March 20, 2017

Meet Jay Jacobo of Hotte Bodies Fitness in Studio City

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Jacobo.

Jay, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always been active. I’m a Valley kid and I spent a lot of time outdoors, which is typical of growing up in California. I went to North Hollywood High and got on the gymnastics, track and swimming teams. I earned a BA in electrical engineering and an AA in computer science in college. There I began studying kinesiology and biomechanics and fully embraced health & fitness as my chosen lifestyle.

Corporate-sponsored fitness events were gaining popularity and I began competing and achieved some success. I earned an Achievement Award at the 1987 Crystal Lite National Championship and won a silver medal in the 1988 American Fitness National Championship. For me competition was always about improving my personal best; the awards were gravy.

A turning point for me was being on the U.S. team that captured the silver medal at the first International Aerobic Team Championship, held in Brazil in 1990. This led to being featured in and co-choreographing five Nautilus Aerobics Plus Home workout videos.

Doors were not opening for me as an electrical engineer, so I decided to devote myself full time to what I loved – physical fitness. I opened my first studio, Step Up to Fitness, and capitalized on the aerobics, spinning, and step crazes. I became a certified personal trainer and rode that wave for six years, training private clients and teaching 16 classes a week. Yeah, you might say I’m driven. I loved it!

The Hotte Bodies® brand was born in 2000 and has had a Ventura Boulevard address ever since.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The fitness market is constantly changing and integrating with other disciplines, so I need to stay current to succeed in the long run. There are times I’ve taken a break to consider just how to improve my brand to offer clients what they want. My instincts have never failed me, at least not so far. I welcome the challenge to reinvent and expand my brand every so often. It keeps me on my toes. In this profession, you never want to become obsolete.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hotte Bodies Fitness – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I think that one of the keys to my success is that I have never lost enthusiasm for making a difference in people’s lives. I love what I do and my clients can sense that. They feed off my energy and I feed off their results. Fitness is a results business.

I’ve worked to be a good example of the health & fitness lifestyle. I keep in shape, eat well and practice what I preach. I’m proud of that.

I’ve developed a proprietary treatment protocol, with Nicole Bradshaw, LAc, as the result of a torn meniscus (knee ligament) during the Step Up to Fitness days. She was taking my classes and acquiring her degree in acupuncture at the time. She introduced me to the benefits acupuncture offered in the realm of health and wellness. I let her treat me but the sessions took time out of my schedule that I didn’t really have. And then it happened; she came in one day and said, “I can treat you with pins in your ears”. This allowed to accelerate the healing of my knee while I was working out and AcuFitness™ was born. Nicole remains a trusted staffer and friend to this day.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I hope to promote the Hotte Bodies® brand via new technologies to make it accessible all over the world. Yes, it’s ambitious and a big shift in practice. The concept of real time training in virtual reality is just beginning. I like to stay ahead of the curve.

As a medalist in 4 consecutive LA Marathons, I am developing a Marathoner Training Program to assist new and seasoned runners to achieve their personal bests. I’m really excited about doing this and plan to launch very soon.

Those interested can keep up with the latest information on my new website www.hottebodiesfitness.com or on my Hotte Bodies® Facebook page.

Pricing:

Introductory Class offer – Buy 1, Get 1 – SAVE $25.00
One-time Complimentary Consultation/Private Training Session – a $75 value. Call or text 818/508-4545 to schedule.
Multi-session Training and Class Packages available
Vinyasa & Vino – Last Friday of the month! $20

Contact Info: