Darien Johnson, Personal Trainer, Interview with Joe Gaiter

Joe Gaiter: What does fitness means to you?

Darien Johnson: Fitness means the world to me. It’s not only a hobby that keeps me in shape but it’s also therapy for me. A way for me to clear my head and getaway for a bit.

Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?

Darien Johnson: An untold story? I guess I would say that I’ve been overlooked my entire life! Going back to my football career. So that’s why I have a chip on my shoulder.

Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories playing at Bishop Amat High School?

Darien Johnson: I would say one of my favorite memories playing at Bishop Amat was upsetting St. Bonaventure in overtime my senior year. Other than that, beating Mater Dei in the playoffs at home was a great experience as well.

Joe Gaiter: What are some of your favorite game day moments from New Mexico State?

Darien Johnson: At New Mexico State I would say my favorite memories were the rivalry games against the University of New Mexico, it was just a different type of feeling and atmosphere. Nothing like it. Also coming back home to play UCLA in the Rose Bowl was pretty special to me.

Joe Gaiter: At New Mexico State you were a powerhouse. How was it contributing to their first win over Fresno State in school history?

Darien Johnson: Beating Fresno State was huge. It’s always big time when you’re able to help make history. I’m blessed to be able to say I was apart of it.

Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your fitness business.

Darien Johnson: I am a private personal trainer in LA County. I do both in person and online training on top of lifestyle coaching. My favorite part about it is seeing clients lives change for the better.

Joe Gaiter: What kind of workouts should people be doing while they are stuck at home during this time?

Darien Johnson: I would say get creative and do the things you normal do in the gym such as squats, lunges, pushups, crunches, as well as hiit workouts. Since most people are sedentary at home it’s important to burn the calories that you usually would burn throughout your day at work, etc.

Joe Gaiter: How can one become mentally strong?

Darien Johnson: I think mental toughness comes from knowing yourself, being self aware, and solitude. The more time you spend with yourself the more comfortable you become w/ not caring about who thinks what about you and being confidence in knowing what’s best for you & doing it unapologetically.

Joe Gaiter: What have you learned about yourself during this time?

Darien Johnson: During this quarantine first and foremost I learned that I’m a bit of a workaholic and it’s ok to take time to rest & take care of yourself. But also figured out how creative I am with my craft. Found many different ways to get a good workout in without having access to weights and things that you would find in the gym. It’s been a learning experience for me.

Joe Gaiter: How can one become mentally strong?

Darien Johnson: All of my meditation is done specifically for peace of mind, and manifestation. I like to visualize where I want to be and what I want to attract daily as if it’s already mine. I think that’s an important factor in accomplishing things in life. If you don’t believe you deserve it, or can’t see yourself attaining it then it probably won’t happen.

Joe Gaiter: Where do you see yourself a year from now?

Darien Johnson: A year from now I see myself having made major strides in the fitness industry and my business ventures. I’m not sure exactly where that’s going to take me but I do know I’m excited for it. I just expect to see a lot of growth.

Joe Gaiter: Do you have any regrets?

Darien Johnson: No regrets in life. Only wish I would have bet on myself earlier. However, everything that’s happened to me or I’ve experienced thus far is what made me who I am today, and for that I’m thankful.

Joe Gaiter: Final Words?

Darien Johnson: It was my pleasure doing this interview. I really enjoyed it and the walk down memory lane it took me on.

Joe Gaiter: Shoutouts?

Darien Johnson: S/O to everyone out there doing something positive in the world. If nobody has told you then I will tell you that you are very appreciated.

Twitter: DarienJ4

Instagram: DarienJ4