New year, new you — or so you’ve been telling yourself since 2017 (sorry, not sorry). This year, though, it’s time to actually make it happen!
Whether you’re looking to torch calories, build muscle, or just survive a 50-minute class without crying (been there), these five gyms in Columbus are here to help. Each offers high-intensity workouts designed to push you to your limits and beyond.
Spoiler alert: You might actually have fun while sweating your face off.
1. United Strength: Build It Up, Burn It Off
United Strength has a two-pronged approach to fitness: Build and Burn. No, this isn’t some dystopian workout cult — it’s just science-backed training that works.
• Build Class: Start with targeted strength training (hello, squats and deadlifts) before moving into circuits designed to complement your major lifts. Finish it all off with some high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for a cardio boost that’ll leave you gasping but weirdly proud.
• Burn Class: Think of this as Build’s hyperactive little sibling. It’s all about HIIT, with bursts of maximal effort followed by recovery periods. Perfect for burning calories, boosting endurance, and justifying that post-workout smoothie.
If you’re serious about transforming your body, United Strength might just become your new best frenemy.
Learn more here.
2. Studio Torch: Light It Up
Studio Torch is where fitness meets flexibility (no, not that kind). This gym lets you tailor your workout to your fitness level, so you can feel like a boss even if it’s your first day back at the gym since… ever.
Here’s the deal: You set your speed on the treadmill, your pace on the rower, and your weights on the floor. Meanwhile, the instructor keeps you motivated (read: politely yelling at you) while a killer playlist makes you forget you’re sweating buckets. By the end of the 50-minute class, you’ll feel like a rockstar — or at least a slightly fitter version of yourself.
Learn more here.
3. The System of Strength: Love to Hate It
If workouts had personalities, The System of Strength would be the intense overachiever who always gets results. With a range of classes that cater to every fitness goal, this place knows how to keep you coming back for more punishment (in a good way).
• CLOCKED: Pure cardio that’ll leave you breathless and rethinking your life choices.
• CONTROL: Heavy weights, lean muscle, and enough soreness to make sitting down a challenge.
• IN THE MIX: Cardio meets strength in this one-two punch of a class.
• HIGH + TIGHT: Light weights and resistance bands for that “I’ve been sculpted by Michelangelo” vibe.
• RESTORE + RECOVER: It’s like a yoga class and a deep tissue massage had a baby.
SOS doesn’t mess around — but you’ll thank them later (probably).
Learn more here.
4. The Armory: Train Like a Warrior
With a name like The Armory, you know this gym means business. Their small group classes combine functional movements, resistance training, and cardio to help you crush your fitness goals — whether that’s running a marathon or just surviving a flight of stairs.
Top Picks:
• Strength Foundations: Learn proper form and build functional strength without breaking yourself.
• Functional Strength: A mix of weights, cardio, and bodyweight exercises for a well-rounded workout.
• Progressing in Strength: Ideal for anyone from newbies to seasoned lifters looking to up their game.
Bonus points for the supportive community vibe — it’s like having a gym family, but without the awkward Thanksgiving dinners.
Learn more here.
5. Elevate Human Performance: Next-Level Wellness
Elevate Human Performance isn’t just a gym; it’s a lifestyle. Their focus on whole-body wellness makes it a standout for anyone who wants to feel good inside and out.
Class Highlights:
• Muscle Class: Build strength and resilience with targeted exercises that leave you feeling like a superhero.
• Move Class: High-intensity metabolic conditioning meets strength training for a calorie-torching, endorphin-boosting workout.
The community vibe here is unbeatable, so don’t be surprised if you make a few friends while you’re busy crushing PRs.
Learn more here.
Ready to Crush 2025?
Whether you’re a gym rat or a total beginner, these Columbus gyms have something for everyone. So, lace up your sneakers, grab a towel, and prepare to sweat like it’s your job. Because this is the year you stop “thinking about” getting fit and start actually doing it.
And hey, you might hate it. But if nothing else, at least you’ll look good in all those workout selfies.
Let’s do this! 💪
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!