Devon BrooksI know it’s not just me who always struggles to be physically active. It’s always the same scenario for me—I feel dedicated and pumped to hit the gym the night before, then I wake up with no willpower to even jump out of bed.
And I always end up with the same excuse, “I’ll do it tomorrow, or the day after,” but nothing ever gets done.
For someone like me, who’s finding it hard to be committed to fitness goals, finding a personal trainer in Columbus was the best choice I’ve ever made. I’m finally making some progress and sticking to healthier habits.
If you’re also struggling to stay motivated, I’ve put together this list of gyms with coaches who can help you (or nudge you, lol) to be consistent and achieve real results.
How much do personal trainers charge in Columbus?
Personal trainers in Columbus usually charge $50 to $100 per session. However, the total cost still depends on the trainer’s experience, the gym’s location, and the session format.
1. Chiseled Gym
Address: 37 E 5th Ave
Phone: +16145378245
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5 AM–10 PM
What we like most about Chiseled Gym is that it’s a private training studio that provides individualized attention during your sessions. Meaning there’s no crowd and no shared equipment, just you and your trainer all throughout.
What they do here is that they focus heavily on strength and agility, which is great if your goal is to have better mobility and function in your daily activities.
Trainers can work on everything from fat loss to muscle building and athletic performance prep. And you won’t just get anyone available, you’ll be intentionally paired with a professional who specializes in your specific goal.
But before anything else, the training process will start with an initial evaluation (free, by the way) to understand your goals, level, and limitations. After that, they’ll build a personalized plan that will evolve as you progress.
Many trainees appreciate that the instructors you’ll get here are encouraging and seem genuinely invested in your progress.
But as a premium, one-on-one service, the experience isn’t cheap and costs more than a basic gym membership.
Helped me manage pain and also see positive results
“Juan has helped me significantly get back on track with my diet and exercise. He is super knowledgeable and has crafted exercises that have helped me manage pain and also see positive results. Juan will help you achieve your goals. I highly recommend Juan and Chiseled Gym.”
- Dale Mitchell, Google Review
I’m now stronger, pain-free, and finally seeing real progress
“I worked out on my own for 2 years but hit a plateau, and shoulder therapy made training harder. About 6 months ago, I joined Chiseled Gym with Juan, and it’s been a breakthrough. He tailored exercises to protect my shoulder, taught me proper technique, and pushed me past my plateau. I’m now stronger, pain-free, and finally seeing real progress.”
- Lou Aguilar, Google Review
2. Elevate Human Performance
Address: 1600 Alum Creek Dr.
Phone: +17405085968
Business Hours: Open 24/7
At Elevate, training formats are pretty flexible. Customers can opt for one-on-one coaching, and there’s also the option to join group classes or recovery suite sessions.
What we found particularly impressive is that it’s co-owned by Doctors of Physical Therapy, which is why their training is primarily focused on safe movement and sustainable progress.
They believe that “movement is medicine,” and applying this practice in every session has made them a local favorite among athletes and individuals recovering from surgery.
Some patrons we spoke to shared that the guided approach provided by the trainers feels safer, especially for those who are healing and need to take things slowly.
Additionally, the professionals here can help with any fitness goals, including building strength and conditioning. Every plan is tailored to your needs and progresses with your progress.
While the trainers and programs are excellent, the gym environment can be inconsistent. Oftentimes, it gets crowded, and a few people have mentioned that the music is too loud and distracting.
The best gym I’ve been to in my 7 years of living in Columbus
“Elevate Human Performance is the best gym I’ve been to in my 7 years of living in Columbus. It’s a community of people who genuinely enjoy being around one another. The trainers are dedicated to their craft and want each member to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. The owners, Kenton and Kevin, have incorporated awesome events, activities, and other ways for members to advance in their health & wellness journey.”
- John Davies, Google Review
I am stronger and more confident
“Love this gym – I’ve been a client since they opened and I am stronger and more confident. The range of equipment has everything I need for my workouts, and I really have enjoyed getting to know the trainers, the community, and the owners. They are all very down-to-earth and supportive. This is a low-key, no stress, don’t fuss kind of place with good people and what I need to meet my fitness goals.”
- Elise Berlan, Google Review
3. Ohio Strength
Address: 279 E 5th Ave.
Phone: +16143285544
Business Hours: Open 24/7
If you’re looking for high-intensity CrossFit-style training, Ohio Strength can be a great fit for your needs. The gym focuses on designing workouts that challenge you physically, helping you move better and stay strong over the long term.
They have a neighborhood feel that many patrons love. According to frequent trainees, the community here is highly motivating and supportive, making the experience less intimidating.
The trainers design programs that primarily target core areas such as muscle building, endurance, and strength. All plans are tailored according to your fitness goals and capabilities.
What we value most is the complimentary quarterly check-ins with the head coach to ensure you’re staying on track and making consistent progress. This is something you don’t get at every gym out there.
Ohio Strength offers two membership options: group classes and one-on-one sessions. There’s also 24/7 open-gym access for members who prefer to work out independently.
However, as noted, they may not be the best environment for individuals who prefer a quieter setting. Plus, an energetic place like this can be overstimulating.
I felt comfortable right away
“I started attending classes at Ohio Strength a month ago to be closer to my work, and have had such a positive experience so far. All the coaches are extremely knowledgeable and kind. As a new client, I felt comfortable right away and welcomed by clients who had clearly been going there for multiple years. Someone showed me where to find all the needed equipment and quickly answered my initial questions. There are four nice shower rooms available that make it easy for me to get ready after the morning class, and it’s a great way to start my day. I look forward to continuing to meet new people and getting stronger!”
- Sia Steel, Google Review
Definitely a place I’d recommend to anyone
“I dropped in at Ohio Strength and had a great experience! The gym is spacious, well-equipped, and very clean. The staff was welcoming and friendly, and the atmosphere made it easy to feel comfortable right away. Definitely a place I’d recommend to anyone looking for a solid spot to train.”
- Guillaume Degiovanni, Google Review
4. TRAIN. Fitness House
Address: 4516 Kenny Rd B.
Phone: +18443511594
Business Hours: Open 24/7
TRAIN. Fitness House is a full-service facility offering 24/7 access and additional perks beyond standard gym amenities, including red light therapy and concierge healthcare.
The trainers here don’t just focus on workouts; they also provide nutritional guidance and recovery tips to ensure your fitness routine continues beyond their walls.
Their membership starts at $29.99 per month. We appreciate that they offer special pricing for students, seniors, and frontliners (such as first responders and military personnel).
But before you commit, they’ll offer you a free trial day to ensure that the house is a good fit for your needs. And once you seal the deal, expect a very structured, science-based approach that tracks your progress through various metrics.
Members we spoke to said that, together with clear guidance, regular check-ins, and tailored routines, these helped them stay accountable and see visible improvements over time.
One thing to consider, though, is that the gym’s compact size can feel a bit crowded. This is especially true when more people are coming at the same time.
I enjoy the atmosphere and equipment this gym provides
“I enjoy the atmosphere and equipment this gym provides! It is also a privilege to have access to a safe 24-hour gym. The owner is very friendly and accommodating to the gym clients, and they offer personal training sessions if you are looking for a guided experience. It is also nice that this location has many little rooms, so that if things are busy, there is always a space somewhere to take advantage of. They also have duplicates of most of the machines so that things don’t get too backed up during busy times of the day. It is also cheaper than other gym memberships I have researched in the same area of Columbus.”
- Allison Haeger, Google Review
There is nothing I can say bad about this place
“I have to say, it’s been a great experience. Nick, the owner, is a great guy. As soon as I met Nick and walked into his facility, I felt like a friend. The cost of the membership was very reasonable. The place is super clean. It is accessible to get in and out of the gym at Kenny and Henderson. I needed a trainer because I had knee surgery 2 1/2 months prior. Nick set me up with a trainer. Patrick has been great to work with me. He has a lot of experience in physical therapy and training. Which I need both. There is nothing I can say bad about this place or the people who work there. I’m so glad I waited to find 24/7.”
- Jerry Stewart, Google Review
5. Anytime Fitness
Address: 8601 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center
Phone: +17402011055
Business Hours: Open 24/7
Anytime Fitness is one of the most recognizable names in the fitness industry, designed to fit the “anytime, anywhere” lifestyle, with over 5,000 gyms worldwide.
They offer comprehensive fitness support for a range of needs, including strength development, weight loss, and conditioning. The format is either one-on-one personal training or participation in small-group sessions.
For private training, the plans are tailored to your goals, and you’ll even access your program via their own app, including nutrition and recovery guides.
What sets them apart is their data-driven process. It starts with a mandatory fitness consultation to establish a baseline for your fitness plan. During this stage, the coach will use a high-tech Evolt 360 scanner to assess your body composition.
From there, they’ll build your “Get Started” plan for the first 30 days, and it’ll be updated as they track your progress. Many first-timers said this structured approach helped them gradually build confidence as they gained strength.
But not everyone is happy with the experience. A few members reported frustration with membership management, particularly with cancelling their accounts, citing delays in processing cancellations and high fees.
I always leave feeling grateful for going
“I’ve been going to small group training with Miles at Anytime Fitness for about 3 months since being released from physical therapy after spinal fusion surgery. Myles has been wonderful at modifying exercises for me, ensuring my form is correct and motivating me throughout my workouts. The small group format is a perfect balance of getting individualized attention and a great workout, without paying for 1-1 personal training. No day is the same, and we are always doing something different. Even though I don’t love working out, I always leave feeling grateful for going, thankful for Myles, and hopeful for continued improvement and growth in my strength, knowing I have Myles on my team.”
- Rebecca Seiple, Google Review
Always a great place to work out
“Always a great place to work out. A professional, friendly, and accommodating staff and personal trainers make you feel welcome every day. The gym is always clean, and the equipment is new and well-maintained. The members I work out with are friendly and fun to be around.”
- Joe Bright, Google Review
