JMK Fitness, LLC

Jeannette Margaret Koene — owner of JMK Fitness — has been immersed in fitness culture since before she could walk. Raised in the gym by her mother, one of New Jersey’s first female bodybuilders, Jeannette spent her early years in a stroller beside gym equipment, learning firsthand that strength is a way of life.

​

A natural athlete, she participated in dance, gymnastics, cheerleading, and soccer throughout high school. However, unexpected life challenges in her twenties led to significant weight gain and declining mental health. By age 23, Jeannette had reached her highest weight of 226 pounds.

 

“Not only was I unhealthy, but I was deeply depressed. I couldn’t believe how quickly I went from being a high school athlete to a sedentary adult.”

 

Determined to reclaim her health, Jeannette returned to the gym where her mother once trained. While she began seeing physical results, the traditional gym environment left her feeling exposed and judged.

 

“I heard people talking about how much weight I had gained — that they couldn’t believe I was Fran’s daughter. I was devastated. That was the moment I decided I wanted to help people lose weight and feel confident at every stage of their journey.”

 

In 2006, Jeannette earned her Personal Training Certification and began working in big-box gyms before transitioning into alternative training environments. She expanded her services to include in-home and workplace training, community boot camps, cardio kickboxing, and walk-to-run programs — all designed for people of every age, size, and ability.

 

“Everyone deserves access to fitness in a safe, encouraging space. No one should ever feel ashamed for wanting to get healthy.”

 

After losing more than 100 pounds, Jeannette discovered a passion for running and began participating in fun runs, obstacle course races, charity events, and marathons. She later entered the world of bodybuilding, competing in Figure and Fitness divisions throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. In 2010, she retired from professional competition.

 

Following another cancer scare in 2022, Jeannette once again chose to challenge both her body and mindset.

 

“My excuses for being ‘too old’ or ‘too busy’ sounded exactly like the ones my clients were using. I knew I had to lead by example.”

 

While battling cancer, she returned to the basics — while also embracing new training methodologies better suited for her changing body. The transformation was profound: she looked and felt stronger in her forties than she ever had in her twenties. After a twelve-year hiatus, Jeannette had her professional bodybuilding status reinstated and returned to competition — cancer-free — against women half her age.

 

Beyond fitness, Jeannette is a Nurse Practitioner with a postgraduate degree in Healthcare Management. She is a multi-certified personal trainer with advanced credentials in group fitness, nutrition, weight management, functional flexibility, stretch therapy, injury prevention, pre-surgical, cancer and rehabilitative exercise, and health and wellness coaching. She also offers lifestyle genetic testing, food sensitivity, and gut health screenings, allowing her to provide clients with a truly comprehensive, whole-body approach to wellness.

 

“My fit-to-fat-to-fit journey — and everything in between — is something I share to remind people they’re not alone. I understand body image struggles, setbacks, and starting over. I’ve seen every fad, and I know nothing worth having comes easy. But if you’re ready to put in the work, I can give you the tools to change your life.”

​

​​

​

​​