After years of helping build a thriving, health-focused community back in Illinois, Jesse Sylvester, the founder of Sylvester Fitness has brought that same passion for wellness to a new home. Moving to the area to start his family, he launched Sylvester Fitness with the goal of recreating the supportive, growth-oriented fitness environment he once helped foster—this time, on his own terms.
With a rich background in sports that began at the age of 13 with lifting weights, the founder brings decades of experience to the table. Jesse’s journey evolved at 18 through competitive bodybuilding, powerlifting, and eventually elevated to coaching almost every mens and womens collegiate sports team you could imagine. After that, he began personal training and started finding his groove in sports. Currently, Jesse participates in Volleyball, Golf, and the occasional Tough Mudder (Obstacle course race), and hopes to become more involved in winter sports and with the nearby access to water maybe Stand-up Paddleboard.
His approach is rooted in both the science and art of fitness—building a strong foundation with sound principles while tailoring programs to each individual’s lifestyle and personality.
Jesse specializes in working with people aged 45–65, especially those dealing with aches, pains, or the aging golfer. But his approach is welcoming to everyone, from beginners to advanced athletes.
Sylvester Fitness currently offers one-on-one personal training, semi-private sessions, nutrition coaching, and a unique service called Pro-Stretch—a fusion of assisted stretching, pressure techniques, and corrective exercises designed to relieve discomfort and improve mobility.
At the heart of the studio’s philosophy is adaptability:
“We meet people where they are—in life and in that specific moment,” he says. “If you’re dealing with the exhaustion of a newborn at home, we adjust. If you’re feeling strong, we lean in. The goal is to keep you moving forward in a sustainable, enjoyable way.”
Starting a business has come with its share of challenges—from building a website and sourcing clients to navigating the complexities of advertising—but the vision for the future is clear. Over the next year, Sylvester Fitness hopes to double its space and equipment, allowing for more clients per session and a growing sense of community. Plans also include hiring additional trainers, launching virtual eight-week nutrition classes, and publishing free educational content on the website to help demystify fitness for everyone.
One myth the founder is passionate about busting?
“I would say a common fitness myth is that you need to be all in. That you have to do 5 days a week in the gym and eat cardboard 24/7 as if there is an award for being miserable. The truth is, some of the most successful consistent clients I’ve had were 2 days a week and we found ways for them to love their diet so it didn’t feel like they had to give anything up. It is all about what makes sense for you, and for you at that moment.”
With a clear dedication to fundamentals, personal connection, and long-term wellness, Sylvester Fitness is more than a gym—it’s a community built for real life.
