Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy, a two-time champion dancer known for her captivating performances on Dancing With the Stars, has inspired many with her remarkable journey of self-discovery, weight loss, and mental well-being. Her story is a testament to the power of self-love, a positive mindset, and a holistic approach to health.
Early Passion for Dance
From the tender age of three, Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy fell in love with dance and has been passionate about it ever since. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Utah, Jenna would often tag along to her older sisters’ dance classes. “My mom would always tell me to join in,” Jenna recalls. Inspired by her sister Stacy, now director of Center State Performing Arts Studio in Orem, Utah, Jenna’s dance journey was nurtured by her siblings. Her talent and dedication led her to the 2012 World Latin Dance Champions. In 2013, she landed a spot on So You Think You Can Dance and later became a fan favorite on Dancing With the Stars.
Transformation: Internal and External
After winning her first Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in 2018 and her second last year with Joey Graziadei, Jenna’s transformation became clear-not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
Jenna shared a before and after photos of her swimsuit body in 2019. In the professional dancer’s Instagram post while reflecting about her weight loss, she included a bikini selfie, writing, “The girl on the right decided to embrace herself. Accepted her insecurities. Loved her acne! Doesn’t wear makeup 90% of the time. Opened up. Took charge of her life and her identity. Blocked out the bullies and the critics who don’t know her." She added about her second photo showing off her ripped bikini figure, writing how she “took charge of her life and her identity. Blocked out the bullies and the critics who don’t know her. Then a DWTS troupe member, Jenna performed with Alan Bersten at a Dancing With The Stars: Live!
In 2019, Jenna shared a photo wearing a one-piece swimsuit next to one in a bikini, writing, “Pictured are two girls. And I LOVE both of them. In the professional dancer’s Instagram post while reflecting about her weight loss, she included a bikini selfie, writing, “The girl on the right decided to embrace herself. Accepted her insecurities. Loved her acne! Doesn’t wear makeup 90% of the time. Opened up. Took charge of her life and her identity. Blocked out the bullies and the critics who don’t know her. Jenna added, “Maybe some of you thought this was only a ‘body positivity’ post (which it is too) but more importantly it’s a BRAIN POSITIVITY post. It’s crazy how much effort and care we put into our physical bodies to keep them healthy and working … but why don’t we put that same effort into our brain?! Bikini time!
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The Turning Point
Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy: It took many years. I started taking care of myself internally and cared less about my outward appearance. When I focused on my mental health, nutrition and what fueled me, I noticed a shift-not just physically, but in how I carried myself with confidence. I wanted to walk tall, open to receiving things.
Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy: A breakup in 2015. I was living for someone else and didn’t know how to be happy by myself. I was terrified to be alone. That heartbreak crushed me, but it made me vulnerable and open to change. I’m grateful because it pushed me to work on myself and find happiness solo.
Jenna: I went back to my roots-the fundamentals my parents taught me about happiness and success. Therapy was huge for me; it gave me wisdom and guidance. I surrounded myself with good friends and kept open communication with my then-husband about my feelings. I read self-help books and listened to podcasts that emphasized life, worth, and positivity.
Mental and Emotional Wellness
Jenna added, “Maybe some of you thought this was only a ‘body positivity’ post (which it is too) but more importantly it’s a BRAIN POSITIVITY post. It’s crazy how much effort and care we put into our physical bodies to keep them healthy and working … but why don’t we put that same effort into our brain?!
Jenna: I recommend Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends Upon It by Kamal Ravikant. It’s a short book about a daily commitment to loving yourself by looking in the mirror and saying “I love you” five times a day. It completely changed how I valued myself.
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Jenna: Yes, I committed to the challenge. Jenna: I stopped weighing myself. Growing up as a dancer, I was obsessed with the scale, but I decided I didn’t need a number to feel good. It’s about how I feel, not the digits.
Jenna: I feel rewarded just having a positive mindset. I grew up a worrier and tend to imagine worst-case scenarios. Shifting to a glass half full outlook makes life lighter and more manageable.
Jenna: Showing up for people is huge for me. Gratitude means having an open heart and serving others naturally. This morning, I looked at my son and felt immense gratitude-I said a prayer thanking the universe for this moment and the beautiful child I get to raise.
Fitness and Diet
Fans of Dancing With the Stars can’t seem to get over Jenna Johnson’s weight loss transformation! It’s clear the pro dancer has a fit physique, but how does she maintain her slim figure? According to Jenna, it’s all about having a consistent routine. “I know that if I don’t work out in the mornings before my day gets started, I won’t get to the gym at all that day,” she explained. “For me, I have to do it right after I wake up!
FFW: Do you dance every day now? Jenna: I dance weekly, not daily unless I’m on Dancing With the Stars. For me, dance is creativity and fun.
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Jenna: Pilates is my favorite-strengthening and stretching. I love hot Pilates for the sweat and burn. I do it several times a week. I used to run a lot, but it wasn’t sustainable. I found the “3-12-30” treadmill workout-3 mph speed, 12 incline, 30 minutes-that works every muscle. I read while doing it to stay distracted.
But what’s Jenna’s biggest weight loss tip? Cut out sweets! “I had a hard time admitting to myself that I was addicted to sweets,” she shared. “Once I finally realized that was my vice, I completely cut it out for 30 days to try and clean myself of all processed sugar. Lastly, Jenna says she found success when she was “conscious of [her] diet.” She admits she gained a lot of weight by “binge eating treats and sugar at night,” but it also made her “super depressed.” She realized she had to get back on track and met with nutritionists to help her live a healthier lifestyle. “Believe me, any time chocolate is in a 50-foot radius, I am the first one to grab a piece and eat it! But now I eat everything in moderation, and when I deserve a sweet treat, I allow myself to have it,” she said.
Jenna: Macro protein bars are great. Protein is essential to my lifestyle. I also like crunchy snacks like carrot sticks with ranch, rice cakes with peanut butter, and dates. I believe in moderation-if I want chocolate at night, I have it without guilt.
Jenna: Yes, I start my day with water, then kombucha instead of coffee. My husband drinks hot lemon water in the mornings, which we both love.
Finding Joy and Balance
Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy: I enjoy workouts that fulfill me physically but right now I’m really into reading-it helps me shut off my brain. I also love mid-day dates with my husband-lunch or brunch when it’s quiet.
FFW: Laughter is said to boost health. How important is it to you? Jenna: Laughter is so important. My husband is hilarious and keeps me laughing with his one-liners. Recently, my son said “of course” in a very grown-up way-it stopped me cold and had me laughing.