SV Chat: Finding strength and community through fitness

Coach and owner Jennifer Hernando looks on after coaching a class at her gym, Jenuine Fitness, in San Pablo, Calif., on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Hernando is celebrating five years since her gym was founded. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

SAN PABLO — Finding the world of fitness was life-changing for Jennifer Hernando, founder and owner of Jenuine Fitness, a San Pablo gym celebrating its five years of operation this month.

Hernando debuted Jenuine Fitness, operating out of 510 Training Co. at 1085 Broadway Ave., in 2019, offering both individual personal training sessions and group bootcamp classes.

The vision?

“Empower, inspire, motivate all of those around us. That’s our motto,” Hernando said.

Five years — and a global pandemic — later, Jenuine Fitness, a woman- and Filipina-owned business, has continued to welcome new and familiar faces to its classes designed for all abilities Monday through Saturday. This interview has been edited for clarity.

Q: When did you first begin your personal fitness journey?

A: I’ve always worked out but didn’t really go to the gym with a plan. It wasn’t until I turned 30 years old, when I really wanted to make a change. I had two young kids at the time, and I wanted to be healthy and strong for them so that I can live a long life and watch them grow and their kids grow.

Q: What was it about fitness that hooked you?

A: I loved the way it made me feel. I felt myself getting stronger and didn’t think I was able to do the things I did, like lift heavy, or do strict pull-ups, or run fast without getting tired. It changed my mood for the better and I had a lot more energy throughout the day because I worked out. Of course, the physical changes were icing on the cake. My muscles started to grow everywhere. I was made fun of as a teenager for being “too skinny,” so it was very rewarding to see that my body was changing because of all my hard work.

Q: Were there things about the fitness environment that put you off?

A: Not that I can think of.

Q: What inspired you to open your own gym? Did you ever have doubts about being able to see the project through?

A: I was given the opportunity by 510 Training Company to start my very own bootcamp program. From there, I ran with it and went above and beyond anyone’s expectations. Of course, I had doubts like will I be able to keep my members? Will my program be challenging or fun enough for people to want to join or come back if they’ve tried it?

Q: What are the hardest and best aspects of owning and operating your own gym?

A: The hardest part — the long hours away from my husband and kids. Being able to make time for myself.

But the best aspects are building a community and being surrounded by a supportive community. Seeing the members physically change and the confidence they build over time. Hearing members say that Jenuine Fitness is their favorite place because it gives them mental therapy. Watching my members get stronger and better with their form.
Having the best supportive coaches. They each have their own individual coaching style and can modify and cater to all types of ages and limitations — injuries, lack of mobility or range of motion. And, creating programs to challenge my members.

Q: What are five tips you’d recommend to someone on their own fitness journey?

A: Set realistic goals. Don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on progress, not perfection. Be patient. Stay consistent.

Name: Jennifer Hernando

Age: 43

Position: Founder, owner of Jenuine Fitness

Credentials: National Academy of Sports Medicine, Certified Personal Trainer

Residence: Hercules

Five things about Jennifer:

— She’s Bay Area born, having grown up in San Francisco.

— She became a mother at 24 and now has one adult daughter and a teenage son.

— She has an identical twin sister.

— When working out alone, she likes to listen to ’80s and ’90s slow jams and R&B.

— When not in the gym, she likes to travel, hike, go to concerts and music festivals, try new restaurants, learn new things and spend time with her dogs.