Only came here once to try out the facilities while searching for a new gym to join, but Advantage…read morehas surely caught my attention. While it specializes in personal and team training, it also offers memberships for those that're just trying to find a place to workout. Along with a handful of non-franchise gyms, Advantage offers its facilities for a reasonable price. They don't have a large variety of exercise machines, but they do have the essentials, drawing in powerlifters, Crossfitters, and calisthenic-focused athletes. If you're the type that needs the fancy cable or isolateral machines, mirrors on every wall, or 15 different types of cardio machines, this place definitely isn't for you.

After playing a collegiate sport as an undergrad, I looked for 4+ years in Ann Arbor for a gym that…read morewould push me to get in better shape. I joined various gyms (i.e., boxing, spinning, yoga, kettlebell, and barre gyms) and running clubs hoping to find a place that would help me achieve this. Nothing seemed to fit....the workouts almost always started great but were so repetitive/impersonal that I eventually got bored and left. Anyways, I decided to drop-in to a free class at Joust and instantly loved this place. The trainers are kind, friendly, and know their stuff. They look at each person in a group workout individually - scaling the workout if necessary and pushing you so that you are almost always sore but never done so at the expense of form. Further, the fellow gym members at Joust are phenomenal, smart, people at all different fitness levels who are beyond supportive. As a woman who is almost always trying to lose 'just more 5 lbs,' it was so nice joining a place where my focus was completely redirected to learning new skills and getting stronger. I have only been a member for 6 months and am bummed that I am moving states (i.e., leaving Joust), but if you are thinking about joining, I can't recommend this place enough!

Even at 6 am, this is a great place to work out. They have a different workout every day so I don't…read moreget bored. They challenge me to do just a bit more and do it better, but not so much that safety is compromised. They show us how to do the lifts every time. Some gyms just assume you know how to do it. Joust reviews the technique every time, and then coaches go around the room helping us do it better. The atmosphere is friendly and fun, and there are people of all ages, genders and fitness levels. Some are absolute Amazons, and some are lifting for the first time ever. If you need to shower before work, they have showers. I have enjoyed Crossfit gyms in several different cities from Maine to California. They are all fun. In some of them, you just jump on boxes, flap your arms some, and lift weights and everyone is friendly but no one pushes you to do better. This one will help you improve your fitness level without going so far as to make you throw up or fall off the equppment.

it is a good place to get skinny and strong I highly suggest…read morethat you should come here and do your work out it will help you a ton

This is the place I've been looking for!!!!!! I'm so excited, I can barely contain myself…read more The Amazing: - The gym is nicely situated away from the hubbub of Ann Arbor. That means there's parking. And it's even free. - The people that work here are awesome. They are friendly and knowledgeable. - The pricing structure is spectacular. You pay $68/month. This gives you access to the gym from 6a-9p every day (yes, every day). You can cancel at any time (YESSS!!! I love them for this. I hate those gym contracts. So so much. I always feel like I'm getting scammed or talked into stuff I don't want or need too. Not here!!!) - The equipment is the shit. They have everything in there that I could want. I did enjoy doing crossfit when I did it... it was fun. But it was just too hard on my body. Regular gyms don't contain much of the crossfit stuffs (slam balls, wall balls, rubber bands, free bars with the big weights, hex bars, kettle bells, and more). This place fixes that by providing all this cool stuff, w/o the cost or crossfit workout. LOVE. They also have the rowing machines that I like to use and I'm excited to spend a little time getting into shape using them. :) - The "Lunch Hour Energizer" class put on by Jeff is perfect. Thirty minutes long, great variety, personal attention. I generally am not a class person, but this is more like group personal training. It's awesome, and I highly suggest you give it a try. What needs just a little TLC: - The website is hard to follow. It's hard to know the hours, what's actually included in the prices, and what the class schedule is. Their website doesn't need to have so much instagram on it, as it distracts from what they have to offer and what I'm there to do - see what the place is about. They should also have a link to their fb page on their main site. I had to go to fb and manually type it in. Okay, okay... first world problems. :) In a nutshell, this is my new favorite gym. I've been a member of a LOT of gyms. Have lived all over the world and visited gyms in other countries. So the fact that it's my favorite is saying a lot. Of course, personal preference on what you're looking for in a gym will alter your wants/needs. If you want a sauna and hot tub... well then, this isn't it. But if you want a solid workout that's fun with all the equipment you could need, here you go!

I work once a week with Dedrick and he's really helped me move beyond a lower back injury and focus…read moreon overall strength training. Great trainer, great facility -- I'm very happy with Better Living Fitness!

I have been with Better Living for 3 years. I enjoy ever single class. It helps me free…read more from aches and pains. It helps me physically and mentally sharp for my age. The staff are excellent always helpfull and they make sure ever body in the class are doing exercise correctly. I strongly recommend. Ravi Polavarapu

A great experience! Trainers provide personalized workouts based on your needs. They are friendly…read moreand knowledgeable. Trainers explain the exercises and answers questions. Melissa is excellent. Would recommend to someone who is starting a fitness program or for someone wants expert guidance.

I have been training with jared for about 3 months now and he has been extremely helpful! I have…read morenot worked out regularly in years and he has been patient and very informative. Definitely would recommend!

I've been lifting weights since 2012 and compete regularly when I am able. I recently moved to the…read morearea from California and was looking for a gym that focuses more on strength-based sports like Powerlifting and Olympic Weightlifting without all of the extras. Forged is relatively small and has a simple set up, but it has everything you will ever need as a strength athlete. Olympic platforms, a full rack, powerlifting and oly bars, kettlebells, free weights, rowing machines, KG and LB plates, etc. They have daily workouts posted that you can do or you can do your own programming. They also have classes you can take including how to lift weights for beginners and a crossfit-type HIIT workout. My favorite part is this gym gives you 24/7 access so you can go at any time. They have a full bathroom with a shower. As someone who tends to lift weights later on at night, i know i can take my time and not rush through my workout to leave because the gym closes too early. If you're a super early riser, this gym will work for you too. I appreciate how friendly and welcoming the space is. I'm a queer woman and am often wary of perceived "bro culture" in gyms. This gym is woman-owned and operated, which means it's absolutely NOT a bro culture-friendly place or intimidating in the slightest. I've even brought my dog in a couple of times. This is a place for everyone - whether you're just starting out and want to learn how to lift or if you're a seasoned strength athlete who needs a spot to work out, you are welcome here. However, don't expect this to be priced similarly to Planet Fitness or a gym like PF. You get full programming and access to knowledgeable coaches during coached times so it's priced accordingly ($115 for a full membership). You get what you pay for and Forged is 100% worth the money.

Forged Barbell is one of the most inclusive and warm spaces I have ever been to. There is none of…read morethe "macho man" mentality that so typically characterizes powerlifting atmospheres, and all of the coaches guide each member with such individual attention and precision. Lauren (the owner) is an absolute wizard when it comes to form, alignment, and lifting regiment. The programming is extremely creative and varied. I have never powerlifted before coming to Forged Barbell, precisely because I was intimidated by the stereotype of what I thought heavy lifting was, but now I am addicted! Forged Barbell is the exception to the rule, and so much more!

Fantastic cross training gym in downtown Ann Arbor. Kate is wonderful to work with and has years of…read moreexperience. Highly recommend for people of any fitness level!

ANN ARBOR ATHLETIC CLUB Preparing you for life's most meaningful challengesread more

I joined this gym due to its location. The good: it's new…read more All the equipment is nice and in good working order. Has a deadlift area, and a stretching/kettlebell area. The staff seems friendly and, my few interactions with them, helpful. That said, if you're looking for a bodybuilding/powerlifting gym, this may not be the place for you. The heaviest dumbbells are only 75's. and there aren't a lot of benches. No real decline press to speak of. But there are some decent alternative pieces of equipment you don't see in many places. Hand bikes. Belt squat, and the dedicated deadlift area. All in all, for what it is, it's decent. If you need something more specialized for your trained, and heavier weight, go elsewhere. But for the vast majority of people, this is a good, well equipped gym.

I like the location but the workers are awful. They genuinely are pushing me to cancel my…read moremembership because of how awful they are. To spare details, they are extremely inappropriate and disingenuous, and don't do their jobs while on the clock. If you look at the desk, you'll only see the two employees flirting and doing handstands! They say Planet Fitness is a judgement free zone, but when working out that's all I felt; judgement. I really wouldn't recommend this location to anyone.