Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Ratliff.
Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In 2019 I was 3 months postpartum and a fresh, first time (stay-at-home) mom wondering what to do with my days. My friend had been going to S.L.A.M, Sweat Like A Mother and she invited me to join her for a free class. I fell in love with the workouts, the community, the consistency- everything about it! SLAM Monterey has been a part of my life since then and I never dreamed of owning it, but when the last owner was getting ready to move with the military, she asked if I wanted to take over. Becoming the new owner of SLAM Monterey (as of Oct. 2025) has been a blessing I never knew I wanted or needed and it has been such an incredible journey so far! This community is more than a workout group, it’s a sisterhood full of laughter, advice, instant friends, help, and inspiration.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The transition from the previous owner to me currently owning was incredibly smooth. We did a very nice hand-off of phasing her out and phasing me in, then she moved with the military and that was that. The most challenging part is not having enough coaches on staff and I have to do it all- the workouts and all the behind the scene work- by myself. Thankfully that time was short-lived and I have an incredible coach and friend who is there for SLAM in so many ways making it better.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My background is coaching and teaching. I have a B.S in Kinesiology with an emphasis in interdisciplinary sports. I hold certifications in group fitness instructor, pregnancy and postpartum exercise, NCAA coaching, and personal training. Pre-kids I was a teacher and high school sports coach (volleyball, soccer, cross country, and track and field). Once I started having kids I was lucky enough to be able to stay home with them and work remotely for Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Working remotely for FCA has allowed me to be able to coach workouts and be the owner of SLAM Monterey.
Today I coach 3 days a week with SLAM and run that business, work remotely for FCA, and get to be a full-time at home Mom. I’m incredibly grateful that I get to do all three of the things I love and the flexibility I have with each of those.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
There’s a lot to choose from! But I would have to say, when I look back on my childhood the things I’m most grateful were these two things:
1. My mom being able to stay home with us. I loved, loved, loved having my Mom home. She volunteered with my school and sports teams, she made us home cooked meals, she chaperoned field trips- she was just always there ,and I’ll always be grateful for her presence. All of my friends wanted to hang out at my house and be around my Mom because she makes everyone feel seen, and loved, and heard. I always wanted to grow up and be like my Mom and I hope I am that great of a Mom to my kids.
2. The hard work my Dad put in, but still making us a priority. I always remember my Dad going to work, but he was at every sports game I can remember, he would drop us off at school in the morning, help with homework, take us to sporting events, and was just very present in our lives. As a child I didn’t think much of it, but as a working adult now with kids I realize how purposeful he was to make sure he was there for us and made his family a priority.
Most of my childhood memories are made up of purposeful family-time.
Pricing:
- Unlimited monthly membership $60
- 5 Class Punchcard $50
- 10 Class Punchcard $100
- 1 Class Pass $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sweatlikeamother.com/montereyca/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.l.a.m.monterey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slammonterey
