July 2026
This July, we’re celebrating a member who redefined what starting over looks like. Stephenie Johnson joined Body Renew in January of 2026, just after her 55th birthday, carrying an old knee injury, more than fifty extra pounds, and a decade of feeling sidelined from the active, outdoors life she loved. Six months later she is 30 pounds lighter, training without a single injury, and, in her own words, amazed at what her body can do. With her trainer Jay Millington beside her the whole way, Stephenie didn’t just rebuild her body. She retrained her mind. Here is her story, in her own words.
Stephenie Johnson: Member Testimonial
“I began my journey with Body Renew Alaska in January of 2026, right after my 55th birthday. With menopause fast approaching and an extra fifty plus pounds causing all sorts of mobility, pain and life issues, I had decided this was going to be the year I built a foundation for my health and wellness, and it was to start with Body Renew Alaska and a personal trainer. What I didn’t know was my thought that I could shed the extra weight I was carrying in a few months, and then be on my merry way, was a completely unrealistic way of thinking and at the core of why I could not get healthy and fit.
I have always been very active, at least up to a decade ago when I broke my knee. My usual outdoor activities, and therefore my fitness, came to a screeching halt, and I never quite recovered physically or mentally. I love to be outside, hiking, skiing, rock climbing, biking, and I just couldn’t keep up anymore. I have been on a steady decline since then, weighing almost 200 pounds at my heaviest.
I have had gym memberships in the past, but never fully used them. The intention was always there, like many, to turn my life around and work out every day, but I just never stuck with it. Truth be told, I really didn’t care for the gym, or really even understand all the hype, let alone what I was doing. My exercise and fitness always came in the form of my many activities. I even worked with a personal trainer before, but that was a disaster. Having her own agenda, she never listened to me and my issues or desires. I even got injured twice during my short time with her.
I am so grateful that Jay Millington decided to work with me. I came in with a huge list of parameters (really fears) and almost closed the door on this journey before I ever began. He listened to me and designed a program accordingly. He even set the conversation about nutrition to the side, at my request, as I found it too overwhelming to include at the onset.
Even though I wanted to jump out of the gate running, I am happy for the slow and steady pace he kept with me. It is absolutely shocking to me that I have been training with him for over six months and have not gotten injured. Had it not been for Jay’s winning, encouraging attitude I probably would have quit. Progress was being made, but I simply could not see it. I have not only been training my body, but I have been retraining my mind as well. Jay has always taken the time to respectfully and patiently answer my many questions. I am always impressed with his vast array of knowledge regarding the body, exercise and nutrition.
I will be forever grateful to Jay for being beside me every step of the way, guiding me with the wisdom of years of experience, listening to me and adjusting the workouts in the beginning as I was dragging my body into health. His encouragement, kindness and patience have been part of the fuel to keep me going. Today, six months later, I am amazed what I have been able to do with my body. I have lost 30 pounds and ironically it is no longer about the number on the scale. I love how strong and agile I am becoming. I know that soon I will be able to get back out into nature and do all the things I love to do. This gym, and the wonderful staff in it, have become part of my daily life. I look forward to going every day now and seeing what more I can do with my body.
I feel very fortunate that I found Body Renew Alaska and have been able to work with Jay Millington as my trainer. He has helped me not only rebuild my body but transform my mind as well. I didn’t understand that true health and wellness is a full body, mind and spirit job and requires a lifetime commitment. Body Renew Alaska and Jay Millington have helped me change the trajectory of my life. For this I will always be grateful!”
Stephenie's Trainer: Jay Millington
General Manager
Stephenie's comeback was guided every step of the way by Jay Millington, Body Renew's General Manager and her personal trainer. Jay met her exactly where she was, an experienced outdoorswoman sidelined by an old knee injury and years of setbacks, and built a program around her real concerns instead of a template. He set nutrition aside when it felt like too much, kept the pace slow and sustainable, and helped her train through six full months without a single injury. With more than 15 years in the fitness industry and a background in exercise science and medical wellness, Jay specializes in exactly this work: helping members rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence for the long haul.
Want a comeback like Stephenie’s? Explore our personal training services and take the first step toward the strong, active life you want.
