About Us
Why J4?
At J4, our mission is to empower individuals to achieve their fitness goals through personalized programs. We believe in a holistic approach that combines physical training, mental coaching, and nutritional guidance for creating lasting results. We want to partner with you to achieve in the sport that is life!
Jeff Smith, MS, ACSM-HFS, ACSM-EIM, Level II
Jeff Smith is founder of J4 (previously called Lone Star Health & Fitness) and creator of the J4 Method.
With a passion for fitness, he has managed government and municipal facilities across the country providing
first-class health and fitness programs for over 20 years.
He attended Texas Christian University where he earned both his Bachelors of Science in Movement Science and Masters of Science in Exercise Physiology.
During grad school, Jeff was chosen as a student delegate for the Texas Association of American College of Sports Medicine, as well as, TCU’s School of Health and Human Sciences.
After using exercise to help recover from a broken back (Fun Fact: Jeff raced BMX and Motocross),
Jeff created a study and was Lead Researcher of physiological responses toacute exercise in individuals with spinal cord injury.
He is a Certified Exercise Physiologist with the American College of Sports Medicine, as well as, Exercise Is Medicine (EIM) Credential Level II which allows him to work not only on the fitness floors but alongside physicians providing exercise prescriptions for patients.
Jeff has numerous research and exercise proficiencies that include VO2Max testing, skin-fold calipers, strength
and flexibility assessments, group fitness instruction and personalized fitness program design. In fact, these
proficiencies and certifications allowed him to consult with Baylor Grapevine Weight Loss department to
identify needs and develop exercise programs for both pre- and post-op surgical weight loss patients.Jeff’s
leadership has led to numerous recognitions such as being a Mayor-appointed representative for the City of
Grapevine to be a part of the Baylor-Grapevine Community Task Force Health Initiative which aimed to improve the health and fitness of citizens across the DFW Metroplex through incentives and health fairs.
For over five years, Jeff served as a member of the City of Grapevine Health Fair Committee which aimed to create
educational seminars and programs to improve the health and fitness of over 700 city employees and was Race
Director for the Paddle, Pedal & Pound Triathlon for two years. He also created a wellness program designed
to improve the health and fitness of firefighters for the City of Grapevine.
Throughout his fitness management tenure, Jeff has spearheaded fitness and wellness incentive programs,
provided educational seminars, oversaw the development and implementation of over 40 recreational and
fitness classes (e.g. PiYo, CPR, Zumba, Pound, Boot Camps, etc), and personally provided countless personal
training sessions, boot camps, and exercise prescriptions that has helped over 1500 federal employees, over
2000 city employees, 10,000 fitness facility members, and 50,000 community members reach their fitness goals
across the country.
Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and enjoys running, weight-lifting, wake boarding, river rafting, as well
as more extreme sports such as mountain biking and motocross racing. He strives to see everyone succeed, no matter their fitness level (beginner to advanced) or what their goals may be.
Jeff enthusiastically motivates and coaches his clients by creating an atmosphere of communication, education, excitement and fun when it comes to their physical and mental well-being, as well as, their fitness goals.
He is excited to be your guide and help you every step of the way of your fitness journey.
Joni Smith, BS, MA, AFPA-HN, HC
Joni Shaw Smith’s journey into the world of health and healing began with a deep-rooted desire to help others feel their best—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
She began her academic path studying pre-medicine at Texas Christian University, but quickly grew disillusioned with the limitations of conventional medicine, where symptoms were often treated without regard to the root cause or the whole person.
Her career pivoted into the creative world, where she became a successful live event and broadcast producer, using storytelling and media to inspire change.
One of her most formative experiences was producing for TSTN’s Dr. Jay:Health Coach, where she was introduced to a functional and integrative approach to health. This experience reaffirmed her belief that the body has an innate ability to heal—when given the proper nutrition, movement, and mindset.
After years of supporting her husband, Jeff, with the creative and business side of their fitness company, Joni felt the pull to return to her roots of healing. She became a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Health Coach through the American Fitness Professional Association, determined to empower others through sustainable wellness rooted in science, compassion, and personalization.
Today, Joni helps clients—especially those over 40—navigate the confusion that can come with new diagnoses, chronic conditions, or stalled progress.
She creates custom wellness strategies that blend functional nutrition, mindset coaching,
and real-world lifestyle change to promote
long-term healing.
A passionate home cook with a flair for flavor, Joni believes food should be both nourishing and enjoyable—proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring.
Her mission is simple: to help others understand their bodies, fuel their lives with purpose, and feel truly well—inside and out.
Joni enjoys cooking, photography, writing and traveling the world with her work and her family. She loves swimming, whitewater rafting and anything by the ocean. She and Jeff are college sweethearts and have been married for 20 years and have two boys, Jett and Jaxson.
