Hottest Trainer Contestant #1: Jess Hess

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Welcome to Racked SF's search for San Francisco's hottest trainer. Over the coming weeks, we'll profile a dozen-plus smoking candidates who work at local gyms and studios. (Not only do they look hot in spandex, but if you take their classes, you might someday look nearly as good.) Then, once you've gotten to know everyone, we'll host a March Madness-style showdown in which you get to vote for your favorite. Let the games begin!

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Photos by Aubrie Pick

Please welcome the very first competitor in Racked SF's very first Hottest Trainer Competition, Jess Hess. If the devotion of her clients is any indication, you'd be hard pressed to find a better trainer in San Francisco. She works out her devotees at Body Lab in Cow Hollow (where the above photos were taken), using barbells, free weights, kettle bells, that crazy rope you see before you, and more. Her most useful tool, however, might be her degree in psychology. Got excuses? Hess will manage them in a friendly but firm way to get you moving, losing weight, and getting leaner than you ever thought possible.

How long have you been a trainer?
"7+ years"

What prompted you to become one—did you have a different career path in mind prior?
"I sort of fell into the industry when I moved to New York. Once I got a taste of training I never looked back. My original career path was to work for Conan O' Brian, which was why I moved to NY!"

What classes do you teach, and which is your favorite/why?
"I've taught everything from Boot Camp to Spin. My favorite is a class I created called Flex Fit. Those girls are hard core and not afraid to train legs!"

Describe your training style: Are you drill sergeant? More laid back?
"I have a degree in Psychology so let's just say I'm very good at getting people to do what I want."

What's one piece of advice everyone should hear before beginning a new workout?
"Proper form is everything."

Tell us a fun fact about you—the weirder and wackier, the better.
"I have a 2-year old Belgian Malinois that I do protection/tracking work with."
· All Hottest Trainer Competition [Racked SF]