Fitness entrepreneur, television personality, and businessman Jake Steinfeld has an estimated net worth of $20 million. Best known for creating the wildly successful “Body by Jake” fitness empire, Steinfeld transformed himself from a celebrity personal trainer into one of the earliest entrepreneurs to turn fitness into a media and lifestyle brand.
Over the years, Steinfeld expanded far beyond exercise videos and gym routines. He built businesses in television, digital fitness, publishing, sports, and entertainment, while also pursuing acting and philanthropic work. His energetic “Don’t Quit!” philosophy became a defining part of his brand, helping him connect with millions of people looking to improve their health and confidence.
Jake Steinfeld Net Worth: $20 Million
Date of Birth: February 21, 1958
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York
Early Life
Jake Steinfeld was born Jacob Steinfeld on February 21, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York, and later grew up in Baldwin, Long Island. As a child, he struggled with confidence issues, including a stutter and weight challenges—experiences that would later shape his passion for fitness and motivation.
Determined to reinvent himself, Steinfeld embraced exercise and bodybuilding during his teenage years. After a brief period in college, he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in fitness and entertainment. His competitive bodybuilding journey included placing second in the Mr. Southern California contest in 1977, an achievement he often highlighted because he reportedly competed without performance-enhancing drugs.
How Jake Steinfeld Built His Fortune
Steinfeld’s rise to wealth began unexpectedly. In the early 1980s, he was working as a bouncer when a woman approached him and offered to pay him to help her get into shape for a commercial appearance.
That moment launched his career as a personal trainer.
Soon, word spread around Hollywood, and Steinfeld became known for helping celebrities prepare for film roles and public appearances. His impressive client list reportedly included high-profile names such as:
- Steven Spielberg
- Harrison Ford
- Eddie Murphy
His Hollywood success laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Body by Jake empire.
Body by Jake
Steinfeld’s biggest financial breakthrough came through Body by Jake, a fitness brand that combined television workouts, books, exercise equipment, and motivational coaching.
At a time when personal trainers were not household names, Steinfeld managed to turn fitness into mainstream entertainment. His approach focused less on intimidating bodybuilding culture and more on practical motivation, positivity, and consistency.
His signature slogan, “Don’t Quit!”, became both a personal mantra and a business philosophy.
Through infomercials, branded workout systems, books, and endorsements, Body by Jake became one of the most recognizable fitness brands of the 1980s and 1990s.
Television
Jake Steinfeld’s career expanded beyond fitness into television and entertainment.
His big break came when media mogul Ted Turner gave him the opportunity to produce and host the daytime fitness show “Fitness Freak by Jake.”
The exposure helped Steinfeld become a recognizable television personality and paved the way for acting opportunities.
He appeared in films including:
- Coming to America
- The Money Pit
- Ratatouille
He also starred in the family sitcom “Big Brother Jake,” which aired in the early 1990s.
FitTV
Jake Steinfeld significantly boosted his wealth through media entrepreneurship.
In 1993, he helped launch FitTV, one of the world’s first 24-hour fitness television networks. The channel became an early pioneer in at-home wellness programming.
When FitTV’s parent company was later sold, Steinfeld reportedly earned a substantial financial windfall, cementing his reputation as a savvy businessman—not just a celebrity trainer.
He later launched ExerciseTV, one of the earliest on-demand fitness platforms, years before streaming workouts became mainstream. He also created FitOrbit, an online personal training service that anticipated today’s virtual coaching industry.
Major League Lacrosse
Steinfeld also made a name for himself in professional sports.
In 1999, he co-founded Major League Lacrosse, the first professional outdoor lacrosse league in the United States.
The organization played a major role in expanding the popularity of lacrosse nationwide and gave elite athletes a professional platform.
The league’s championship trophy was later named the Steinfeld Trophy in recognition of his contribution to the sport.
Books
Jake Steinfeld also generated income through publishing.
He authored several books focused on fitness, self-improvement, and perseverance, including:
- Body by Jake
- Don’t Quit! Get Strong!
- Take a Shot
His writing often reflected the same upbeat, motivational style that defined his fitness empire.
Real Estate Loss in the Pacific Palisades Fire
In 1994, Steinfeld purchased a mansion in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles for around $2 million.
Before being destroyed in the devastating 2025 Palisades wildfire, the property was reportedly valued between $9 million and $10 million, representing one of his most valuable assets.
Despite the loss, Steinfeld has continued to remain active in fitness advocacy and philanthropy.
Author: Andrew Walyaula
Andrew Walyaula is a seasoned multimedia journalist. Email: [email protected]
