HER STORY ⟡ Jenn of Century Body
Hey all, my name is Jenn, and I am originally from New York, but have lived in Columbus since 1995. I’m married and have a 23-year-old child who just graduated from nursing school.
Century Body (CB) is a unique boutique fitness studio that offers a positive, energizing, supportive, and non-judgemental space that empowers everyone to meet their fitness goals.
We’re all about FUN at Century Body. Our classes are sure to put a smile on your face and have you forget you’re working out. We value JOY over competition and want you to feel confident and empowered during and after every class.
Century Body first took shape when I started teaching at private gyms and other small fitness centers around the area after getting my Zumba® license in 2008.
In 2009 I rented space at a small studio and started leading classes as ZumbaColumbus. Due to large demand, in 2014, I took ownership of the studio at its current location in the Kenny Centre Mall and rebranded it as Century Body.
Inspiration for the new name came from an unlikely source. My child Jay always asked me why I exercised so much. “You are my only child, and I want to be there for you till I am 100,” I said.
The name Century Body was born as well as a mission to ensure all students live comfortably in their bodies until they are 100.
Why I started?
I always loved to work out. I was a cheerleader in high school, rode on the equestrian team at college, and took step aerobics classes for many years. After my pregnancy I had a LOT of weight to lose, so after joining Weight Watchers I started doing workouts in my basement, which got lonely. I eventually joined a local gym and took a Latin Fusion class (Zumba®) and fell in love! I got licensed in 2008, and thought I’d just lead a few small classes for some of my WW members. Eventually the ZUMBA® classes were so popular and well attended I left my WW leader role and jumped fully into being a fitness instructor and studio owner. I’ve never looked back!
What I Love about Being a Business Owner?
I love being able to provide a safe, non-judgemental place for my students to work out and feel empowered. I have the ability to create an environment that makes them feel successful, and that is very important to me. I also love the flexibility to create schedules that work for me and my amazing staff.
What type of impact do you hope to have on those you meet and/or who purchase your products?
Aside from an amazing workout, I want our students to feel that Century Body is their safe place– a place where they feel included and seen. Our goal is to provide a community of (mostly) women, and after 14 years I feel that is exactly what has happened. Many of my students have formed lifelong friendships.
Who or What inspires you?
My students inspire me every day! I love watching their progression in our conditioning and HIIT class and their joy and excitement in our Zumba® classes. My instructors also inspire me. They work so hard to make sure their classes are fun and challenging. I come to class sometimes just to watch their interaction with the students.
What is your favorite piece of advice you’ve ever received or favorite quote?
“Work smarter, not harder,” and “listen to your body.”
What does Beauty mean to you?
Beauty for me is all about how you feel on the inside. Feeling strong and healthy on the inside makes us feel beautiful and confident on the outside. We are all beautiful inside and out!
What advice would you give your past self just starting your business?
Just go for it!
What would you like our Beauty Boost member to know?
I love community and helping women bring out the best in themselves. We all have the power to be strong and powerful! Century Body is a small business run by women to help women of all ages and fitness levels. You can do it! All new students get a FREE week of fitness classes.
Where can our community find you?
Website: www.Centurybody.com
Instagram: @century_body
Facebook: Century Body
