The former Peloton star’s new 30-minute, dumbbell-only program shifts the focus from aesthetics to building “lasting strength” while catering to those who are short on time
Jennifer Jacobs, the former Peloton instructor and creator of the successful Job1 program, is back with her most intentional training program yet: “Team Endure,” a dumbbell-only strength training program available exclusively on fitness app Ladder.
Designed for those looking to build lasting strength, Team Endure strips away the extremes often found in fitness culture. Instead, the program uses progressive overload, strategic recovery and a consistent 30-minute format to help users build lean muscle and resilience.
Jacobs spoke with Athletech News about the new class, her journey as a trainer for platforms including Ladder and Peloton, and why, for her, fitness is a deeply personal mission.
“I’ve been in the fitness industry long enough to see what burns people out and what builds them up for life,” Jacobs told ATN. “Too often, the quick-fix, all-or-nothing mentality leaves people feeling defeated, injured, or stuck in a cycle of inconsistency. Team Endure is my response to that. It’s designed for those who want to lift stronger for longer.”
The program is built around the concept of longevity and capability rather than appearance.
“High performers don’t just want to look fit; they want to stay capable,” Jacobs added. “The fitness industry has conditioned us to believe that intensity equals progress, but that mindset often leads to burnout or injury.”
The structure of Team Endure reflects that mentality. Each week features gradual, intelligent progression, whether in reps, tempo or load, paired with recovery and mobility-focused sessions that support long-term performance.
“This isn’t about pushing harder for the sake of it,” Jacobs said. “It’s about training smarter.”
Jacobs’ mission is deeply personal. At 16, she became a caregiver to her father, a formative experience that shaped how she views fitness today.
“Suddenly, I was faced with the reality that life can change in an instant,” she said. “The strength to carry on isn’t just physical; it’s emotional and mental as well. Fitness became my way to build resilience — not just to endure the hard days, but to find hope and power within myself.”
That mindset is reflected in her programming and messaging. “Team Endure” is about showing up consistently, not chasing perfection.
“Strength isn’t about aesthetics or extremes; it’s about building lasting strength and resilience to face life’s challenges head on,” Jacobs noted. “It’s a way to stay grounded, stay capable, and show up fully for the moments that truly matter.”
By limiting the equipment to dumbbells and keeping sessions to 30 minutes, Jacobs hopes to remove common barriers to consistency.
“People don’t need more complexity; they need consistency,” she said. “After the huge success of Job1, I saw how powerful shorter sessions could be. That program shifted mindsets, and Team Endure builds on that foundation. Dumbbells are accessible, versatile, and efficient. And 30 minutes? That’s realistic. When workouts fit into your life, you’re more likely to make them part of your routine.”
Jacobs has built a following across multiple platforms, including Peloton, Beachbody, and now Ladder, each one a stepping stone in her mission to help people live stronger, more capable lives.
“At every stage, I’ve stayed connected to the people I serve,” she said. “What drives me is understanding people’s needs even before they fully realize them and creating programs that provide real solutions.”
As a board member and development chair for Smile Train, Jacobs has also helped lead global initiatives, including charity rides, virtual events with over 90,000 participants and the organization’s first sports camp in Colombia.
“At the heart of both (fitness and philanthropy) is the desire to help people feel seen, supported, and capable of more than they ever thought possible,” she explained. “Whether I’m helping someone lift a dumbbell or smile for the first time, the goal is the same: transformation with dignity and purpose.”
For those wondering if they’re too late to start (or restart) on their fitness journey, Jacobs said, “If you feel like it’s too late to build lean muscle, or you don’t have time to commit to long workouts, you’re not alone. Team Endure is designed to fit into your life with short, effective sessions that help you build strength sustainably, no matter where you’re starting from. It’s never too late to invest in yourself.”
