Photos by Ava Kitzi and L.G. Patterson
With the new year right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about resolutions. At the top of almost everyone’s list is probably “get in shape” or “start a new hobby.” Luckily, Columbia has no shortage of options to check off both of those goals. Whether you’re looking to lift on your own, join a yoga studio or try out a group class, there’s a gym for every journey. Let this be your guide to kickstart your fitness feats, learn something new or find a community that is built upon a shared passion.
For the Heavy Hitter
Evolved Personal Training
200 E. Southampton Drive, lower level
evolvedpt.com
Evolved Personal Training works best for busy professionals, parents and those who want structure, accountability and lasting results, while still enjoying a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that feels like a supportive community. “It’s a place you actually look forward to visiting,” co-owner Scott Schutte says.
Opened in 2010, Evolved has grown to be a leading gym trusted by physical therapists, chiropractors, orthopedic surgeons and medical doctors. Evolved specializes in one-on-one personal training, tailored specifically to each client’s goals, abilities and schedule. The gym also offers small group training, recovery services and 360-degree wellness coaching, which encompasses sleep, nutrition, stress management and lifestyle habits. “Whether someone’s goal is to lose weight, get stronger, recover from an injury or feel younger and move better, we design programs that fit real life,” Schutte says.
The first visit starts with a discovery meeting with Schutte or co-owner Nate Kesterson to review your goals, history and preferences. Together, a plan is developed that takes this conversation into consideration, along with your schedule and budget. “There are no long-term commitments; we adjust your plan regularly to meet your evolving needs and progress,” Schutte says. “Every program is customized to meet you where you are and built to help you see steady, lasting results.”
The team at Evolved goes far beyond counting reps. Everyone collaborates to ensure each client receives a consistent, high-quality experience from start to finish. “Evolved isn’t a crowded gym or a place where you’re left on your own,” Schutte says. “It’s a private, supportive environment designed for individuals seeking expert guidance and tangible results.”
For the Aerial Athlete
Muse Pole Fitness
3605 S. Providence Road, suite 5
musepolefitness.com
Pole dancing isn’t just for the clubs; it’s actually a great way to unwind, find your balance and engage every muscle group. Alongside cultural attitude shifts and social media visibility, the activity grew in popularity with decreased stigma. When Jordan Mazur moved to Columbia, she found there weren’t any options for pole fitness — so she created her own.
Muse Pole Fitness now has nine instructors, offering a variety of classes in pole dancing, lyra (using an aerial hoop), stretching and flexibility, strength and conditioning, floor work, chair dancing and more. “Our classes are great for people of all ages, genders and body types … for people who like dancing and having fun,” Mazur says. “As long as you have an open mind about doing something different, it’s great for everyone.”
The studio’s comprehensive syllabus of moves and exercises is designed for safe progression regardless of your body type. Everyone progresses completely at their own pace, with tiered levels of classes. For example, a level one class might start with walking around the pole, getting comfortable and learning a spin. As you advance, you’ll move higher on the pole or start going upside down.
For anyone wondering whether you can really get a workout in this sort of class, Mazur says the sorest she has ever been was after taking her first class. “It is definitely a full-body workout,” she says. “You’re using your legs for different sit-based things or pushing yourself up. Your arms are supporting your weight as you do spins. Even the warmup is Pilates-based for some elements.”
One of the biggest myths people believe about pole fitness is that they feel like they need to have upper-body or core strength before starting. “You definitely don’t — anybody can come in and do it,” Mazur says. “It’s all about showing up for that first class.”
For the Warrior Within
Cavalo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
601 Business Loop 70 W., suite 208
cavalobjj.com
Jiu jitsu is a ground-based martial art focused on using leverage and positions to apply submission holds against an opponent or subdue them with a dominant position. “It’s a really functional workout for the whole body — aerobic and anaerobic,” Cavalo BJJ founder and 4th-degree black belt Zach Lenon says. “I’ve had people in here who could run a five-minute mile or bench 300 pounds, but they’re tired after one roll.”
The art was initially developed as a “smaller man’s game,” which makes it fit for anyone. “If you have some natural attributes, that’s great, but it’s not required,” Lenon says. “I’ve had students over the years who were more slender, and I’ve always enjoyed watching them take on bigger people who thought they would just overpower them; jiu jitsu prevailed.”
As the first jiu jitsu gym in Columbia, Cavalo started as a small group of people in a cramped space with no heat or air conditioning. Now, it has expanded to offer youth and adult classes throughout the week, during the day and in the evening. There is also a women’s only class, taught by the first female black belt in mid-Missouri. “It’s a family-owned and -run gym, which I’m really proud of,” Lenon says. “My kids train and help teach classes, and many of my other coaches have kids in the classes too. I just want this to be a place that people feel a sense of community.”
Lenon aims to ease anxiety about starting the sport by introducing students to the different positions and movements, letting them get comfortable with the close proximity and physical contact. While it is a competitive sport by nature, friends are quickly made after the timer goes off. “If someone taps you out, they’ll show you how they did it or how to defend yourself,” Lenon says. “But really, your main competitor is yourself trying to get better each night.”
Whether you’re looking at jiu jitsu for self-defense, competition or just a good workout, Cavalo has built a community of ranging ages, abilities, occupations and more that come together for the love of the sport.
For the Limit Pusher
CrossFit Fringe
901 Old 63 N.
crossfitfringe.com
Most people probably envision CrossFit as burly bodybuilders throwing maxed-out barbells over their heads and onto the ground. But at CrossFit Fringe, the mission is to educate, entertain and inspire. Since its inception in 2009, Fringe teaches people to move well first, emphasizing longevity, safety and effectiveness. “Our goal isn’t to break you down, but to build you up for life outside of the gym,” owner and founder Tyler Lasley says. “That’s one of the things that makes CrossFit so special: it’s functional fitness with a purpose.”
That purpose comes in the form of community. From quarterly events to the members themselves, Fringe has deep ties to Columbia for nearly 20 years. “We are certainly known for being community-driven, and we like to foster a welcoming environment,” Lasley says. “That starts with the members before the coaches; it’s a very supportive, inclusive group.”
Fringe offers classes for every age, with members ranging from six to 73. Meeting people where they are is at the core of every class. Your experience at Fringe starts with a “no-sweat intro,” where a coach will get to know you and learn more about your goals. “Having an open mind and not having an ego are the first two steps,” Lasley says. “It’s okay to be a little afraid or overwhelmed at first. If you were the best at everything you tried right away, you wouldn’t try new things.”
The biggest takeaway Lasley aims to instill in CrossFit members is that everything is scalable to help you feel better and live better. “Even if you’re brand new and you’ve never done any of these things, you can train and work out right next to someone who was an elite athlete, and the only difference is the weights and maybe some movement modifications,” he says. “It’s not about how heavy you lift, but about consistency, effort and growth.”
For the Groove Getter
Jazzercise Columbia
10 W. Nifong Blvd., suite 105
jazzercise.com/studio/mo/como-jazzercise
Jazzercise was developed in 1969, but continues to adapt and grow in popularity based on current fitness trends, incorporating dance movements with aerobics, cardio and strength training. “There’s something to be said about a fitness program that’s been around for that long and evolved over time,” owner Danielle Corrado says. “And it’s a fitness program that people stick with for a lifetime.”
Corrado, who took her first class nearly 15 years ago, says the Jazzercise community has built a positive environment for continued growth. “Sometimes the gym can feel like a chore and it can be hard to get yourself there,” she says. “It’s easier to be consistent when you’re having fun and seeing your friends at each workout.”
That community is built by magic, according to Corrado. “It’s just the way Jazzercisers are,” she says. “It’s contagious. And because we’ve been around for so many years, we also have these multi-generational friendships that form. The people younger than us make us feel more energized, and the people older than us provide insights and wisdom we don’t have yet.”
Jazzercise classes are built for any age or fitness level, and every movement can be modified for higher or lower impact. “That’s what makes it so inclusive and welcoming — you have different ages and fitness levels all together, trying to get physically and mentally stronger.” It’s more than just old women in leg warmers and leotards, like it’s still the ‘80s. Corrado encourages everyone to try a class out just once to see for themselves.
For the Mindful Mover
Sumits Hot Yoga
505 E. Nifong Blvd., suite 103
sumitsyogacolumbia.com
A common misconception about hot yoga is that the heat will be too much to handle, but Sumits co-owners Amy Marler and Elizabeth Siefkas say your body actually acclimates to the high temperature very quickly. “It’s amazing how your body can utilize the heat and humidity to get a better workout and detox,” Siefkas says. Marler agrees, adding that it’s less about how much you sweat, and more about how much you grow. “If you can make it through these things, staying calm, focused and steady in stress, then hopefully that will translate off your mat,” she says. “I think the big myth is that you’re in there to die, but you’re really in there to learn.”
One of the great things about yoga — specifically at Sumits — is you get to put in exactly what you want out of it. Whether that’s an intense workout or a mental disconnect, the instructors are with you all the way. “We don’t care who you are, where you came from or what your background is,” Marler says. “We just want to be a space that is inviting to all where you can get exactly what you need in the 60 minutes you’re here.”
Sumits offers over 40 classes per week, both heated and unheated, that are accessible for all levels of experience. The first class is free, and typically consists of a warmup, different poses, a four-part flow, some cardio and a cooldown on your mat. “It’s one of the most rewarding things from a teacher standpoint: seeing people’s progress, seeing how hard they work and recognizing that,” Siefkas says.
Everyone has a choice of where they go to get their fitness, but Marler credits the Sumits community as the reason people keep coming back. “We really try to get to know our clients, not just about their practice or their bodies, but how we can support them in every part of life,” she says. “We want to be a place where they feel supported both on and off their mat every time they come in.”
For the Adventure Seeker
CoMo Rocks
205 E. Nifong Blvd., suite 120
comorocks.com
With the largest climbing community in the Midwest, it only felt right for CoMo Rocks co-owner and general manager Wil Palmieri to open a world-class climbing gym in the heart of Missouri. “One of my passions is building that community where we can all come together, share information and motivate each other,” he says.
Climbing is a great option for a workout, challenging your agility, core strength, mind, body awareness, spatial connections and more. “When you’re climbing, you’re really engaging more than you probably would at the gym,” Palmieri says. “I see people come in all the time, and they build muscle tone so fast because they’re having fun and they don’t even realize how much effort they’re putting in.”
Routes are changed each week, so climbers have new paths to follow. Palmieri says one of the great things about climbing is that it isn’t competitive. “Everyone fails at some point, but the more you fail, the more satisfied you feel when you do succeed,” he says. “And then everyone is clapping and cheering, and it doesn’t matter who you are.”
While there are membership options, most people opt for a day pass to the gym, which is valid for the full day, even if you leave and come back. For first-time climbers, the staff will give a brief orientation, so no prior experience is required. “They’re kind of like lifeguards on duty … they’re looking around if people seem lost or not sure what to do, making sure everyone is having fun,” Palmieri says.
Whether you’re planning a date night, an activity with the kids or a corporate outing, CoMo Rocks is prepared to cater to your needs. “It’s something new and fresh to try, and it’s also great for group events,” Palmieri says. “People love climbing, and it surprises a lot of people how fun and accessible it is.”
For the Fitness Explorer
Wilson’s Fitness
2902 Forum Blvd.
2601 Rangeline St.
wilsonsfitness.com
If you’re still reading and can’t decide what’s right for you, try Wilson’s Fitness. This gym, family-owned and operated for 43 years, offers a wide array of services to meet your every need. From full access to free weights and machines, a six-lane pool and steam rooms/saunas to group classes, personal training and childcare, there’s something for everyone at Wilson’s. Marketing Director Ashton Robinson says the goal of every employee is to help you move better, feel better and live better. “We meet people where they are,” she says. “We don’t want anyone to not enjoy working out, but to just find something that you love doing.”
Your first visit at Wilson’s is always free, and will include a tour of the facility from one of their staff members. “It all starts at the front desk with being welcoming and making sure everyone feels loved,” Robinson says.
Beyond coming in to work out on their own, members have access to personal coaching and group classes — including yoga, barre, rowing, water aerobics and more. “Sometimes coming to the gym is intimidating at first, but change happens outside of your comfort zone,” Robinson says. “With the wide variety of things Wilson’s has to offer, there’s something for everyone to love while exercising.”
Memberships are available at different tiers, which include different levels of gym access, and can be paid on a monthly or yearly basis. Additionally, members have access to both the Forum and Rangeline locations, as well as the outdoor pool and Beach Club pool.
No matter what type of movement motivates you — lifting, dancing, stretching, climbing or rolling on the mats — Columbia’s fitness community has a place for you. Each gym offers more than just a workout; they offer community, encouragement and a reminder that fitness can actually be fun. So as the new year approaches, skip the cookie-cutter resolutions and find the routine that truly fits you. After all, the best workout is the one that makes you want to come back.
