Columbia City Fitness Center

Needless to say, I was thrilled to find not just a gym, but a fitness center with heart only a block from my apartment when I moved to Seattle. This is not a 24 hour fitness or something with loads of new equipment and classes around the clock, but it’s a welcoming environment with ample options for both cardio and strength training. Sadly, I moved and no longer have a reserved parking spot nearby, so my attendance has dropped. After a couple months away, it was so great to walk in and be greeted with a «good to see you!» rather than a «where were you?» attitude. It really is the familiar faces and comfortable environment that’s keeping me from finding something closer to my new place.

Excellent local gym!
Great sense of community here, even if I didn’t live in Columbia City, I would travel here for this gym!

Best gym I’ve ever worked out at, and probably ever will. Big chain gyms and other local gyms all pretty much offer the same thing, access to equipment and advice. The difference here is the community. There is a relaxed and easy going culture that exists here that is very rare. You walk in with headphones, and they’re pretty much out in 2 minutes as you enjoy the conversation with staff and members, exchange tips and advice, and get in a great workout at the same time. You will absolutely look forward to going each time.

I used to drive 90 miles round trip three times a week to work out here, because it is that special of a place, especially the owner and staff.

I love this gym. Friendly staff, nice equipment and I especially love the music! It is always something different– a very eclectic mix, not at all what you might expect at a gym.

Bull, his staff, and the environment he creates at his gym cannot be beat.
I came to Bull two months ago a complete novice and told him I wanted to become a competitive powerlifter. He was very kind, knowledgeable, and most importantly flexible with my financial situation. I started training with him once a week and he was always attentive to my needs and focused on my improvements. He made a great effort to introduce me to *every* member that came through the door when I was there (whom he all knows at least by name & profession, if they lift he knows their totals, if they’re long time customers he knows their parents/​kids/​spouses). Within a few weeks, he had me feeling like a local that had been attending the gym for years and I have no doubt that is exactly the reason people love the gym so much — because of the incredible family environment he creates.
Going back to the equipment and outcome of my training: the gym has everything you could need to get in shape and maintain your fitness. It is an extremely motivational environment with pictures of customers meeting their fitness goals covering the walls. It’s a small space right now but they have intentions to expand into the area next door shortly.
The gym offers a variety of classes for all ages (kettle bell, personal training, self defense for kids, etc) and Bull is the proud starter of the SAVE foundation — Sports As a Vehicle for Education geared toward helping young athletes reach their max athletic potential.
Lastly, how did my training go? In my six weeks of training with Bull before my first powerlifting competition I beat every ‘personal best’ record I had previously set training on my own by a long shot. I competed at the Columbia city classic and set 4 Washington state records and broke 4 American records for my division and weight class… I lost 10lbs, can see my muscles in my legs, abs, and arms. So did it work? Yes. Yes it did.
No matter what your personal fitness goal is, Bull Stewart and Columbia City Fitness will help you reach it. And they’ll do it at a fair price in a wonderful environment.

I’m so happy I moved to Columbia City and found this gem. I’ve been meaning to write this review for over a year. I walked in during a three month unemployment stint to focus on my personal health and wellness. From the first day I joined, I knew I was in the right place. The entire staff is quick to greet you with a smile, catch up with you and compliment you on your progress. You really feel like they share in your successes in a very genuine and sincere way.
They set me up with a fitness consultation initially (which I was dreading by the way, thanks to the 24 hour, LA Fitnesses of the world). I almost cancelled because I didn’t want to deal with «personal trainer guy» who tries to sign you up for the most expensive package and half listens to your goals. Not cancelling was the best decision I made. My trainer and now friend, Jo-​Nathan Thomas is the OPPOSITE of «personal trainer guy». Jo is so positive, easy to talk to, easy to design goals with and 100% committed to helping you improve your all around health. Jo has an amazing weight loss transformation story of his own, so it was nice to work with someone that I felt was approachable. I have him to thank for the 4 dress sizes and 30 pounds I lost in four months. All with quick, intense 30 – 45 minute workouts because I don’t like being in a gym for more than an hour. :) On top of all of that, Jo made it fun and even designed workouts for me when I went on vacations and had limited access to a gym or equipment.
The gym is smaller than your big box gym, but I never had a problem waiting for equipment. They have educational events, great classes and are always happy to lend advice on how to use equipment or exercises. I’ve met a lot of people through the gym and truly feel like a part of the neighborhood. Go check them out!

My gym must be my second home. At my heaviest I weighed 400lbs. I’ve lost over 200lbs and CCFC has welcomed me as a member of the family.
In March of last year I introduced myself to the staff at CCFC. To my pleasant surprise I learned that my friend and mentor, Willie Austin was best friends with the owner, Andrew «Bull» Stewart. The following month Willie transitioned to Glory and I transitioned into the CCFC family.
I have continued to transform my body with my trainer, Mark Bryant. I have met several of my strengthening and health goals while working out and doing what this team of fitness experts have to offer.
1. Decrease blood sugar level from pre-​diabetic to normal range. Done
2. Firm up and lose more inches by decreasing body fat and increasing muscle. (visual hourglass figure) Done
3. Create a support network of fitness friends and experts. Done
Come check this gym out. Say «Hi» if run into me, the lady that used to be 400 pounds!

My neighbourhood gym! It’s one of those things where it’s small yet mighty: it’s not a fancy, shiny gym – its age is showing and you can see some wear and tear. But, it has everything a gym needs regarding equipment and machines. It also has a small dance floor/​workout area where people have mats and kettlebells to use. Anyone can go in there except when there is a class.
At the back are all your olympic weight training equipment with cages, benches, and bumper plates. The front has your typical cardio machines and some dumbbells.
All the people behind the desk are super friendly and try to remember your name.
I go when the time is usually dead like 9am, 11am or 2pm and it’s like you have your own personal gym. Otherwise, if you go at 7, it’s pretty busy and they only have a few benches left for you to work on. I tend to hog one bench for myself the entire workout.
If you didn’t bring your own iPod/​music device, the speakers often play classic R&B or pop like Michael Jackson, and even Al Green. Not your typical dance music (tho they do still play those on occasion).
I only wish it were open on Sundays, even for limited times.

Great gym to work out at. I love the friendly atmosphere every time I walk in and will never go back to chain-​business gyms after experiencing a family-​owned one.
All the personal trainers are highly experienced and even train members for world-​class championship events.
I was born without my left forearm and everyone here has been nothing but supportive of my disability. A disability can be worked around when it comes to physical fitness.
I’ve met so many new friends at this gym and I encourage everyone in the area to give it a try.

Best gym I’ve ever been to! I love the staff. Everyone that works there is friendly and knowledgable without ever making me feel like they’re trying to sell something (like other gyms I’ve been to). I love training with Joe, and Nikolai’s kettle bell class is top-​notch. I would be stoked to work with any of the personal trainers here.

Be cautious when signing up for membership at this gym. If you use a credit card, they will keep billing you, even after your contract is over. I had a horrible experience that took months to resolve.

I love this gym!
Its a community Gym! every one from the town comes!
Great classes, and top notch fitness trainers/​coach
only downfall.
not open on Sundays!! l ;(

Still nothing but love for Columbia City Fitness; they have gotten in a bunch of kettlebells YAY!

Wonderful, warm, friendly, supportive. I’m so glad to be a member!

The fitness center is full of your average people working out with a smile. It is a super clean facility that provides deodorant, hand sanitizer, makeup remover and hand tissue to go! The owners and team members are ALWAYS friendly and I actually look forward to coming. One of these days I hope to try their kettle bell and Ab class. Too bad I must return to TX tomorrow! I’ll miss you CFC until my next vacation break!

I have been a member of the Columbia City Fitness Center for over 10 years. I enjoy the neighborhood feel of the gym and the friends I have made there. Going to the gym has been part of my weekly routine. The gym is generally clean and has a great selection of weights. The exercise machines are several years old and well broken in. The people who work here are friendly and give helpful advice on proper exercise. I have been going to the Friday morning «Core Conditioning» class since it started. I recently left the gym due to communication issues with the owner and a desire to look for a more updated gym.

If their motto isn’t «Columbia City Fitness: we’re not big, but we’re tight!» then it should be.

This is a really great neighborhood gym. Although it is small, it has pretty much everything you need to stay in decent shape and it’s always very clean and well kept. If you live in Columbia City, it’s definitely your best option.
My only issue with the place is the hours. Maybe it’s just my New York City-​girl ways (and the fact that I am kind of lazy), but I really have a hard time fitting in all of my necessary workouts when a place closes at 9 and isn’t open at all on Sundays. If they were open all weekend and one or two hour later on weeknights, this would be a five star for sure.

I’m tired of that extra 40 pounds of disgusting fat I’ve been lugging around since college.
I’m sick of my cholesterol being high, and worrying about my heart and my health. My family has a history of diabetes. I faint when I have my blood taken. I can’t imagine the irony of having to inject insulin into myself for the rest of my life.
I’m done with looking in the mirror after I take a shower and shaking my head in disgust, or feeling self-​conscious going swimming on vacation.
I’ve thrown my back out several times, so badly I’ve been bed-​ridden for a week. I own my own business. I can’t afford to lose that kind of time.
In short, I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve tried to do it on my own. Three times now I’ve attempted to train for a marathon, and three times have injured myself regardless of taking care with stretching, shoes, diet, and course. I tried joining a gym that was just far enough away that I had to drive to. I liked the facility, but that 20 minute drive killed me. I only went to meet a trainer, which turned out to be expensive, and always wound up with a hard sell on vitamins and supplements.
Due to some serious changes in my life in the last year, I’ve decided that this is the year I «kill Joey» (lose the belly). I’ve changed enough other stuff in my life this year, for the better I think. I might as well add my health to that.
I walked into the Columbia City Fitness Center and met the owner, Bull, and his wife Flo. Bull is a weight lifting champion, and he and Flo are super friendly. The facility is clean, new, and welcoming. It might not be the biggest gym in the city, but it hasn’t been crowded any time I’ve been there. There are showers and lockers upstairs, as well as regular classes including hip-​hop and ballroom dance, self-​defense, aerobics, and many others. There’s a good range of equipment from machines designed for beginners to a room full of free weights for the experts. There are spray bottles and towels located all over the room to help keep the equipment healthy and clean, and I’ve seen everyone doing their part to maintain.
I recognize that as much as I’d like to believe I have the will-​power to push myself to achieve my goals, I don’t have the knowledge nor the drive to push myself to my limits and maintain my safety and health. I immediately signed up for a trainer for twelve sessions. The price was very reasonable for two times a week, and since I was both signing up for a year long membership as well as the training sessions in one fell swoop, Bull negotiated a deal for me.
I’ve met my trainer, Reggie, twice now, and both times we have worked on my core, pushing me to the limits, answering questions on what we’re doing and why, and explaining how I can continue my work out on off days.
The prices are reasonable, the staff is friendly, the facility is great, and the gym is family owned and locally run. Five stars, no question.
Now, can anyone explain to me how it is possible that my ear muscles are sore!!!