I was a member from 1996 to 2008. When I lived in Illinois until early 2006, I worked out at some…read moreof the Bally clubs in the Chicago suburbs. I enjoyed being a member. It helped me get hooked to working out. Spending time at a Bally club provided me the chance to relax from the rigors of daily life. I did mostly cardio, spending quality time on the precor, stationary bike, and treadmill machines. I also did some weight lifting with the machines. When I first became a Bally member, I used to like the weight machines that reminds you of how high to lift and how low to go to complete a rep. I felt that immensely helped me in doing the reps correctly. From the moment I began exercising on the cardio machines, I became fixated about the calories burned, which I still am to this day. Going on these machines made me aware about calories and that I can burn as many as long as I have the determination to. I also became aware of heart rate. In my first visits to Bally's, I thought it was neat that they had TV monitors. There were some visits wherein I swam as well go into the jacuzzi, which helped me relax and be in a peaceful state of mind. I took part in some aerobic classes, mainly step aerobics. I attempted other types of aerobics, but it was too fast and advanced for me. I remember there were difficult classes I participated in wherein I didn't know the various movements and couldn't keep up with the instructor and the others that I walked out of the room. At first, step aerobics was tough. I watched the instructor and the others closely and I followed what they did. The speed was right for me. The more classes I attended, the better and more confident I got in doing it. I liked the atmosphere of the loud music. It made me enjoy the class and motivated me in working hard at step aerobics. I recall I was the only male in the classes. The instructor and the others were female, young and old. I remember there were some attractive females who also seemed nice. At the time, I was shy, so I didn't consider going up to one of them and start a conversation. There was one female who tried to help me do the movements the right way in a class. I'm glad there was someone who helped me out, but I didn't attempt to talk to her and start a friendship with her when I had the chance. There was another female who fixed my step and riser during a break in the class. I could've talked to her and asked her for advice on how to do step aerobics. The attire I wore at Bally's was a T-shirt, shorts, and white lowtop Reebok Freestyle shoes. Wearing this attire gave me confidence in working out. I liked wearing my Reeboks at a Bally's club. But the drawback was the laces untied a lot. I remember this occurred while on the treadmill. I did tie the long white shoestrings of my Reeboks very tight. I faced a mirror as I worked out on the treadmill. It was amusing seeing my long shoelaces wiggle as big bows as I was walking on the machine. Then, the laces of one shoe came undone. When I saw this, I was embrassed, but felt it was a funny sight because I thought my long untied Reebok shoestrings looked like spaghetti noodles. To avoid getting black marks on the laces, I tied them right away. I first began working with a personal trainer at Bally's in 2004. I know I could've began years earlier, but I was comfortable going to a club and working out on my own. I decided to work with a trainer because I was bored doing it on my own. I first had my personal trainer sessions at one of the newer Bally clubs at the time in a Chicago suburb. That was a great facility with a lot more cardio machines and TV monitors. It also had a juice bar, wherein I purchased a shake very often. A nice, young female working at the bar would give it to me all the time. We became friendly and had nice conversations. I wasn't as shy as I was back when I did aerobics. I also talked a lot with my female trainer. She was a good and knowledgeable trainer. She had me lift weights with the machines and also with free weights, which I used to be hesitant in doing. I gained confidence in weightlifting again because of working with her. She also taught me how to do the plank, which is tough, but I've enjoyed doing it. I only worked with her for a few months until early 2005. I wanted to save my money. Looking back, I should've worked with her more. I moved to Ohio in early 2006 and began going the Bally club located north of Columbus. I liked that facility. I did have work with 2 other female personal trainers there. Their programs were more challenging, but I liked them. I worked out at this club until 2008 when I ended my membership and started a new one with another popular club. But I do miss being a member of Bally Total Fitness. It's unfortunate many of the clubs have closed. But I'll always remember Bally's as a tremendous iconic company that helped me become interested in working out.

If you want to learn self-defense not just as a collection of techniques; but learn the concepts…read moreand tenets of defending one's self and loved ones then this is The Place. Everything is taught from the aspect realism. No flashy techniques that look great in a dojo and will get you killed on the street. To get a feel for what is foundational to the school's approach, the following is taught along with effective techniques: * Learning to see threats and avoid them and if necessary be the one conscious and able to call the police and quite possibly EMS if you are alone and attacked. * The ability to walk into a room and quickly see the number and location of objects that could be used as improvised weapons should you need one and how they could be employed. That's just two of manu examples of teaching that illustrate the school's base of thought on "Self-defense" Techniques are drawn from ju jitsu, boxing, judo, Philipino stick and knife fighting, the fighting system taught to armed forces. What is common sense and useful is taught, what is flashy or overly complicated is not. Instructors are friendly, helpful and not all puffed up with their ego. Price is very reasonable compared to other schools that are not nearly as thorough.

I have been a member of Groveport Martial Arts Academy for a few years now, if you're looking for…read morecombative skills that totally prepare you for the protection of you and your love ones this is the place. You will receive detailed instructions on how to deal with any situation. Tony R

Far off my regular routes but I was on this side of town. First visit, and likely last- it's…read moreclosing at the end of May 2026. And I'm disappointed, because it is a fine Y. Yes, an older building, a little cramped in the locker room and other areas. But easy access, plenty of parking, friendly staff, and the workout area (the only one I actually used) was great. Medium-sized, plenty of machines open on a weekday morning. Looks bigger with the walls of windows, and mirrors on the interior walls. Everything clean and in good shape. It even has its own wetland/natural area outside, with picnic tables. Hopefully they will rebuild here, because it's a great location.

I think what makes me like the YMCA the most is that it reminds me of the Boys & Girls Club in my…read morehometown. Watching the kids meet up there after school to play in the gym until their parents got off work was a nice trip to the past. I joined to take advantage of the gym and the swimming pool, as I was recovering from total knee replacement so this was the perfect situation for me. They don't have a great variety of gym equipment, but there's enough there to suit your needs. They have a great staff that is attentive and willing to work with you, no matter what the situation. I wish they had longer hours, but that's ok. They're open long enough for the great majority.

Tried out a few gym around Columbus, but couldn't find one better than Beyond Limits. Has any piece…read moreof equipment you would want and enough space to not be on top of each other.

A gym that welcomes all kinds of training. Strongman, crossfit, powerlifting....you name it! All…read morethe space you could ever want, chalk provided.

I have come here for Hot Yoga twice now and let me tell you it's amazing!! The instructors are good…read moreat leading you through the workout and the people around you don't make you feel ashamed for having to rest throughout the class. A very fun community of people who want to stay healthy and strong. One cool thing I liked was at the end they place a cooling towel on your forward with final meditation and relaxation.. it's a such a great way to end a workout as well as kickstart your day with peace. When the classes aren't too full either , the instructors will walk around and assist with position corrections to help keep your body in line and achieve greater mobility feeling in the stretches! I would recommend booking your classes in advance, especially Sunday hot yoga because they can fill up and you know get a spot. I have prebooked online every time I have gone and I always get a spot compared to walk-ins or waitlisted. Just a tip so you don't miss out! Prices are set at $15 a class or you can get a bundle of 15 classes for $160 making the class just under $11 for each class. If you're like me who isn't good about committing to monthly unlimited memberships, the bundle is a great deal that will last you a year!

I recently went to a yoga class at Advanced Training as a walk-in and had a really good experience!…read moreAs someone who's rather uncoordinated, I was a bit nervous about taking my first yoga class in years; however, the environment was supportive, calm and welcoming. Space in the entryway is quite tight, so it can make taking off socks/shoes (bare feet only in studio) and stowing your belongings a little awkward. The restroom, entry and studio are all very clean and inviting. Prices are very comparable with other Columbus yoga studios. I'll definitely be back in the future!