Let’s face it — traditional workouts can feel like a chore.
Treadmills? Get out of here.
Dumbbells? Mehhh, too heavy.
But Central Ohio is brimming with ways to get your sweat on that are anything but boring. From scaling walls to smashing pickleball serves, these unique and fun workouts will have you feeling the burn without realizing it. Who knew getting fit could actually be…fun?
1. Reach New Heights Rock Climbing!
- Indoor
- Vertical Adventures: 6513 Kingsmill Ct, Columbus, OH 43229
- Bloc Garden: 512 Maier Place, Columbus, OH 43215
- Chambers: 1165 Chambers Rd, Columbus, OH 43212
- Outdoor
- Scioto Audubon Metro Park: 500 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215
Rock climbing is basically an excuse to pretend you’re Spider-Man for an hour, and Central Ohio has everything you need to channel your inner superhero. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned climber, there are both indoor rock gyms and outdoor walls that offer climbing of all difficulty levels, so you can challenge yourself while secretly hoping you look cool doing it. Plus, climbing is a full-body workout that’s way more fun than squats.
2. Serve It Up with Pickleball
Location: Check out our Pickleball Court Guide here!
If you haven’t tried pickleball yet, are you even living in 2025? This hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping pong is having a serious moment, and it’s easy to see why. It’s fast-paced, social, and burns a surprising amount of calories (all while feeling like a game, not a workout). Head to places like Pickle and Chill to for indoor courts or click our guide to Pickleball Courts above to find the nearest court to you!
3. Hit the Slopes at Snow Trails or Mad River Mountain
- Snow Trails: 3100 Possum Run Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903
- Mad River Mountain: 1000 Snow Valley Rd, Zanesfield, OH 43360
Snowboarding and skiing is winter cardio at its finest. Not only will you get your heart racing from shredding (or, if you’re like me, tumbling) down the slopes, but you’ll also work muscles you didn’t even know you had. Bonus: falling in the snow is way less embarrassing when everyone else is doing it too. And while we don’t have mountains like Colorado or Utah, there are still some fun runs if you know where to look.
4. Take a Winter Hike
Location: Any of these 20+ beautiful hikes around Central Ohio
Winter hikes might not scream “workout,” but trudging through snow-covered trails is a legit calorie burner — and a feast for the senses. The parks and Metro Parks across Central Ohio offer stunning winter views and trails that range from easy strolls to heart-pumping hikes. Our favorite trail in the winter is the Tall Pines area at Walnut Woods… wow, what a beauty.
5. Dance Your Heart Out at Studio Rouge Pole Fitness
4575 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Who says workouts can’t be glamorous? At Studio Rouge, pole fitness classes are all about strength, flexibility, and confidence. You’ll work your core like never before while learning moves that make you feel like a Cirque du Soleil performer. Don’t be surprised if you leave class with a newfound appreciation for your own badassery.
6. Stretch and Sweat with Hot Yoga at GoYoga
Location: View all 10 locations across Columbus here
Hot yoga is like a spa day and a workout had a sweaty baby. GoYoga’s heated classes help you stretch deeper, improve flexibility, and sweat out toxins you didn’t know were in there. It’s not easy (hello, downward dog in a sauna), but you’ll leave feeling like a million bucks — and probably craving a gallon of water.
The Final Stretch
Central Ohio proves you don’t need a boring gym routine to stay active. From climbing walls to carving slopes, these unique and fun workouts will keep you moving, laughing, and maybe even forgetting you’re exercising. So ditch the treadmill and try something new — you might just find your new favorite way to break a sweat.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!