McKenzie Jacobs

McKenzie is an energetic personal trainer dedicated to fostering sustainable fitness and nutrition habits. Her fitness journey began in her youth, motivated by personal challenges with weight and self-image, leading her to discover a love for running and later, strength training. This passion ignited after being introduced to the squat rack by her powerlifter friend, and that day forever changed the trajectory of her life. McKenzie holds multiple certifications, including NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, NASM-Certified Nutrition Coach, NASM-Virtual Coaching, ACE-Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and CPR/AED. As someone who found her inner strength from weight lifting, she is committed to helping others feel STRONG AF and confident in their own skin.

My introduction to fitness spawned from all the wrong reasons. As a young girl, I was always considered “chunky”. I dreaded going to the doctor’s office as a kid because I would always get the same lecture (“overweight for her age”, “needs more activity”). I had done sports growing up, but I was always extremely average, so nothing really stuck.

Fast forward to one life-changing, transformative moment in the drive-thru line at Burger King (where all life-pivoting moments happen amirite?!) My family was on a road trip and we were making a quick stop at Burger King for lunch. My dad asked us what we wanted, and I automatically answered “Number one” (which I believe was a Triple Whopper at the time). I had always been a large eater thanks to inheriting my dad’s fast metabolism, so I didn’t really think much of it. I will never forget the vivid memory of my dad slowly turning around, looking me dead in the eyes, and saying “I will not be getting that for you”. While in the moment it was soul-wrenching and embarrassing, it was the wake-up call I needed.

The next day, I started running. With no running shoes, no sports bra, nothing. Just my feet, my legs, and the deeply-rooted self-hatred I had built up over the years.  

Turns out, the efforts of my daily runs started to show. I not only lost about 15 pounds (I was 140 lbs as an 8th grader), but I was getting fast. So fast that one week during the mile test in PE, my coach pulled me aside and told me how impressed she was with my 7:42 mile. She told me that the Cross Country girl’s team was visiting the middle school next week, and I should think about attending. As deathly scared as I was about the thought of doing something athletic (I mean ME, really?!), I went. That was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.

Let’s Fast Forward A Bit
Although running gave me some of the best friends and amazing experiences, it came coupled with an unhealthy addiction to running. I lost a ton of weight, lost my period, had protruding bones, disordered eating habits, and loved the sense of control I felt I had. Little did I realize at the time that I wasn’t in control at all, the disorder of thinking had a chokehold on me.

Fast forward to after college, and my cardio bunny habits persisted. I stumbled upon the Kayla Itsines “Bikini Body Guide” and was sold by the promise of 6-pack abs and a thigh gap. Luckily, one afternoon I invited my powerlifting friend to do a BBG session with me, and that day forever changed my life. That is the day I got introduced to the squat rack.

And the rest is history. Jk. There were so many learning moments & mistakes after that.

The Present
Ever since that day, my love for strength training has grown into something even bigger. It’s turned into a crazy, wild dream that I can’t stop thinking about. It’s turned into my purpose, and now a career. My little ol’ Instagram that started in a moldy dorm room has become a platform in which I can inspire, empower, and help people.

If you’re someone who has struggled with weight, self-confidence, body image, or unhealthy eating, just know I’ve been there. I’m proud to say I’ve put those days in the rearview mirror and can help you do the same too.