From PR to Personal Records: Jenny Gusella’s Fitness Journey

It’s not every day that someone swaps press releases for personal records, but Hingham resident Jenny Gusella has done just that. With a career that began in the whirlwind world of public relations, Jenny has transformed herself into a cornerstone of South Shore’s fitness scene. As the co-founder of Magnitude Strength & Power in Norwell, she’s not just coaching clients—she’s redefining what strength training means for everyone from high school athletes to retirees.

From the Office to the Gym Floor

Jenny’s story starts on the track. A sprinter at Bates College, her love for strength training was ignited early by coaches who introduced her to strength and conditioning. This foundation, however, took a backseat after college as she pursued a career in public relations. For seven years, Jenny worked with tech firms, mastering media strategy and client relationships. But even as she thrived in PR, fitness remained her passion.

“I was always programming workouts for friends,” she recalls. That passion became more serious when Jenny decided to get certified as a Functional Strength Coach and took a part-time job at Orange Theory in Hingham. “I wanted to get my feet wet,” she says, noting how the role allowed her to combine coaching with her day job.

Jenny’s transition wasn’t a leap—it was a steady build. As she coached at Orange Theory, she also eventually began training clients from her home gym. It was during this time that Jenny met Ali Winslow, her future business partner. Slowly, her side hustle grew into something more. By the time she decided to leave PR behind, she had already laid a foundation for what was to come. “It was a big change, but it felt right,” she says.

Pandemic Silver Linings and Growing Pains

When the pandemic struck, gyms shuttered, and fitness enthusiasts scrambled for alternatives. For Jenny, it was a pivotal moment. “I moved all my equipment into my garage bays and opened the doors,” she says. Clients flocked to her driveway for socially distanced training sessions, creating a surge in demand. “It was the Wild West,” she jokes, recalling long days spent coaching back-to-back sessions.

As the demand grew, Jenny and Ali decided it was time to create something bigger. While walking their dogs together, the pair made a big decision: they were going to open their own gym. But finding real estate post-COVID was no small feat. “We started looking in early 2021, and it was tough,” Jenny recalls. Spaces were limited, and competition was high. After months of searching, they secured a location on Route 53 in Norwell - a 2,500 square foot former convenience mart - and launched Magnitude Strength & Power.

The name, which Ali discovered while searching synonyms for greatness, perfectly encapsulates their mission. “Power is critical,” Jenny explains. “Whether it’s hopping over a puddle or standing up from a chair as you age, power is essential for daily life.”

Doing Business on the South Shore

Launching a business on the South Shore presented its own set of challenges—but also unique opportunities. “I underestimated how many people would go out of their way to support a small, women-owned business,” Jenny says. She found that the local community wasn’t just interested in fitness—they were invested in the success of her business.

“The South Shore has this incredible sense of connection,” she explains. “People know us—they know we live here, and they want to support something local rather than a big chain.” This support has helped Magnitude thrive, even in a competitive market. Jenny is quick to credit the South Shore’s small business ecosystem for creating a supportive environment. “It’s not just about running a business; it’s about being part of a community,” she says.

Advice for Beginners

For those just starting their fitness journey, Jenny offers straightforward but powerful advice: start with consistency. “Don’t worry about how hard the workout is—just commit to showing up three times a week,” she says. For beginners, the key is to build the habit before focusing on intensity.

Jenny also emphasizes the importance of setting process-oriented goals rather than fixating on outcomes. “Instead of saying, ‘I want to lose 20 pounds,’ set a goal like, ‘I’m going to work out three days a week,’” she explains. “The process will get you to the result, but you have to focus on the steps first.”

Jenny’s approach also highlights the need to rethink what fitness means. “Fitness has kind of ruined fitness,” she says. “You shouldn’t feel intimidated to come to the gym or worried about getting crushed by a workout. It’s about progress, not exhaustion.”

Standing Out in the Crowded Fitness Space

As Jenny tells it, Magnitude Strength & Power isn’t your typical gym. With programming based on the Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning method, the focus is on functional strength and injury prevention. “We’re not the sport of fitness,” Jenny says. “Our goal is to make you stronger, healthier, and injury-free—not to perfect your deadlift form.”

Sessions are capped at eight people, creating a balance of individual attention and group camaraderie. “You’re not just another face,” Jenny emphasizes. “We notice when you’re not here.” This sense of community, combined with a thoughtful, personalized approach, keeps clients engaged.

The clientele is diverse, ranging from middle-aged adults looking to stay active to young athletes training for peak performance. “We’ve even had kids who make this their sport,” Jenny says, noting how the gym provides a space for everyone to thrive at their own pace.

Building a Better Way

In a world where fitness often prioritizes exhaustion over progress, Jenny Gusella, her partner Ali Winslow, and Magnitude Strength & Power say that they are charting a new course. With a foundation of community, functionality, and empowerment, they’re proving that strength training isn’t just about breaking records—it’s about building a better life.