If you’re looking for a way to get active but don’t know where to begin, West Michigan is home to a wide array of options.
It goes far beyond gyms and trainers (though we have great choices there too). Every body is different, and we all have varied fitness goals, which means you need to find the fitness that works for you. The best exercise is the one you personally will actually feel motivated enough to do—there is no one-size-fits-all.
So, here are a few ideas for you to get moving, no matter who you are.
Variety & Community
MVP Sportsplex
Multiple locations | mvpsportsclubs.com
Swimming, running, weightlifting, machines, group fitness, court sports and more, MVP has it all. You can do it all on your own, join classes, work with a trainer, whatever works for you. This is the all-in-one package with a large community and multiple locations around West Michigan.
Short On Time?
BODY20
2845 Thornhills Ave. SE, Grand Rapids | body20.com/cascade
If your main issue with exercising is that there aren’t enough hours in the day, try out BODY20. This fitness studio is incredibly unique, utilizing an electro-muscle stimulation suit that gives your body “over 150 times more muscle contractions than a conventional workout.” You run through your 20-minute session with a trainer, getting huge results in a short time.
Unique Yet Effective
CKO Kickboxing
820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids | ckokickboxing.com
This kickboxing spot has developed a real following, thanks to intense yet fun workout sessions. You can sign up now for a free trial class and learn what kickboxing is all about, from punching and kicking a big bag to jumping and planking. It’s a great way to let stress go with no judgment, and you’re guaranteed to sweat.
Amazing People
Friction Grand Rapids
2640 Burlingame Ave., Wyoming | frictiongrandrapids.com
People who join Friction fall in love quickly due to the top-notch people who show up looking to build community, including both trainers and fellow members. It’s a gym focused on functional fitness, with personal training, group training and nutrition all available. Get stronger and feel better with simple, focused, effective strength building.
Life/Work Balance
Life Addicts Studio
2427 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids | lifeaddictsstudio.com
If you’re a “high performer” who always has a full schedule and needs a way to develop healthy habits, this is the place for you. The mission of Life Addicts is to exercise often, eat well, engage community and enjoy the lifestyle. And if your least favorite part of working out is being seen doing it, you’ll appreciate the intentionally dim lighting here that lets everyone focus on themselves.
Athletic Enhancement
Coachman Strength & Conditioning
7780 Clyde Park Ave SW, Byron Center | coachmantrainingsystems.com
If you love the idea of training like an athlete (or want to get back to your college sport days), try out Coachman in Byron Center. The coaches here specialize in adult programs, athlete performance, and online programming. Their health-focused community is centered on helping you reach one goal: a sustainable fitness lifestyle.
Functional Fitness
Valeo Sport & Fitness
109 S River Ave., Holland | valeotraining.com
Valeo focuses on functional fitness, meant to mimic your everyday movements. No matter your age, size or current ability, Valeo is there to help you get stronger and more active in a practical way that will help you every day. Their team offers group fitness classes or one-on-one personal programming.
For the “Lost Cause”
Body By Choice
4070 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids | bodybychoicetraining.com
For those who think they're just not “one of those exercise people,” Body By Choice will prove you wrong. This personal training studio is all about helping you get healthier, stronger and more confident, with plans tailored to each individual—no matter where you’re at in your journey. They even have online training, if you’re shy!
Get Crossfit
8th Day Gym
130 Market Ave., Grand Rapids | 8thdaygym.com
Call it Crossfit, call if functional fitness, call it whatever you want. Just know it gets results. 8th Day Gym is one of the most successful gyms in Grand Rapids, utilizing natural and functional movements with everyday objects. As they put it, “we teach you how to move your body as it was designed, then challenge this movement with variables such as weight, speed, and duration.”
Powerful Cardio
Lunar Cycle
601 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids | lunarcyclestudio.com
There are plenty of stellar cycle spots throughout West Michigan, but we love that Lunar Cycle is totally locally owned. The welcoming attitude, immersive atmosphere and unforgettable playlist are core drivers behind any spin class, pumping you up and keeping you motivated for intense workouts.
Photo Courtesy of CKO Kickboxing.
