Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Cooke.
Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I didn’t grow up in Pinckney, but I moved there my freshman year of high school, and it quickly became home. I graduated from Pinckney High School and continued my Track & Field journey at Central Michigan University, where I studied Commercial Recreation. Shortly after college, in 2003, I married my high school sweetheart, and together we started building a life and family.
My original plan was to be a stay-at-home mom, and for a while, that was exactly what I did. In 2007, after my first child was born, I started coaching pole vault at my old high school—a way to stay connected to the sport I loved. By the time my second child was born in 2010, I felt the pull to move again and found Zumba. What started as a way to get active turned into a true passion. I became a certified Zumba instructor, then added a certification in WERQ Dance Fitness in 2012, along with my group fitness instructor certification.
Alongside my growing interest in fitness, I spent three years as head coach of the men’s track program and another three years coaching at the middle school level. It was a lot to juggle, but I realized how much I loved coaching, connecting, and building community. That love eventually led me to coach at local gyms, which opened the door to something even bigger.
In 2018, with my husband’s full support, I took a leap of faith and opened my own gym through a franchise called TRV|FIT in Pinckney. Those early days were anything but easy—getting the doors open was a battle of perseverance—but the gym came to life. Soon after, I expanded with a second location in Dexter (where I now live) in 2019, and then acquired a third location in Fowlerville in 2020 when the previous owner relocated.
Then came COVID. Like so many small business owners, I faced challenges I couldn’t have imagined. After two difficult years, I made the tough but necessary decision to close my Dexter location and focus on the two communities that were thriving. Around this same time, I realized my vision for my business had shifted. I didn’t just want to run a gym—I wanted to build something that reflected my faith, my values, and the kind of community I truly believed in.
That’s when I made the decision to step away from the franchise and rebrand as Exalt Fitness. This transformation was only possible with the mentorship of Two Brain and with huge credit to Taryn Dabril, who helped me discover my vision and gave me the clarity and courage to stand on my own as a gym owner.
For me, Exalt Fitness isn’t just a place to work out. It’s a place where I hope people can discover their true selves—the way God sees them. The name “Exalt” reflects my desire to point everything back to His glory. My faith has become a foundation in how I approach running my gym. I’m not perfect at it—I still wrestle with how to make God the central focus of our community—but I get the incredible privilege of praying for the people who walk through our doors, welcoming them with love and creating a space where they are seen and valued, just like God loves us.
In 2022, my husband and I took another big leap by building a new facility in Fowlerville to house Exalt Fitness and create additional spaces to lease to other businesses and apartments. This step not only deepened my commitment to my community but also stretched me in new ways, teaching me property development and management.
Looking back, my path started with coaching pole vault and teaching Zumba, but it’s grown into something far bigger—a space where fitness, faith, and community intersect. Exalt Fitness is more than a gym. It’s a ministry through movement, a home for connection, and a reminder that we were all created to be exalted in His glory.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Honestly, I don’t think any business owner would ever say their journey is. When we first tried to open our doors, we ran into major setbacks. The space I was supposed to move into didn’t have a Certificate of Occupancy (CFO), and just after our grand opening event, we were told we couldn’t actually move in. The landlord needed to build a parking lot first, which left us in a huge bind.
Rather than give up, I got resourceful. I ended up renting out the basement of a golf course clubhouse and paying by the hour just to have a place where our first 60 members could start their fitness journey. It wasn’t an ideal financial decision by any means, but it allowed me to keep the momentum alive and begin building the community I had envisioned.
And then, of course, came COVID. No one could have prepared for that. Overnight, everything changed, and like so many other small business owners, I had no idea how long it would last or what the future would hold. But I was blessed with incredible coaches and a loyal community. My team led Zoom workouts, hosted online challenges, and organized virtual social events to keep our members connected. Without their dedication—and the commitment of our members—we would not have made it through that season.
Even after that storm, there were more hurdles. When it came time to build and open our own facility, we ran straight into the ripple effects of the pandemic. Banks were hesitant to lend, supplies were delayed or hard to get, and the entire project took much longer than expected. It tested every ounce of my patience, faith, and determination.
We’ve been impressed with Exalt Fitness, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What is Exalt Fitness: Welcome to a place where your passion for fitness is nurtured and elevated. At
EXALT FITNESS, our mission is to empower every member of our community to achieve their unique goals. We understand that these goals vary for each individual, and that’s why we take the time to sit down with you and develop a personalized plan to reach your aspirations. Throughout your journey with us, we maintain constant communication, regularly re-evaluate your goals, and assess your progress to ensure your success remains our top priority.
EXALT FITNESS is fueled by our unwavering dedication to unlocking your true potential. We don’t just focus on transforming bodies; we believe in transforming lives. We celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how big or small, and equip you with the tools, expertise, and motivation necessary to surpass your own expectations. Join us as we embark on a transformative voyage of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. Together, we will shatter barriers, redefine limits, and conquer what once seemed unattainable. At EXALT FITNESS, we perceive your unique fitness level and limitations as opportunities for growth and progress. Together, we will transform your fitness dreams into a remarkable reality.
So, how do you get started?
Begin by booking an introductory meeting, called a No Sweat Intro, with one of our knowledgeable coaches.
Attend our Foundation sessions, where we assess your abilities and help you acclimate to our gym environment.
Determine whether you prefer private, group, or a hybrid client experience.
How do we ensure your commitment?
Our coaches will regularly check in with you during your sessions.
Our Client Success Manager will provide additional support and accountability.We celebrate your achievements, track your class attendance, and commemorate important milestones like anniversaries and birthdays.
How do we assist you in achieving your goals?
We create a personalized training plan tailored to your needs, helping you determine the appropriate weights and movements.
We conduct periodic assessments to measure your progress in various movements.We offer periodic challenges to ignite your interest and push you beyond your limits.
At EXALT FITNESS, we are committed to being your unwavering support system on your journey towards achieving your fitness goals. Our team of dedicated coaches will ensure your commitment by providing regular check-ins, additional support, and accountability. We believe in celebrating your achievements, tracking your progress, and commemorating important milestones along the way. With a personalized training plan tailored to your needs and periodic assessments to measure your progress, we are here to assist you in surpassing your own expectations. Furthermore, we offer periodic challenges to ignite your interest and push you beyond your limits, ensuring continuous growth and development. At Exalt, we are not just a gym; we are your partners in transforming your fitness dreams into a remarkable reality. Take the first step towards an incredible journey by booking an introductory meeting with one of our knowledgeable coaches today. Together, let’s unleash your true potential and embrace a life of fitness, empowerment, and fulfillment.
Services we offer: Large Group, Private Training, Nutrition Coaching, Challenges and Accountability.
We have by far the best coaching staff at our gym. They truly care about each individual.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that my mission in life is to lead people toward a stronger, more purposeful, and more fruitful life. I believe that when people begin to truly believe in themselves, build physical strength, learn new skills, and care for the bodies God has given them, they unlock something powerful within. It’s more than just fitness—it’s about helping individuals step into their full potential and embrace the incredible plans God has already written for their lives. For me, the gym is a vessel for something much bigger. It’s a space where people grow not only in strength, but in confidence, resilience, and faith.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://exalt.fit
- Instagram: @exaltfitnesspinckney @exaltfitnessfowlerville
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exaltfitnesspinckney and https://www.facebook.com/exaltfitnessfowlerville
- TikTok: @exalt.fitness
