The Best Gyms for Weightlifting in Columbus, Ohio
You may be surprised to find out what an active weightlifting community Columbus, Ohio has.
You may be surprised to find out what an active weightlifting community Columbus, Ohio has. Perhaps that’s why the Arnold Classic, now dubbed the Arnold Sports Expo, takes place in Columbus every year since 1989. The event hosts over 18,000 athletes, from 80 countries in 70 sports and events competing in weightlifting and athletic challenges.
To prepare for the annual event, or just stay in shape, Columbusites have plenty of quality weightlifting gyms around town to join. We’ve compiled a list of the best weightlifting gyms around Columbus to help you find the best fit for you. If working out is an important part of your daily routine you’ll want to find a gym that’s close and convenient to your home. And if you’re looking to buy a new home in Columbus, you may want to pick a neighborhood where one of these amazing gyms are located!
Wyandotte Athletic Club
Full Service Athletic Club Open to All Ages and Fitness Levels
614.861.6303
Shady Lane | 5198 Riding Club Lane
Mon-Thu 5:30am-9pm, Fri 5:30am-8pm, Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 8am-6pm
At Wyandotte Athletic Club they boast, “We’re more than a gym, we’re family!” So if you’re looking for an intimate close knit gym they’re the place for you! Their club is for individuals of all ages and fitness levels as an alternative to big impersonal health clubs.
Their weightlifting programs are personalized and non-competitive. You progress at your own pace - not someone else`s - no matter what kind of shape you are in when you begin.
As a full service club, Wyandotte Athletic Club focuses on every detail to make your workout as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Their friendly atmosphere eliminates "new exerciser" anxiety because they cater to people of all shapes and sizes. So leave your health club stereotypes at the door and prepare to have fun and achieve your goals!
⭑⭑⭑ 3.5
“Really great facility- the staff and trainers are all super polite and courteous. They've been doing renovations to try and keep the members happy lately too, and it really shows. The equipment is all kept up to date, the facilities are regularly maintained, and its overall a very pleasant experience to come work out here. Also, with a heated indoor pool that's open year-round, you can't really go wrong.” - Jarod H. Yelp Review
Arena District Athletic Club
Modern Gym in the Heart of the Arena District
614.461.7785
Arena District | 325 John H. McConnell Boulevard, Suite 150
Mon-Thu 5:30am-10pm, Fri 5:30am-9pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 9am-5pm
The Arena District Athletic Club is a clean and modern gym conveniently located in the heart of the Arena District in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Featuring top-of-the-line equipment, top-notch personal trainers and a wide variety of free fitness classes daily including Cardio, Spinning®, Barre Fusion, Yoga, Boot Camp and more. We offer convenient contract-free memberships, to fit your healthy lifestyle needs.
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 5
“This by far the best gym in Columbus. It is always clean. Never overly crowded! The facility is always clean and the staff is very nice. The group class are killer. I take amazing abs and cardio core on Wednesdays. They are both taught by Sandra and she is great!” - Danny R. Yelp Review
Beyond Limits Training
24 hour fitness center featuring 9,000 square feet of barbells, weights, and machines
614.824.2639
Downtown | 294 E. Long Street
Mon-Sun Open 24 hours
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Beyond Limits began with bodybuilding and weight loss, grew into powerlifting and strongman, then transcended into CrossFit and weightlifting. They embody everything great in a gym and fitness center.
You’ll find weights, friends, family and fitness in a constantly improving atmosphere. Beyond Limits Training was founded in 2010 and began as a 1,500 SF personal training studio.
Within 9 months Beyond Limits relocated to its present location in downtown Columbus better equipped for serious lifting as a 4,500 SF gym. In 2012, the 2nd floor was added for more free weight space on the 1st floor and more machines upstairs totaling 7,000 SF of gym space.
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 4.5
“One of the most welcoming and well equipped gyms in Columbus. Convenient 24/7 keycard access with tons of equipment for powerlifting, cardio, CrossFit and more. The owner Rich is an awesome guy and is willing to help any of the members our with pointers and general fitness advice. The office manager Tamika is super friendly and goes out of the way to make members feel welcome. Love this place!!!” - Taimur M. Yelp Review
CrossFit Extremity
24 hour access to a real strength training gym with diverse range of free weights, machines, and lots of open space
614.986.8020
Independence Village | 6925 Americana Parkway
Mon-Sun Open 24 hours
CrossFit Extremity provides unlimited classes at an affordable price to improve strength, cardiovascular conditioning and overall fitness. You’ll have unlimited access to excellent coaching, both gyms 24/7 and a community of members who will help you along the way! Their gym is diverse in age and fitness levels; welcoming kids, people looking to simply get in shape and also the competitive athlete looking to take fitness to the next level.
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 5
“This was my first drop in at CrossFit Extremity and it was a great experience! Coach Lacy was very welcoming, helpful and encouraging from the moment I walked in to the moment I left. The gym members were very kind and welcoming as well! I look forward to dropping in again helpfully soon!” - Amanda Shenberger Facebook Review
Columbus Weightlifting Club
USA Weightlifting recognized gym that hosts The Arnold Weightlifting Championships every year
614.832.2757
Independence Village | 6925 Americana Parkway
Mon-Wed 4pm-8pm, Fri 4pm-8pm, Sat 11:30am-2pm
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Columbus Weightlifting Club (CWLC), an Ohio-based 501(c)3 corporation and recognized weightlifting club within USA Weightlifting, was founded in 1999 to provide coaching services, training facilities, and other benefits to eligible athletes.
The Arnold Weightlifting Championships (The Arnold) has been held annually since 2003. Having begun as a local competition, the Arnold is now recognized as one of the world’s premier international invitational weightlifting competitions.
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 4.9
“No other group on the planet that you should be training with other than Columbus Weightlifting and their team. We have the pleasure of working along side of them on a regular basis. World class coaching right here in Ohio.” - Jason Jannetti Facebook Review
CBUS Lifting Co.
Quality CrossFit Experience with Hand-picked Coaches and Comprehensive Programming
614.301.3101
Worthington | 6740 Huntley Road
Mon-Sun Open 24 hours
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CBUS Lifting Co owner’s Maggie Kuhn and Rachel Escolas had a dream of a facility that both Powerlifters and CrossFitters could call home. In 2015, that dream became a reality with the opening of CBUS Lifting Co. Since then, they have directed numerous meets and strive to put on the best meets possible.
Their goal is to improve the sport of Powerlifting and to give people the opportunity to compete and to enjoy the journey. They aim to provide the best CrossFit experience in Columbus, from hand-picked coaches to comprehensive programming.
Their goal is to help people improve their functional fitness and to have fun. Over the years, the gym has evolved around their athletes' needs resulting in better equipment, better software, and 24-hour access for everyone.
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 5
“Best gym for barbell lifting in Columbus, by a mile. Clean, well-maintained equipment that's upgraded on a regular basis. Friendly and helpful staff. Great gym for beginning and advanced lifters alike.” - Ryan Parker Google Review
Donskov Strength and Conditioning Inc.
Premiere Training Facility with Personalized Fitness Approaches
614.547.7100
Sharon Township | 7061 Huntley Road
Mon-Fri 5:30am-8:30pm
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You won't find a more experienced, highly qualified, educated coaching staff anywhere. With a background as collegiate/professional athletes, they provide a unique blend of practical application and real world experience. DSC has been recognized as a leader in Strength & Conditioning in the Mid-West.
Exercise Science is their passion. It is this passion that fuels them and helps you to understand and motivate their clients to meet and surpass their fitness goals! Their passion is contagious and inspires their clients to reach higher peaks of performance and general fitness.
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 5
“Matt, Anthony and the rest of the Donskov staff do an EXCELLENT job of preparing young athletes through strength training, conditioning and proper nutrition. I cannot recommend them enough to anyone who needs to get in shape, stay in shape, recover from injury, put on weight, take off weight, get stronger, get faster, get quicker, etc. My son has been attending Donskov training for several years now and absolutely LOVES it! Great trainers, even better people. Thank you Donskov!” - James Sabau Google Review
Grandview Barbell
Only Gym in Columbus Specializing in Westside Barbell Conjugate Method
614.481.8336
Fifth by Northwest | 1488 Grandview Avenue
Mon-Sun Open 24 Hours
Grandview Barbell is a first of its kind featuring innovation in the health club industry! A 24-hour access gym loaded with Rogue Barbells, dumbbells, squat racks, jerk blocks, C2 rowers, Assault bikes, pull-up bars and everything you need for a hard no nonsense workout!
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 5
“This gym is AWESOME. if you're looking to get into some power lifting classes... JOIN HERE. if you're looking to get into some cardio classes... JOIN HERE. if you're an experienced crossfitter who doesn't have time for classes but wants 24hour access to a gym that has crossfit equipment... JOIN HERE! Coaches know what they're doing and programming is TOP KNOTCH!” - Megan N. Yelp Review
The Fitness Loft
Sleek Gym with Focus on Sustainable Healthy Lifestyles
614.782.1777
Schumacher Place | 625 Parsons Avenue
Mon-Thu 5am-10pm, Fri 5am-9pm, Sat-Sun 7am-8pm
The Fitness Loft is more than just a gym. It’s a visionary approach to developing a sustainable community and creating an atmosphere that inspires people to live a healthier life. Through top-of-the-line equipment, all-inclusive group fitness, and unrivaled staff, The Fitness Loft is dedicated to giving their members every tool they need to be successful in leading a healthy lifestyle. Whether you are brand new to exercise or looking to take your training to the next level, you’ll quickly become a part of The Fitness Loft Family.
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 5
“Where do we begin with this place?! We've been members for a couple years now and have nothing but positive things to say. The staff is super friendly. The facilities are beautiful and all the machines are really nice and new. There's a huge variety of fitness classes included in the membership, definitely something for everyone. They've even just started virtual reality fitness classes! Virtual Fruit Ninja anyone!? And finally, our favorite part is how friendly the other members are and how comfortable we feel at the gym. In the past we've always stuck to cardio and fitness classes, but in an attempt to get bangin' bods in time for summer we're stepping it up and starting a weight lifting routine for the first time. As most girls know, it can be very intimidating to navigate a male-dominated weight room! In the two months we've been in the weight room, we've never once felt intimidated or uncomfortable which is a HUGE win! We love the Fitness Loft!! Bonus: After your workout you can hit up Alchemy right downstairs for a delicious smoothie bowl or cold pressed juice!” - Rachel B. Yelp Review
Powerhouse Gym
Serious Fitness Facility with Celebrity Clientele
614.228.8866
Uptown District | 9 East Long Street
Mon-Thu 5am-12am, Fri 5am-11pm, Sat-Sun 8am-8pm
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Powerhouse is a hardcore gym and a brand has been one of the top leaders in the fitness industry for over 40 years. They have continued to steadily gain global attention and attract thousands of visitors from The Arnold Sports Festival every year.
The Powerhouse Gym name and logo provides its gyms instant recognition and credibility associated with an internationally registered trademark and service mark symbolic with quality in the health and fitness industry. It is not uncommon to see an A-list celebrity training at The Columbus Ohio Powerhouse Gym, including such stars as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Lou Ferrigno, Mike O’Hearn, Ronnie Coleman, Phil Heath, Kai Greene, Jay Cutler, John Meadows, Dexter Jackson, Flex Lewis, Mike Tyson and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and more.
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 4
“I have been with this gym since it was World Gym and Metro Fitness. I left it because of personal/business reasons. I rejoined because I felt called and miss the feeling weight lifting motivated atmosphere. I always love the gym. It is for people who truly love and are serious about weight lifting and bodybuilding as I am. The new owner has put a lot of efforts to maintain and make this gym better and to be the best personally. He has done a great job. Kudos to him and his staff. The hours are great and accommodating for people who need to work early or later. Weekend hours are awesome. Thank you, Matt for making this gym a great place for working out!!” - Hans W. Yelp Review
Project Lift
Olympic Weightlifting Gym with In-Person and Remote Coaching
614.349.6328
Hilliard | 5040 Nike Drive Unit B
Mon-Wed 12pm-1:30pm; 4:30pm-8pm, Thu 4:30-8pm, Fri 12pm-1:30pm; 4:30pm-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-12pm
Located just off Hilliard-Rome Road, Project Lift’s newly fitted training hall has KG Olympic Equipment, 9 lifting platforms, jerk boxes, pulling blocks, and squat stands all in an isolated 2,000 square feet of training space making them the premier Olympic Weightlifting facility in Columbus.
You’ll love training in their facility but you’ll also love their partner gym Endeavor Defense and Fitness who brings, even more, fitness equipment, class and instruction opportunities.
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 5
“I've been lifting with PL for a year. I had no Olympic lifting experience before starting. I am lifting for my main sport, rowing, and the coaches at PL are absolutely phenomenal. They help me connect my lifting to my rowing, and both improve as a result. They are focused on developing the stability and mobility needed to lift (or row or whatever you want to do) first, followed by the technical aspects of the lifts. You get one-on-one coaching every time you go, and I haven't had a single coach who isn't excellent. It is a really a unique place with fun and focused lifters and a really dedicated coaching staff.” - Kelly S. Yelp Review
As you can see no matter what your fitness level or work out preferences, you can find a great gym for weightlifting in Columbus. Join one today and start prepping for next year’s Arnold Sports Expo!