I have been an SOSer for 5 years now. Which makes it shocking that I'm just now getting around to writing review, especially since I'm such a mega-fan! I first heard about SOS from a few folks when I worked at L Brands. They had a few loyal customers with whom I worked. To be honest, I was a little intimidated when I'd see these folks post about their workouts on social media. I had thought about trying it circa 2017, but was too intimidated (my loss!). But in 2019, I ended up with a stress fracture while marathon training. I was able to barely finish my training for the NYC Marathon, which I did successfully complete in November 2019. But at that point, it was evident that I couldn't just keep running marathons without incorporating strength training into my routine. So in Christmas Week 2019, I started with the 7 class starter pack just to try it out. My first class was The Course with Kelsey. I felt comfortable because I knew Kelsey from work and luckily a few other co-workers happened to be in the class as well. I still remember during the warm up, I was thinking "dang this is tough!" And Kelsey even said "Much different than running a marathon, right Chelsea?!" She couldn't have been more spot on! I ended up feeling like the class was super tough but I was paired up with a coworker who was so supportive and kind (thank you, Shideh, if you're reading this!). By the time my 7 class pass was up, I was hooked and became a monthly member. I even joined Team Tread (their half & full marathon training program) in January to start training for the Nashville Half in April 2020. Unfortunately for me, my SOS morning routines were abruptly halted in March 2020. But luckily, my team tread registration got me into the "digital studio" which I had no idea what it was at the time. I very quickly uncovered that it's all the same studio instructors and they have recorded classes with new uploads almost daily as well as a huge library of online classes (which as you can imagine has only grown in the past 5 years). I did what everyone else was doing and immediately ordered as many dumbbells, resistance bands, and other equipment to build up a "home SOS studio" and my equipment has been growing ever since. I moved to Arizona in summer 2021, and have continued to be a dedicated Digital Studio user and advocate. Whenever I come home to Ohio (whether Cbus or Cincy), I get giddy at the thought of going to classes in person and it's a treat to choose which classes I'll take and with which instructors. I got married in June 2024 and I purchased the "Badass Bride" classes on the Digital Studio. As I was taking them and leaving comments the owner, Gretchen, messaged me and said she wanted to send me an SOS wedding gift. You'd never believe how touched I was to see a SOS tank, hoodie, sweat towel and t-shirt show up the week of my wedding. I'm still so honored by these thoughtful gifts. Someone I've never even met in person (which is hard to believe given how obsessed I am with SOS lol!) went out of their way to make my wedding week all the more special. I can honestly say SOS Digital Studio has helped me get in the best shape of my life. I feel like I personally know all of the trainers (I don't have social media anymore, but when I did, I followed all of them, so again, felt like I kew them personally). When I was in Hawaii for my wedding, SO many people were asking me about my arms and complimenting me. I kept trying to tell them about the DS and how special SOS is. I will always be a dedicated and loyal fan. It's become such a part of my routine that I'm on Christas Break now with my husband in Kansas (where he's from) and I've brought my ankle weights, light weights and loop bands just so I can get some classes in. Thank you, Gretchen and team for helping me be the best version of myself every day! Can't imagine what I'd do without the DS and my SOS training crew! (Only word of advice to newbies- the System DOES work! Don't skip out on any classes. As you can imagine, being a marathon runner, I favored all of the cardio classes. But it wasn't until I really started incorporating High & Tight as I prepared for my wedding that I noticed the chiseled arms that I'd always wanted. It's a well-rounded program that works wonders as long as you incorporate ALL of the classes). read more

Tried out SOS for the first time at a high and tight class. The instructor was upbeat and the space is really nice! It was my first time there but I got no introduction to the studio or space and didn't feel very welcomed. The class itself was ok - it's under infrared so I got a decent sweat but I'm not sure the workout itself was as hard as my sweat would lead you to believe (no second day soreness). The instructor said it was a old class layout they tried to revamp so I'd be willing to give it another shot but the overall format/moves felt like they were trying to do too much and less cohesive. Four stars mostly based on reputation alone as I've heard great things from others and think it may have been a one off experience. read more

SOS has become a part of my weekly routine!! I have so many amazing things to say about SOS from the trainers to the atmosphere to the clients, everyone is great. I started going to SOS in February of 2021, just planning to go for a couple months to see how I liked it, and ended up loving the way I felt! It can be super frustrating at times because these are TOUGH workouts, but the trainers give "levels" or modifications to the workout that make it much more approachable. I definitely plan on continuing my SOS journey! I also feel like the workout pricing is very appropriate and comparable to other studios in the area. read more

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One of the best gyms in Columbus. Great policies and great instructors! Consistently well-organized. The classes are engaging, effective and challenging. It's hard to get bored. It's also kept very clean & they managed covid-times very well. Good, energetic music. & I love the Clintonville location! The Grandview one is great too. Both are kind of tricky to park at-but just go early or allow for parking a tad further away. I hope one day "The Course" can return-although understandable during Pandemic. My only suggestions: 1.) please use the fans and get more air circulation in the rooms. They are rarely on, even in 90 plus degree weather. 2.) it would be nice to have a non-heated yoga or Pilates or just classes similar to the structure of the heated ones without the heat. I can't do the heated ones because of health reasons and I pass out. 3.) in the class format, it would be nice to go from left side to right side right after each other rather than just one side for so long. Just my preference and from a friend I go with. read more

I have been doing SOS classes since July of last summer. My favorite thing about SOS is the diverse classes that they offer. There is truly something for everyone. Here are a few examples of the classes: High and Tight - a heated strength intervals class that focuses on low weight, high reps. Control - class that focuses on strength. Higher weights, lower reps. In The Mix - a mix of cardio and strength Clocked - mainly cardio The Course - A cardio class involving different stations Ebb N Flow - hot yoga In all of the classes, the instructors offer variations of exercises for the more and less advanced. Their instructors are extremely knowledgable and friendly. At the end and beginning of class you can go to them with any questions or injuries you may have. Both studios are always extremely clean. They have parking available in both the front or the back of the building. I will continue to do system of strength for a very long time! read more

System of Strength - Back studio where some of the classes are held! - Gyms Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I Iove this workout! It is so nice that they mix it up like they do. You can do anything from yoga to a hard cord cardio class all in the same membership! The downside to Grandview is that it is a little small and there is no AC.... So I will not being going in the afternoon in the summers! The coaches are very passionate and while it is intense I don't feel like I am being pressured to be at the same level as everyone else. They have great intro packages to try it out. I love it here! read more

The best hour of the day. One membership all the class formats you could ask for from yoga to cardio, strength, toning and Hiit.

I LOVE these workouts. Really, I look forward to them! My favorites are: High & Tight - Intense stretching and strength building with things like bands and small aerobic balls plus body weight. Somewhat comparable to Pilates. Control - Strength training with a lot of weights and a teensy bit of cardio. In the Mix - Healthy mix of cardio and strength training with weights. Most instructors are awesome. I've had one or two that were hard to follow and/or not super motivating. I also don't care for the days where they make us go out into the small parking lot out back to do lunges back and forth or run. You have to accommodate the traffic that comes in and out by interrupting your workout to move over plus working out next to a FOUL smelling dumpster isn't my favorite either. Also, when I first signed up online I wasn't provided like a tour or overview of the policies or anything when I arrived for my class. Basically, the check-in person told me where to find a mat and how to check-in for each class when I get there. Overall, everyone has been really nice and the workouts have been awesome!! read more

I come here on business from time to time, and found them on the MINDBODY app. Now they have their own app called "System of Strength Studio." I took the Clocked class with Kelsey Ujvari. It was all cardio/calisthenics, with jumps, squats, burpees, light weights. Warmup stretches at the beginning had some plyometrics, and there was some core near the end. The main sets were as hard as anyone could handle, but if you couldn't keep up all the time it was okay. She was unbelievably fit, did most of the workout with the class without being noticeably winded, and was very encouraging to everyone. If you want a good workout at the mid-to-high level of fitness this is it. I'm fairly fit and 57 years old, by far the oldest person in a class of 40 or so. They're very nice to drop-ins like me, too. I'll definitely come back next time I'm in town. read more

Just went to a control class- loved it! Kicked my *** for sure! I know I'm always getting a great workout when I come to this class.

I'm in the best shape of my life in my mid 40's thanks to SOS. I've always ran and did yoga but decided to add more strength training to my workout and boy has it paid off! I take their control and in the mix class and all the instructors are super knowledgeable and genuinely friendly. The atmosphere is very welcoming to people of all ages and backgrounds and you can tell they really care about you. Great workout with great people and I highly recommend them. read more

I was really struggling to lose weight with this program. In fact, I was gaining weight even following their weight loss regimen for 6 months and it is 100% because there is very little nutritional aspect to it. If you're trying to lose weight, a large majority of the actual system includes diet. I just wish they would have promoted nutritional support on how to calculate your individual calorie/macro goals. And when you're already paying almost $200/month, it should be included with the price. I switched fitness centers that's cheaper and incredibly supportive to my own nutritional and fitness needs, and I've already dropped 7 pounds in a week. I'll give credit to SOS for my 117 pounds of lean mass though. Y'all gotta help the people out with the macros tho! Great culture, great classes, the people are incredible, I'll miss it. Just not for me. read more

System of strength is good for working out core and legs mainly. They give a lot of variety of classes and you will never leave without breaking a sweat. It just depends on your goals and what you want to achieve with your body. The coaches are mostly pretty helpful and work you hard. The location on 5th is a decent size; it can get hot in the front room of the gym. read more

Been going to the gym for four months now. MY favorite class is clocked! I feel accomplished after every workout. They push me to my limit. The instructors are motivating. I have enjoyed EVERY class thus far. Thank you SOS for being a part of my fitness journey read more

Love system of strength and it's my favorite workouts of the week! Every instructor that I have had is so welcoming and even better they all push you to the next level in their class! I would say everyone need to at least give them a try and then you will be hooked! read more

I was here visiting from LA so I took one "In the Mix" class through Classpass and it was great! The class was upbeat and the instructor (Jenny) was tough but also gave modifications where necessary. I liked that the class was customizable for various levels of fitness, but I wouldn't recommend it for beginners or those new to lifting, just because the class isn't really designed to teach you about form, and it would be easy to injure yourself if it was the first time you were doing a lot of these moves. Overall it was great and I'd definitely like to go back and try other classes there. read more