge in Essex as a Personal Trainer, I knew he was involved in bodybuilding and had similar passions of mine in the health and fitness world.
Was I scared, heck yea! he’s ginormous compared to me, and intimidating (only at first though 😉 But I also knew that I’d learn so much working with him and why not change up the program! I began training with Andrew 2-3x week in my off season to build my physique for the Pro Stage. Not only was he an amazing trainer, pushing me to see my potential as an athlete, but he supported me fully in my goals and understood them genuinely. He was never afraid to say “I don’t know, let me do some research for you” when I had questions that he couldn’t answer, which was very seldom. I appreciated his honesty, respect for me as an athlete and his commitment to bringing out and building my best. Fast forward to Fall 2014- After a long off season I was ready to hit the stage! I competed at the Gaspari Pro and won! This show qualified me for The Yorton Cup World Championships. I was eager to continue to train with Andrew and he was more than happy to push me to the Championship. I was awarded overall Yorton Cup Bikini World Champion and brought the best package I’ve ever had to the stage! Andrew continued to work with me into my second off season with him. He built a plan strategically for reverse dieting in my off season, which I stuck to and appreciated so much! With continuing on his plan, by March I made a quick decision to compete at The Arnold Classic. Having stuck to his off season program I was able to have a 4 week prep to The Arnold stage. This was such an amazing experience and I was once again grateful for his expertise and help every step of the way!! All of the above: shows, prep, pushing my limits and bringing my best package to “stage” doesn’t even come close to what I have truly gained in working with Andrew. Don’t get me wrong, it is all amazing and I wouldn’t change it for a second. But aside from the physical impact he has had on me, he truly impacted my mental and emotional health which is a gift as a trainer and truly valued in the Fitness Industry. He has made me a better trainer myself, a better athlete and has instilled in me courage and confidence in my potential as a woman. I am beyond grateful to have him as a coach, role model and more importantly as a friend.
