Matt & Kathy
Jennings
Co-Owners
The Lift Gym
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
After meeting in 1988 and sharing a passion for fitness, Matt and Kathy eventually turned that passion into The Lift Gym. Today, Matt leads coaching and the long-term vision for the business, while Kathy coaches, oversees operations, and leads sales. Together, they’ve built more than a gym; they’ve created a supportive, welcoming community where members feel encouraged, challenged, and empowered to become their strongest selves.
Matt
Co-owner, coach, and visionary behind The Lift Gym, Matt Jennings has dedicated more than 30 years to helping people get stronger, healthier, and more confident through smart, effective strength training.
Matt began his personal training career on June 3, 1993, in New York City, where he built a successful business as an independent trainer in some of the city’s premier fitness clubs. Throughout his career, he has worked with hundreds of clients from all walks of life, including many professionals in the fashion industry, helping them improve strength, movement, health, and confidence through personalized coaching.
Committed to continuing education and delivering the highest level of expertise, Matt has earned multiple nationally and internationally recognized certifications:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine Advanced Level Personal Trainer Certification (1995)
- American Academy of Fitness Professionals Medical Exercise Specialist Certification (1996)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer (1997)
At The Lift Gym, Matt coaches members while also leading the vision, programming, and training philosophy that have shaped the gym into what it is today. He has created an environment focused on expert coaching, accountability, and long-term success… helping members not only achieve results but build strength and confidence for life.
Known for his unmatched knowledge, hands-on coaching style, and ability to meet people where they are, Matt specializes in helping adults train safely and effectively… whether they are just beginning, returning to fitness, or committed to staying strong and active as they age.
“Getting stronger can change lives.”
Kathy
Wife, mom to three boys, fitness coach, sales lead, and co-owner of The Lift Gym, Kathy has been passionate about health and fitness since the age of 18. In 1988, she met her husband, Matt, who shared that same passion, and together they built a life—and eventually a business—centered around helping people become stronger, healthier, and more confident.
While Matt continued full-time in the fitness industry, Kathy built a successful career as an Executive Assistant, all while coaching fitness part-time and staying connected to her passion for helping others. In 2010, as The Lift Gym continued to grow, she made the decision to leave her corporate career and step fully into the family business.
Today, Kathy wears many hats at The Lift Gym. She coaches members, oversees the day-to-day operations behind the scenes, and leads sales… helping new members feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they begin their fitness journey. Kathy believes that getting stronger can change lives, especially for adults who want to feel better, move better, and stay active for years to come.