Jennifer Blackburn, Area Manager for Group Fitness, Equinox
Personal fitness isn’t just a hobby for Jennifer Blackburn. It’s a career. As a group fitness manager at Equinox, the mother of five inspires gym members at all ability levels to reach their health and wellness goals—whether through in-person classes or, most recently, through fitness classes broadcast live on Zoom.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Arizona (but only lived there for eight weeks), and I was raised in Chicago.
How did you get into a fitness career?
I left home at a very early age and wanted to do something physical. I was able to get a job teaching aerobics to put myself through school.
How do Equinox Zoom classes work?
Zoom classes are scheduled each week at different times, with options for all fitness levels. Every Sunday, our community meets up for a weekly “Sunday service” workout.
What’s a typical day like for a fitness manager?
I normally teach one to two classes a day, and spend most days traveling from club to club meeting with our teams. I try to take a class daily.
What’s your favorite type of music to work out to?
I listen to all types of music, but each month a co-worker creates an amazing monthly playlist on Spotify that I like to use.
What’s your guilty pleasure when it comes to food?
My guilty pleasure is definitely french fries!
What’s your favorite cardio exercise? Strength-training exercise?
For cardio, it’s jumping rope by far. My favorite strength-training classes at Equinox are “Pure Strength” or “Strong”—simple movements, less reps, and heavy weights.
What local causes/organizations are you passionate about?
Cycle for Survival is an indoor team cycling event that raises money for rare cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. Generosity Global, a nonprofit based out of Columbia, restores dignity to the homeless by providing them with showers, haircuts, and food.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to start exercising?
You do you! Just start with one step, one jumping jack, one push-up, or one squat. Every single rep counts and gets you that much closer to your fitness goals.
What’s the best thing to do for fun in Bethesda?
Girls’ night out at Gringos with margaritas!
