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About Us

Personal Trainer Studio City

Welcome to
The Exercise Co®

Personal Trainer, Instructor/Owner


Jay Jacobo seemed destined to turn his passion for fitness, health and wellness into a robust 21+ year career. His enthusiastic and upbeat approach to his classes and personal training clients has inspired many to achieve results they never thought possible.

Jay began his love affair with fitness in his youth. A member of the track, gymnastics, and swimming teams in high school, he was inspired by old school icons like Jack LaLanne and Jane Fonda. While in college, he fully embraced fitness as a lifestyle and became an accomplished competitor. He earned an Achievement Award at the 1987 Crystal Lite National Championship, won a silver medal at the 1988 American Fitness National Championship, and was a member of the U.S. team that captured the silver medal at the first International Aerobic Team Championship, held in Brazil in 1990. His expertise and contagious spirit is documented on 5 Nautilus Aerobics Plus workout videos, in which he starred and co-choreographed.

Jay Jacobo’s passion for fitness has shaped his 21+ year career. His energetic approach inspires clients to achieve their goals. Starting with track, gymnastics, and swimming in high school, he later excelled in college competitions, winning awards and representing the U.S. internationally. Despite studying electrical engineering, his heart remained in fitness. Transitioning to personal training, he founded Step Up to Fitness, evolving into The Exercise Co®. Through challenges like injury, he embraced alternative therapies, enriching his holistic approach. With a Master’s in Swimming and certifications from top organizations, Jay continues to lead with dedication and enthusiasm in the fitness industry.

While earning his BA in electrical engineering (and an AA in computer science), he also became a serious student of Myology, kinesiology and body mechanics. Unable to find an open door as an electrical engineer, he turned back to his tried and true success in physical fitness.

Riding the wave of the aerobics, spinning, and step crazes, he taught classes and became a certified personal trainer. He launched his first successful fitness venture, Step Up to Fitness, followed by the creation of Hotte Bodies Fitness. For six years he taught 16 classes a week and honed his skills as a successful coach and trainer. During this time, he suffered a torn meniscus and was introduced to the alternative therapies of chiropractic and acupuncture, which accelerated his healing and transformed his vision of a fitness lifestyle.

The Exercise Co® brand was born in 2017. Beginning as a small personal training studio & gym, it has expanded to an all-inclusive (and growing) mix of cutting edge techniques and practices dedicated to the wellness of body, mind and spirit.

Jay holds a Masters Degree in Swimming and medals from the 2000, 2001, and 2002 LA Marathon as well as receiving Certifications from:

  • American Council on Exercise (ACE)
  • Stott Pilates International
  • International Dance & Exercise Association (IDEA)
  • American Red Cross
  • Giovane Anti-aging
  • American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine
Jay Jacobo’s passion for fitness has shaped his 21+ year career. His energetic approach inspires clients to achieve their goals. Starting with track, gymnastics, and swimming in high school, he later excelled in college competitions, winning awards and representing the U.S. internationally. Despite studying electrical engineering, his heart remained in fitness. Transitioning to personal training, he founded Step Up to Fitness, evolving into The Exercise Co®. Through challenges like injury, he embraced alternative therapies, enriching his holistic approach. With a Master’s in Swimming and certifications from top organizations, Jay continues to lead with dedication and enthusiasm in the fitness industry.