The Ark Fitness

Fantastic experience: The ARK is a Crossfit style gym where you share a personal trainer who makes sure your form is correct and who doesn't let you be lazy, the trainer stays on you. I get more of a work out here in 15 minutes than an hour at Alter Ego. The ARK is a better value than going to a normal gym by a long shot.

Fantastic experience: More than a gym this is a school where you learn the correct foundations, essentials and details of Olympic lifting. You get 1-on-1 coaching throughout your movements to help you correct and improve every class. To add on to the great workouts, Michael's passion and professionalism will make the Ark feel like a second home, the atmosphere here is as friendly as it is motivating. And even if you miss a day you can do the calisthenics workouts (on the website) at home or in public parks around town. Community Fitness. Community enrichment. Let's get strong.

Fantastic experience: The Ark is without a doubt the best gym in Gainesville. The coaching staff is extremely knowledgeable and offer unique programming that focuses on Olympic lifting - barbell movements that enhance strength, agility, and flexibility. Although you work out as a group, the workouts are tailored to each individual's fitness level. And unlike other gyms I’ve attended, form is emphasized over competitiveness, allowing you to feel challenged without being pushed beyond what is healthy. When I joined the Ark, I had little to no knowledge of Olympic lifts or CrossFit style workouts. But after regularly attending for 1 year, I’m a stronger, more well-rounded athlete than I have ever been. I’m more appreciative of my body and everything it can and is learning to do. And to top it all off, I’ve met an amazing community of people that I get to see every day! Anyone and everyone should check this place out.

Fantastic experience: The Ark is my favorite gym in Gainesville. The trainers are very knowledgeable and helpful in Olympic style weightlifting and CrossFit style movements. The Ark has a great atmosphere, the other athletes are friendly and encouraging. Once a week I bring my 3 kids and Coach Michael works with them on their lifting form and comes up with an appropriate work out for their skill levels. It's a great place to work on your fitness.

Fantastic experience: To keep it short, I'll just say that the Ark has changed my life. You will never push your limits, achieve real fitness, and be surrounded by awesome people more than the Ark. Not only was I able to witness myself actually becoming stronger and healthier, but I made so many great friends that made my memories of Gainesville so much brighter. The gym is a little small, but is still cozy and very efficient. You will get your ass beat in this gym and love every second of it. The coach, Michael, is very attentive about safety, so even though he'll push you, he'll make sure that it's within your boundaries and you leave the gym injury-free. If I didn't graduate from UF, then I'd be here forever. Don't miss out on any more awesome experiences and sign up now! You won't regret it :)

Fantastic experience: Best Gym around!!! Love it!!!!!!! been going for about a year and it has made me a happier persone!

Fantastic experience: The Ark School of Fitness really instilled a great olympic lifting foundation in me. Their affordable price and convenient location coupled with Micheal's genuine care for his athletes are the recipe for a great gym.

Fantastic experience: No matter what your level of fitness is, this is probably the friendliest and most welcoming gym you will ever sweat at.

Fantastic experience: One year ago yesterday I entered my first journal entry at The Ark School of Fitness. Reflecting on both my fitness progression and outlook from this year, I realized that I have come a long way… Starting at the gym without the ability to do one pull-up and barely being able to clean and jerk the bar, I can now do pull-ups with 10lbs plates around my waist and lift over 100lbs over my head. I have also solidified my belief that being strong is beautiful (having a big butt is an asset). Although my snatch still sucks, I am in the best shape of my life and have met some life-long friends along the way. I guess I want to say thank you, The Ark and Coach Michael. I am so freaking happy to be a part of something so AWESOME!!!

Fantastic experience: This gym is almost like a second home to me. The people are welcoming, the coaches are all experts at what they do, and there is no AC which I now very much appreciate. Trust me when I say it’s very easy to fall in deep with this gym, I started out in one of the classes, and now I clean the place!

Fantastic experience: The Ark has been nothing short of transformational for me. From the excellent coaching, to the personalized approach to programming and training, to the social and community value it's brought, Michael has created a unique space in the gym/fitness/training hall scene in Gainesville that truly has something for everybody. Not to mention the community service of the public space and the non-profit work that he does with various youth groups and teams, it's just the most wholesome experience. Love this place, its members and its owner.

Fantastic experience: The best gym experiences I have ever had. The community is amazing and the coaches are attentive, succinct, and absolutely filled with knowledge. Don't waste your time at other gyms, and don't waste your time missing out on the knowledge of people who have lived and breathed exercise and health for their entire lives.

Fantastic experience: Love the Ark. Great people, great programming, great vibes.

Fantastic experience: Mike is one of the best physical fitness trainers I have ever worked with. He is knowledgeable and diligent in helping youa chive the goals that you need. Join the Ark and work woth Mike and you will not be disappointed.

Fantastic experience: I love the community of this place. Everyone is so kind and helpful!

Fantastic experience: I absolutely love working out at The Ark! Wonderfully knowledgeable and friendly staff, welcoming community, and plenty of equipment for all of your weight lifting needs

Fantastic experience: No nonsense space, just the right equipment (plenty of weights, med balls, a couple rowers and assault bikes and some other unique gear) great community and I can go any time of day/night that I feel like. This place is only about working on yourself and not worrying about what other people are doing. I feel like I'm part of a secret club except that it isn't a secret at all. Coach Mike has made this place one of the most friendly, inclusive and safe places to work out. I would mention that you will probably get more out of the ARK if you already have a good idea of what you're doing and what you want out of it. But just ask Coach Mike, he'll hook you up.

Fantastic experience: Real weightlifting gym, best place in Gainesville by far. Feels like home and makes me excited to train!

Fantastic experience: No BS gym full of good vibes, tons of equipment, and nothing superfluous. Coach Michael clearly works his tail off to actually create community from his heart, and it's deeply appreciated.

Fantastic experience: I've been attending the group classes for my postpartum recovery. I'm only a few months in and I already feel like my body is mine again. Its hard to express how important these classes have been for my physical wellbeing and also my mental wellbeing. Being a part of the Ark community is one of the most important investments I am making in myself and in turn, my growing family.

Fantastic experience: Best gym in town! Michael is a world-class coach and the community at the Ark is unbeatable. New in town? Bored of your old gym? Give the Ark a shot, you won't regret it.

Fantastic experience: Very open and welcoming environment with coaching that always feels individualized, even in a group setting. Highly recommend to anyone in the area!

Fantastic experience: Awesome community, great facility.

Fantastic experience: The ARK is my home away from home. Everyone is enthusiastic and supportive about becoming stronger and bettering the people around them. Coach Michael is an amazing, uplifting coach and person. Highly recommend for olympic weightlifting if you're in the Gainesville area!

Fantastic experience: Love the ark so much! Great gym with plenty of bars and plates, friendly people, and an extremely knowledgeable coaching staff. The culture and vibe is better than any commercial gym you could ever go to, and the space is extremely inclusive. Probably not going to go to another gym in Gainesville for the rest of my time here.

Fantastic experience: The place is great. All the equipment you can ask for, can go in whenever works for your schedule. People are nice/welcoming. Mike is super kind and makes you feel at home the moment you step in. Become a home away from home for me.

Fantastic experience: Great gym. Amazing coaching and programming. Super supportive environment. Just love it.

Fantastic experience: This is an AMAZING gym! The culture is welcoming and positive. It's rarely crowded, and I can always find an open squat rack.

Fantastic experience: Pog

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism Helped me achieve a long sought goal safely. Great people here!

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality The Ark is a welcoming and energizing space for fitness. I have been to workshops and walked away inspired and confident in technic and exercises to try. Everyone has been friendly and supportive. Open air and pandemic safe too.

Fantastic experience: Positive: Communication , Professionalism , Quality The Ark School of Fitness is the gym that other gyms go to train. Coach Michael is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. He sets the example with his own training and models the synergy of compassion and discipline. He will help you find what will work for you to be the best you can be in and outside of the gym. 5 stars aren't enough!

Fantastic experience: I found The Ark after a negative experience with a chain gym in town. I am SO HAPPY HERE. Truly. The owner is so incredibly helpful, the environment is so chill and positive. Everyone is so nice, and it has a true sense of community. It is never packed. It has a good assortment of equipment and they use Slack to communicate so if any question arises you can post on there and everyone is really helpful. I would 100000% recommend The Ark. Do not cheap out on a chain gym when you can have a quality gym. It’s so worth it.

Fantastic experience: This place is the real deal! Authentic. Welcoming. Honest. Michael the owner makes you feel at home. Even the intern, Angela, from UF was awesome. If you are looking for a new fitness community, or just looking to get your pump on, this is the place for you!

Fantastic experience: Awesome place! They have a huge area just for weightlifting. They have a bunch of kg bumpers, 15kg and 20kg bars with good whip and spin. Michael is very nice and allowed me to drop in with a moment's notice. Definitely check out this place!!

Fantastic experience: Really great gym with nice people and a lot of energy. Everyone was very welcoming, the owner and the lifters included. Mike responded to my text that I was coming into town right away. The equipment was great too. I used a really nice rogue oly bar and the rogue comp bumpers. I’d highly recommend dropping in if you’re in town.

Fantastic experience: Great equipment, great coaching, welcoming atmosphere.

Fantastic experience: This gym is truly special, unique, and forever dear to my heart. Michael has truly embodied community, diversity, discipline, and safety with this gym. I have seen people from all ages, backgrounds, and athleticism at this gym and feel loved, wanted, and supported. I have recommended The Ark to many not just because Michael is an exceptional coach but because the work he does for Gainesville and its residents as well as to be up to date on holistic health education is a rare find. I truly recommend to try it - even though you may be sweating and hate burpees as much as I do, you'll leave with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.

Fantastic experience: I love this fitness centre, the training is very effective, trainers are so motivating, always in a good mood, the workouts are different in every day and very entertaining, i do lots of sports but this is definitely a favourite place

Fantastic experience: Great gym, awesome experience

Fantastic experience: Everyone at this gym is incredibly sweet! I was not the most comfortable with working out but the trainers are so patient and aware of everyone that’s workingout! Much love to the ark fam!

Fantastic experience: This gym is terrific. Extremely accommodating , good vibe, reasonably priced. I worked with Griff and he did a tremendous job identifying weaknesses in my snatch and making adjustments. Will definitely be back!

Fantastic experience: Classes here are amazing.. coaches really work with students and give guidance where needed. They work with all ages.. even grade school students. Always a bonus!!

Fantastic experience: My daughter works out at the Ark and I am occasionally in town visiting her or for business and the Ark has always been really great about letting me drop in and get an awesome work out in. Coach Mike and Sadie are really great about working closely with me to ensure I have proper technique and always accommodate the workout to my specific abilities. The Ark is such a welcoming environment no matter what level athlete you are. I have had such an amazing experience every time I have dropped in! I encourage anyone who is interested to try it out!

Fantastic experience: Awesome gym. Professional and enthusiastic coaches. I feel strong in new ways.

Fantastic experience: How every S&C facility should be run. Great equipment, simple and great coaching. If you want to actually make a change and get strong and lose fat, check it out. Incredible weightlifting (Olympic lifting) area!

Fantastic experience: Great place for an awesome workout. The other members are friendly and the coaches are really good. Any level of fitness will feel like they get personal attention.