Let’s be honest: the thought of working out fills us all with dread. But finding the fun ways to get sweaty? Now that’s an exercise plan I can get behind.
Forget treadmills and boring gym routines — Columbus is hiding some of the quirkiest and most enjoyable fitness options that’ll make you question if you’re really working out or just living out a fever dream that ends with you getting in shape.
Ready to sweat outside the box? Let’s get into it.
1. Pole Dancing Classes
Where to try:
- Studio Rouge: 4575 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
- Honey Groove Studio: 4028 Parkmead Dr, Grove City, OH 43123
Don’t worry, no one’s going to make you strip down to your skivvies here (unless you want to; no judgment). Pole dancing fitness is all about connecting with your body and discovering muscles you didn’t even know existed.
Studio Rouge offers a variety of classes like aerial hoop, pole dancing, chair dancing, and even twerkouts (finally, a chance to bring all my kitchen dance moves to a professional setting). They welcome everyone, no matter your gender, age (18+), or skill level. Bonus: you’ll walk away with an appreciation for just how strong pole dancers have to be — it’s like Cirque du Soleil but spicier.
2. Fencing
Where to try:
- Columbus Fencing & Fitness: 4150 Tuller Rd. Suite 236, Dublin, OH 43017
If you’ve ever wanted to live out your Zorro or Princess Bride fantasies, this is your chance. Fencing is a workout disguised as swordplay, and it’s surprisingly intense. Columbus Fencing & Fitness isn’t messing around — they train Olympic-level athletes, but they also welcome beginners who just want to learn the basics without accidentally poking anyone.
Beyond the sweat, fencing is a lesson in self-control and strategy. As they say, “You can’t control your opponent, but you can control yourself.” Honestly, that feels like great life advice and a mantra for surviving family dinners.
3. Curling
Where to try:
- Columbus Curling Club: 2999 Silver Drive, Rear, Columbus, OH 43224
Yes, curling. That thing you see on TV during the Winter Olympics where people frantically sweep ice like their lives depend on it. Turns out, it’s a workout and a great excuse to yell at your friends while sliding rocks down a sheet of ice.
The Columbus Curling Club offers Learn to Curl clinics that teach you how to sweep, slide, and shout like a pro. You’ll get a full-body workout and then end the session with “broomstacking,” which is basically curling slang for hanging out and socializing in their warm room. Pro tip: wear stretchy pants and bring your own clean tennis shoes — jeans will only betray you on the ice.
4. Trampoline Parks
Where to try:
- Ninja Citi: 2620 Sawmill Place Blvd, Columbus, OH 43235
Remember when trampolines were just for kids? Yeah, not anymore. Ninja Citi takes trampolining to the next level with wall-to-wall trampolines, a ninja course, rock climbing, dodgeball, and the infamous Warp Wall — a towering wall that’s steep, unforgiving, and oddly satisfying to conquer.
If you’re more about showing off your dunking skills, they also have basketball hoops designed for you to live out your NBA dreams (minus the million-dollar contract). And if Ninja Citi isn’t enough, you can bounce over to other trampoline spots like Rockin’ Jump, Get Air Columbus, or Big Air Trampoline Park.
5. Bungee Fitness
Where to try:
- Firefly Bungee Fitness: 3988 Alum Creek Dr, Obetz, OH 43207
Okay, I’ll admit: I had no idea bungee fitness was even a thing until now. Imagine being strapped into a bungee cord and feeling like a superhero as you bounce, leap, and fly through an intense workout. It’s low-impact, high-intensity, and surprisingly fun — plus, it’s way easier on your joints than traditional cardio.
Firefly Bungee Fitness is the first studio of its kind in Columbus, and they’ve got your back (literally, with those bungee cords). Whether you’re looking to tone up or just feel like Spider-Man for a day, this workout promises to have you sweating, smiling, and maybe even laughing at how ridiculous you look mid-air.
6. Boxing
Where to try:
- Neighborhood Boxing Club: 6124 Busch Blvd Suite E, Columbus, OH 43229
I started boxing back in middle school with my older brothers at the local mall and LOVED it. The feeling of empowerment you get after hitting the bags is truly unlike anything else. But so many boxing gyms are so darn expensive, so it’s been hard to stick with it. But Neighborhood Boxing Club completely changes that. The coaches are here to push you, while still keeping it a judgement-free zone. It’s a surefire way to get the pounds to drop off your body.
You can get 26 classes for $26, but it’s only available from now until January 31, 2026 (more info here). Plus, you can get unlimited classes for a full year for just $79.99 a month, which is cheaper than just about any gym membership. It’s like you’re getting away with highway robbery while losing weight (and without the prison sentence)!
7. Dancing
Where to try:
- Columbus Northwest Dance Studio: 1089 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
You don’t have to be Fred Astaire to get something out of dance classes, especially if you go to Columbus Northwest Dance Studio. With 35 (and sometimes more) dance styles offered, as well as group and private classes, you can learn to step, dip, and tap like the best of ’em! Plus, it’s one of the best ways to socialize with new people. The joy of dancing is only amplified at Columbus Northwest Dance Studio, where everyone from the ownership to the staff and students are so excited to share their love of dance with you.
Plus, you’ll work up a serious sweat without even noticing. It’s a great way to get physically fit and mentally healthy, especially in the colder months here in Central Ohio!
Why Stick to the Gym When Columbus Offers These Alternatives?
Let’s face it: traditional workouts can get boring fast. But when you’re spinning on a pole, sliding stones on ice, or flying through the air on a bungee cord, fitness starts feeling more like play than punishment. So go ahead — Step Out (see what I did there?) of your comfort zone, try something weird, and maybe even discover a new passion.
Who knows? You might find that sweating it out on a trampoline or with a fencing foil is exactly what you needed to shake up your routine. Plus, think of all the fun stories you’ll have to tell at parties.
Which one are you trying first? Let me know — I’ll be the one cheering you on from the sidelines (or awkwardly landing on my neck trying to do a backflip on a trampoline).
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
