By: Rachael Freeman
Tone House is proud to welcome two new head coaches to the roaster, Head Coach Jate and Head Coach Jess. These two coaches share a common foundation: a lifelong connection to sports and a belief that growth comes from showing up, working hard, and embracing the process.
Head Coach Jate brings a blend of discipline and humor, inspiring athletes to embrace consistency while creating an environment where hard work and having fun go hand in hand. Head Coach Jess leads with contagious energy and a belief that confidence is built one rep at a time.
Where are you from? What is your athletic background?
Coach Jate: I grew up in South Jersey, just outside of Atlantic City. Growing up, I played a little bit of every sport. High school is when I locked in with basketball, which led me to playing in college as a power forward.
Coach Jess: Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY! I played various sports growing up: basketball, softball, and cheerleading, dabbled in soccer and swimming for a brief time, and took up boxing in college.
What inspired you to start a career in the fitness industry?
Coach Jess: Originally, I started working out to find my inner strength and through my journey I wanted to share the love I found with others. The intention behind my training is to help people become stronger not only physically, but mentally. I want everyone to reach their fullest potential and to create an environment where they feel they can do anything they set their mind to and to push past limits.
Coach Jate: It was through my own personal trainer that led me towards this path. He helped me get my mind right about the workouts and everything else in life. I love the genuine connections that are built through training and the impact they can have beyond the gym. Being able to help someone grow physically, mentally, and personally is what drives me as a coach.
How has your own sports and fitness journey shaped you as a coach?
Coach Jess: It helped shape me as a coach because I try to focus on the verbiage, energy and approach when coaching my classes. I hope that my athletes find in themselves the want to push harder and reach new heights on their own.
Coach Jate: Sports taught me that you don’t become a better athlete overnight—you get there by showing up every day, trusting the process, and putting in the work. I want my athletes to know that every rep matters, and that small, consistent efforts lead to big results.
What do you hope athletes feel when they take your class?
Coach Jate: Ready to take on the rest of the rest of the day! I love being the start of someone’s day and sharing that energy forward.
Coach Jess: Inspired, motivated, empowered, strong, having had fun and wanting to reach new levels in their fitness and even life!
What’s a piece of advice someone gave you that changed your perspective?
Coach Jess: “The game is not over until the clock hits zero”. There is an importance in giving it your all until the very end, because you never know what can happen and how much you can overcome in the final seconds.
Coach Jate: “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it” My grandfather, who was a New Jersey Hall of Fame boxer, used to always says this to me. He is a big reason why I have been so driven in all that I do, and this mantra has kept me pushing forward throughout life.
Do you have any words of advice for first time athletes?
Coach Jate: Consistency, Consistency, Consistency. Focus on the basics, don’t try to overcomplicate the workouts, and always have fun!
Coach Jess: You always have to start from somewhere, so do not be discouraged. Look at it as, “I can only go up from here”! Safety is always most important. Learn the foundations first, master them and then you can progress, don’t rush the process. Enjoy the journey—don’t focus only on the destination because there is so much to learn, and that’s where everything is built.
What’s one word to describe you on the mic?
Coach Jess: Energetic
Coach Jate: Electric
What are you passionate about outside of the gym?
Coach Jate: Spending quality time with my friends and family.
Coach Jess: I love to act, sing and dance. I love finding fun coffee shops!
Behind every great coach is a purpose, and for Coach Jate and Coach Jess, that purpose is built on connection, growth, and the desire to help others discover their own strength.
Whether you’re stepping onto the Turf for the first time or continuing your athletic journey, they are here to challenge you, support you, and help you become stronger—one rep at a time.
Experience firsthand what makes Coach Jess and Coach Jate great additions to New York City’s top fitness studio, Tone House. Check out the schedule and sign-up via your account today.