04/29/2026
Meet Dr. Molly Johnson! Molly is a busy mom of two and a history professor at UAH who attends our 900am class. She has made tremendous progress the past 18 months and I’m really excited for you to meet her!
Molly is especially good to have in class during the Olympics, one of her history areas of expertise 😊
What made you finally decide to reach out and join us?
A few different factors came together to encourage me to join.
First, my father had a bad fall, and I began thinking more and more of the risks of falls as I age (and I've got a problem ankle which increases my unsteadiness even now!)
Second, I was approaching my 50th birthday, and I found myself thinking about how much I want to age with my health and mobility intact.
Third, a friend of mine participated in the classes and so I had been hearing about them online and felt intrigued.
Fourth, I signed my oldest child up for mentoring, where I met Joe and saw the gym, and all of a sudden it felt do-able.
What were you nervous about before your first class?
I started with Joe in the summer of 2024. I was nervous about how out of shape I had become since about 2018. It felt insurmountable to be able to become fit again. I was also worried that I would feel awkward with the group setting. I've always been a solo exerciser. “Relentless positivity” sounded perhaps a bit too upbeat for my vibe.
What I have discovered is that:
First, Joe really does adapt all exercises to work for people's individual needs (and in my case, a total lack of fitness when I started)
Second, the group of women is genuinely pleasant and supportive,
Third, I actually am better able to stick to an exercise plan with fixed times and a group for accountability than I am when I have to motivate myself to go on my own. Joe also mixes up the exercises for each class, which keeps me from getting bored. That's a huge help too!
Fourth, the “relentless positivity” is really wonderful. I needed it more than I realized.
What changes have you noticed since starting?
I am so much stronger and fitter than I was 18 months ago. There's just no comparison. I'm really noticing it in everyday life, and I also noticed it on a recent trip which involved a lot of suitcase lugging, walking up hills, etc. I felt - and feel - young again. It's been wonderful. I am so much more optimistic about aging well. And I'm having fun, too.
My annual blood work also showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and A1C. That was pretty awesome too.
What are you most proud of?
I work full time and I still have two children at home, and my busy schedule has made it easy to fall into self- neglect over the last decade. So, I am most proud that I finally decided to prioritize myself.
What would you say to someone who feels like you did before starting?
Just try it out. Joe will give you a free trial to test it out. If it isn't for you, that's OK. We all have to figure out what works for us individually (a mindset which Joe wholeheartedly endorses). You won't feel any pressure at all. And you definitely will feel a lot of support and encouragement.
