Took the 4 week women's SAFE course and WOW! I cannot recommend this class enough. Not only did we…read morepractice and learn easy and effective moves, we also spent a large portion of the time discussing how to set boundaries and avoid getting into trouble by using our gut, words, and body language. As someone very sensitive to the heaviness and importance of the class, I can definitely attest that Trisha and the Villari family are doing it right!! 6/5 stars.

I will always have fond memories of my many, many days at Villari's. It's conveniently located for…read morestudents, and the staff is super cool, friendly, and knowledgeable. I spent a lot of time in college kickboxing away the freshman 15 (or 20, as the case may have been). It was fun, and I always looked forward to going back. You'll spend your class doing the perfect combination of shadowboxing and bag work to loud, fun music. Villari's was by far the best martial arts studio experience I've ever had.

Ive been to about one hundred gyms all over the world and the US, this is definitely one of the…read morebest ive been to, in terms of equipment, environment and good community

went to my first boxing class and was happy to say it felt very inclusive and well structured. the…read morecoaches were knowledgeable and very helpful! I would recommend for anyone including newcomers, women and children who are interested in learned any of what they have to offer!

I've taken the self-defense, pepper spray, and kubaton classes at Badger Krav Maga. All were great…read moreclasses, the instructor was interactive and explains things really well. Each class I've taken is really hands on, which I loved. I was able to practice the moves during the training and feel more confident about using these outside of class.

From the owner: Badger Krav Maga offers self-defense and fitness training based on real-life situations. Training…read morecourses include Protective Pepper Spray, Protective Flashlight, Protective Baton and Krav Maga. Our battle cry is - Not Without A Fight!

Madison Kung Fu is amazing - Real Kung Fu in the heart of the city! The Sifu, Manny, is super…read morepatient, but very serious about your training. The members of the school are very cool and welcoming. The training is hard, but real self defense takes hard work!

Patrick Rogne is a great Taiji instructor and a very good person. He has had world-class training…read moreby members of the Chen family, who created Taijiquan, and he continues to study with them. The art that he teaches is full and complete, much more than just slow-motion movement. If you are looking for authentic Taiji (Tai Chi) that will strengthen your body, improve your health and help you maintain a balanced mind in an unbalanced world, this is the place to study in Madison.

From the owner: Welcome to Ancient Root Taijiquan — where tradition,…read morevitality, and self-discovery meet. At Ancient Root Taijiquan, we offer authentic instruction in the timeless art of Tai Chi, rooted in the original traditions passed down from Chen Village. Our practice blends the wisdom of ancient methods with a modern understanding of movement, mindfulness, and personal growth. We teach: • Chen-style Taijiquan – the original dynamic form of Tai Chi, emphasizing strength, softness, structure, and flow. • Qi Gong and Standing Meditation – cultivating internal energy, balance, and relaxation through focused breathing and mindful posture. • Fundamental Skills Training – foundational exercises such as Silk Reeling and essential movement principles for beginners and advanced students alike. • Weapons Forms – exploring traditional sword and broad sword (dao) practice to enhance coordination, focus, and internal strength. • Mindfulness, Self-Empowerment, and Fitness – using movement as a gateway to better health, sharper focus, and a more connected life. Whether you're seeking better health, deeper inner calm, greater physical strength, or authentic martial skills, our community welcomes you. Our approach is accessible, yet firmly grounded in the deep roots of the art — helping you grow strong, stable, and free from the inside out. Experience the living tradition. Rediscover your natural power. Join us at Ancient Root Taijiquan.

Trying Jiu jitsu was probably the best decisions I've ever made. Excellent environment, clean…read morefacility, and incredible coaches who are passionate about the art of Jiu Jitsu. Alex, Bill, and Coleman are warm and welcoming providing tons of knowledge, engaging classes and are patient helping you learn necessary techniques that will grow you mentally and physically. Happy to be apart of the journey family. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic place to begin your BJJ journey. The coaches are fantastic and welcoming. I love the…read morespace in the gym and how clean everything is maintained.

Christian is a funny but serious coach. I have been training here just for the summer as a white…read morebelt and have made serious progress in my opinion. Can't wait for what the remaining summer holds for me and my fellow classmates. It also looks like the kids have a blast at this studio.

I've been going for a month now and love getting to class every day seeing the friendly faces. Some…read moreof the best prices in the area as well!

it doesn't get any better than this place. Wonderful instruction, with high standards and loving…read morehearts, one could not help but become a better person after spending any time with Mr. MBow and his team. Integrity, honor are the standard with no shame. You can not go wrong going working with these wonderful people.

Our daughter has been a student at Silver Lining for a year and a half. The owners and instructors…read moreare wonderful!

If you take strength training seriously, this is the best gym in Madison. They have tons of…read moreequipment. Some of my favorite things they have that you dont see at every gym: weighted sled, bars made specifically for different lifts, micro plates, heavy clamps, the list goes on... Theyre never crowded (at least compared to Gold's Gym in Fitchburg). Ive waited for a bench to open up once and ive shared a deadlift platform a few times but thats it. The atmosphere is great too. They have dank lifting memes all over the place, a life-sized yoda replica, and a john cena cut out. They play loud metal and rap music all day too. The gym is 24 hours. If you come at odd hours, you might get the gym to yourself and have to let yourself in with a key fob. They dont have group fitness or a swimming pool though, so look elsewhere if you need those things. Also, if you get intimated easily by people who are stronger than you, maybe look somewhere else. Despite how strong and experienced most of the clients are, everybody ive met so far has been very friendly and helpful. I find the other lifters to be inspiring instead of intimidating, so i suggest you give Madtown Fitness a try if youre trying to take your strength to the next level.

Visited Madison this weekend to see an old college friend and checked out Madtown Fitness after…read morelooking at a few places in Madison. I don't think I can say enough positive things about this place. I went to their new location on the east side so I am specifically mentioning that gym. Atmosphere- unreal. Perfect warehouse type gym that is extremely motivating for those that take fitness seriously. Staff- Dan, one of the owners, was very helpful and got us set up for the day immediately. He showed us how to use a few of the pieces of equipment as well since there are some machines that I have never seen before. This is a testament to the care that these people take in selecting equipment. Equipment- I have been to dozens of gyms since I travel for work and Madtown had the best selection of strength equipment I have ever seen. If you powerlift, bodybuild, or do any combination of the two this place is perfect. If you want to watch TV and walk on the treadmill, sit in a steam room, or have a pool the this place isn't for you. If I didn't live over an hour away I would have signed a life long contract here. Rates are reasonable and this is the first serious gym I have been to that gives access 24/7 while having 2 locations. Seriously check this place out if you want to make changes to your body.