A Conversation with Jefferson Charles, Founder of Jefferson Fit
Why he built a full gym + recovery under one roof—and what’s coming in the new downtown location
Q: For folks who haven’t met you yet, what’s your quick story?
Jefferson: I’m from a tiny island in the Caribbean called Dominica. I first moved to the States to become a pilot, which I did for a short time. But once I discovered fitness, I realized that was my true calling.
I started training back in 1996 in Los Angeles. Then I got into fitness modeling which pulled me deeper into coaching. I got certified, and I never turned back. I trained quite a few people in L.A., traveled to Saudi Arabia and worked with the royal family for a bit. In 2011 I opened the first 24/7 gym in Charleston, West Virginia. That was pretty awesome. It did really, really well, and it’s still open, still running. When I moved to Sarasota, I proudly handed it over to one of my trainers and started fresh here.
Q: Thirty years in, what keeps you excited about this work?
Jefferson: Honestly, I’m even more passionate about health and fitness now. I’ve learned so much, and I’m eager to keep growing. Not just for myself, but for everyone I work with.
Q: Why build Jefferson Fit the way you did—everything in one place?
Jefferson: When I got to Sarasota, I scoped the area, especially downtown, to see what was available. I noticed people were traveling all over to do yoga here, cold plunge there, pilates somewhere else. It clicked for me. Why not put all of that into one location? An All-Inclusive Fitness Center. That’s what we did. We’ve got the full-service gym, the cold plunges, the sauna, Hyperice… Everything blends well together so you don’t have to drive to a bunch of different places just to hit your goals.
Q: And now you’re moving into the brand-new downtown space. What changes there?
Jefferson: We’re basically taking what works [from our first location] and making it bigger and better. There’s a chance to improve on what we already have, plus add the pieces people keep asking for. So you’ll see the same Jefferson Fit vibe, but we’re adding in things like a smoothie bar, a salt-therapy booth, and spa-style services like massage and IV therapy…a full spa alongside a full gym.
Q: A lot of locals stack multiple memberships around town. How does All-Inclusive help with that?
Jefferson: Most folks don’t realize how fast it adds up: gym here, hot/cold studio there, a recovery lounge, maybe a boutique class pass. Pretty soon you’re up around what… $800-900 a month? The idea with All-Inclusive is simple: one place, one routine, one bill. You show up, and everything you need is in the building.
Q: What should someone expect walking in for the first time?
Jefferson: You can expect to see me. (laughs) You’ll see me on the gym floor every day, along with my team. We learn your name, help you settle in, and set a simple plan. No pressure. We’re about consistency and recovery that supports your life. You’ll feel better, sleep better, and you won’t be as sore all the time. That’s the goal. it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Q: What if I don’t need “everything”—what are the other membership options?
Jefferson: We keep it straightforward. Get Fit is for people who mainly want the workout features: full-service gym and classes.
Recovery is for folks who want the hot/cold and pro tools—sauna, cold plunge, Hyperice.
All-Inclusive bundles both and includes the new wellness amenities we’re rolling in, like salt therapy and our red light therapy booth.
So you don’t have to choose. You can start wherever you are in your wellness journey and move between tiers as your routine changes.
Q: Why join now instead of waiting for opening day?
Jefferson: Pre-opening spots are limited, and we’ve been counting down on our social media. Once we hit capacity, we close the promotion.
Also, billing begins when we open. So you can lock the rate now and start paying when the doors are actually open and you’re ready to train.
Ready to reserve your spot?
All-Inclusive at Jefferson Fit = full gym + classes + recovery (sauna, cold plunge, Hyperice), with expanded wellness rolling in at our new downtown home (salt therapy, red light therapy booth).
Replace 4–5 separate memberships and save around $600–$800/month (typical local stacking; your costs may vary).
Pre-opening spots are limited, and we’ve been counting down on social.
Billing begins when the new facility opens.
50% off your first month. Then 20% off every month after that, for the length of your commitment.
Waiving the $49 enrollment fee.
👉 Join here: https://www.jeffersonfit.com/memberships