Like so many people around the country, 2020 has been a year of highs and lows for Megan Johnson-McCullough.
A standout basketball player at El Camino High and later at Metro State in Denver, Johnson was named the 2020 AAU Bodybuilder of the Year as well as 2020 AAU Overall Female Athlete of the Year.
But she also had a major competition in Laughlin canceled because of COVID-19 concern. Plus, major U.S. competitions are on hold until April or May.
The owner of a small business — Every BODY’s Fit in Oceanside — she has struggled with the restrictions and shutdowns that have hit so many so hard.
“I was shut down for three months and lost 40 percent of my customer base,” said Johnson-McCullough. “I work a lot with older adults, and the restrictions are not elder friendly.
“I truly believe that when things settle down, business will spike. But right now, it has been difficult.”
Johnson-McCullough said she has been able to do one-on-one Zoom workouts “but not all my elder clients are good with Zoom.”
“I don’t want to lose anyone, so I’m totally flexible.
“My motto has always been ‘How can I help you?’ But I don’t know how many more blows small-business owners can take.”
Johnson-McCullough hasn’t let free time go to waste.
She’s intent on painting and modernizing her studio. She has written a number of health-and-fitness based books. And she’s just a few steps away from finishing her doctorate.
She has a master’s in physical education and health science from National University.
She’s a National Academy of Sports Medicine Master Trainer, an NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist, an NASM Senior Fitness Specialist and an AFAA Group Exercise Instructor.
Plus, she has been nominated twice for the Sullivan Award, which goes to the nation’s top amateur athlete.
“But nothing I’ve done has been as hard, as time-consuming, or as difficult as working on a Ph.D.,” said Johnson-McCullough, who is working with Concordia University-Chicago.
“It’s overwhelming. It’s draining. It’s absolutely no joke.”
Johnson-McCullough has one more major test before she starts in earnest on her dissertation.
The daughter of El Camino High basketball coach Ray Johnson, the winningest coach in San Diego County history with more than 1,000 victories on the boys and girls side, Megan said she got into fitness almost by accident.
A sharpshooter, she had a fine high school career and played three years at Metro State.
She had a career high 24 points in a game against Cal State Dominguez Hills, setting a school record by hitting all 12 of her free throws in that game.
She was a two-time Academic all-conference selection and helped the Roadrunners to a pair of regional playoff appearances. The team was 66-23 in her three years.
Her intent was to teach PE and coach basketball in high school.
Illustrating her love of basketball, she has a pug named Steve Nash.
She did both for a while, earning a teaching credential, then working and coaching at Carlsbad High and Oceanside.
“But I was the new kid in PE and every time there was a cut, I was the one let go,” she said. “I enjoyed coaching, but coaching wasn’t paying the rent.”
One day, while working out at 24 Hour Fitness, Johnson-McCullough said the club manager recruited her off the floor and encouraged her to take the test to become a fitness instructor.
“That’s what got it started,” she said. “I learned I could help people in another way. Because of my basketball background, having played in college, I can answer questions others can’t.
“I focus on solutions to problems.
“The bodybuilding came about because there was a time where I needed to practice what I was preaching.”
She incorporates basketball into her competitions with Harlem Globetrotters-type dribbling and spinning routines.
“The judges like it because it’s something different,” said Johnson-McCullough, 35. “I use sports as a model in the routine, use some tricks to one-up the competition.
“Basketball was my stage for so long. I’m not afraid to have all eyes on me. With a sports background, I can rise to the occasion.
“Plus, the basketball routine is a crowd pleaser.”
In the very competitive fitness market, Johnson-McCullough believes winning competitions helps her establish credibility.
“I think I can offer something the big-box stores don’t,” she said. “I want my clients to be with me long term because it fits into their lives.
“The biggest struggle in fitness is nutrition. It’s so important. I can help with choosing complex carbs, choosing the right leafy greens, the right proteins.
“I can help with choosing the right vitamins, hopefully lowering high blood pressure.”
Johnson-McCullough is married to former El Camino High football and basketball standout Carl McCullough, who played basketball for the Wildcats and Ray Johnson.
A speedy, two-star football player at El Camino, Carl McCullough played at and graduated from San Diego State.
Because of an eye problem, he needed a special medical exemption to play.
At El Camino, a special contact lens would occasionally pop out and fall on the floor, prompting a stop in play while team members and his mother searched for the errant lens.
During the pandemic, Carl McCullough — a recreation specialist for the Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department — has had three cornea transplant surgeries.
“Talk about a high-blood pressure issue, this was it,” Johnson-McCullough said. “Carl’s surgeries have truly taught us patience. He came out of everything OK, and he’ll be fine.
“Through all of the trials of 2020, I hope people realize the true value of their health.”
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