★ 5

I recently had to find a new gym due to my trainer changing professions. He recommended 5 rings as my next place to continue my journey. I can not say enough how grateful I am that I was directed to this gym. It's always intimidating to go to a new place but from the beginning I have been welcomed into the family. I have only been going for about a month and have already learned all kinds of things. The coaches there are extremely knowledgeable and are constantly watching your form, breathing and technique. I know this is the place for me to continue my journey as a older female who wants to keep improving and eventually do a competition. AGAIN I CAN NOT SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH OF THIS GYM!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been training with Coach Jance at 5 Rings Barbell for some time now, and I truly can't say enough great things about him and this gym. Not only does Jance coach me, but he also coaches my daughter—and he gives each of us the same level of attention, care, and precision. His depth of knowledge in Olympic lifting is unmatched, and he's constantly continuing his education, earning new certifications and staying at the top of his field.

One of the things I appreciate most is that he individually programs workouts tailored to each client’s goals, needs, and even day-to-day readiness. It's not cookie-cutter coaching—it's intentional, specific, and incredibly effective. Thanks to his guidance, I’ve hit consistent PRs in my Olympic lifts, and more importantly, I feel strong, safe, and confident in every movement.

Jance also goes above and beyond by hosting educational courses throughout the year, giving all members the chance to grow in knowledge and technique. It's just another example of how invested he is in our success, both on and off the platform.

And the gym itself? It’s my happy place. 5 Rings Barbell is a one-of-a-kind environment—definitely not a globo gym. It's filled with welcoming, supportive members, and the vibe is always motivating, never intimidating.

If you’re looking for a coach who is not only experienced and technical, but also truly invested in your progress and community, Jance is the real deal. I feel lucky to have found this place!

Source: Google

★ 5

Due to a knee injury, and then a botched surgery, I was fairly immobile for about two years. I was just beginning to get up and around when I stepped in a hidden hole in the yard and broke my foot! I was still on crutches when I started at five rings last October. The improvement I have seen as a result of Jance’s knowledge and intentional coaching has been amazing! Friends and family have commented on the strength and mobility that I have gained. I brag about him regularly!

Source: Google

★ 5

When I came to 5 rings I had been fighting a back injury forms few years to the point I could not deadlift or squat at all. My goal was to see if he could just help me with my back problems and help me figure out how to continue in my lifting career without anymore injuries. My goal was always to compete in powerlifting. With my back injury I assumed that would never be possible. After only about 6 months of training with Jance I was back to squating and deadlifting and considering even the ability to compete. I have now competed in 3 powerlifting completions and hitting numbers that I have never been able to even when I was injury free. Jance custom tailors all his programs to every single person. He never stops trying to figure out how to optimize a persons training program. As well he spends a lot of time continuing to learn new things himself to benefit his clients. If you are looking for a REAL coach to help you with any fitness goals…don’t waste your time going anywhere else, contact 5 rings barbell!

Source: Google

★ 5

TL;DR: I have been with Jance for nearly eight years, and this place is truly life-changing. Even after moving across the country, I still train virtually with Jance and fly back when I can because there is simply no one better.
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I first discovered 5 Rings via word of mouth -- like most people do -- because Jance's excellent reputation speaks for itself. As a highschooler living 5 hours away, I followed his educational content online and was impressed by everything I heard about his training. When I moved to Athens for college, I was excited to finally be close enough to check out his gym. At the time, I didn't even know what powerlifting was. I just thought I'd learn a few basic movements and move on with my life. I had no idea how much this would change my life.

From my very first session, Jance challenged everything I thought I knew about strength and fitness. It was overwhelming to realize I had spent years doing all the wrong things, but at the same time, he showed me what was possible with the right mentor and hard work. I still remember calling my parents afterward, in tears, because I knew this was going to be life-changing.

And it was. I can’t imagine my life without 5 Rings. Since starting, I’ve gained 15–20 pounds of muscle, nearly tripled my squat and deadlift, more than doubled my bench, and even set state powerlifting records—things I never thought possible! But more than the physical progress, this gym has given me a sense of community that adds so much meaning to my life.

I’ve trained with Jance through countless ups and downs in my life, but I’ve always made net progress. He combines years of experience with a constant drive to keep learning and refining his craft. His coaching is personalized to each client, whether they’re true beginners or national-level athletes (most of whom started here with zero experience). The gym itself is a welcoming, family-friendly environment for all levels and ages.

All throughout college, I drove an hour each way, 3–5 times per week, just to train here. Three years ago, I moved across the country for medical school, but I still train with Jance virtually and fly back when I can. That’s how much I believe in this place. I’ll be here for as long as they'll have me.

Source: Google

★ 5

Me and my wife have been training in this gym for almost two years solid . Jance and Colin are super star trainers. They take the time to make sure you get it right.

Source: Google

★ 5

Jance is a phenomenal strength coach. I appreciate his attention to detail and desire to educate us, making sure we have the right foundations to reach our goals safely. Even with a gym full of people, he’s attentive to each one and right there when you need him. He writes each person their own workout based on their goals and what he knows we need, making sure to push us to our best. I was never interested in going to a gym or lifting weights. Now I can’t imagine not going. The community of people there are so encouraging rather than comparing. I love being there and I love the positive changes I’ve seen in my own strength and how those changes affect my everyday life as well.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Jance has completely transformed my relationship with fitness and my own body. When I started training with him a year ago, I was in my 40s, disconnected from myself, and had struggled for decades to stay consistent with any physical routine. What makes Jance truly exceptional is his ability to strip away distractions—he focuses purely on knowledge, skill, and results. His calm, factual approach helps me quiet my overthinking and stay grounded in my workouts.

For anyone checking out the 5 Rings Barbell website, I know firsthand it’s easy to be intimidated by the current clients who train there. At first, I wondered if Jance only worked with high-level athletes, but he assured me that his training is for anyone ready to put in the work, regardless of experience level. He’s since proven that many times over with me, helping me achieve goals I never thought possible.

The gym itself is a safe, family atmosphere, where Jance’s wife and kids are often training alongside the rest of us, adding to the welcoming vibe. Jance manages to work with several clients at once—each of us on customized plans. Even in this group setting, he never misses a detail, always adapting workouts to our specific goals and providing guidance without fanfare or fuss. With his expertise in movement and soft tissue work, he’s even resolved physical issues I thought were permanent.

He has brought on another trainer, Colin, who is also a great guy and clearly learning a lot from Jance while bringing his own personal experience and knowledge. Although I don’t work directly with Colin, I would trust any new client in his hands as well. Jance’s commitment is unwavering, and his gym is a place where transformation feels natural.

If you're looking for a new gym and trainer, do yourself a favor an at least give this a shot.

Source: Google

★ 5

I trained at 5 Rings Barbell and the experience was exceptional. Jance, the owner, is incredibly knowledgeable with many years of high level experience. His expertise is evident in every aspect of how the gym is run. Colin, my personal coach, is a super cool guy but also outstanding at what he does. Took the time to understand my personal goals and created personalized training plans that kept me progressing consistently. The private environment is welcoming but also focused, perfect for serious training. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

I can’t recommend Coach Jance and 5 Rings Barbell enough. Jance creates individual workouts the are tailored to each client’s needs and he has a wealth of knowledge regarding the musculoskeletal system that allows him to help with a variety of issues. Coach Jance challenges you to push past both physical and mental barriers to become a better, stronger version of yourself. He has created an atmosphere that brings peace and joy. This is more than a gym, it’s a place of healing and self discovery.

Source: Google

★ 5

I am so impressed with the coaching and encouragement that I have received at 5 Rings Barbell. Jance has the knowledge and expertise to write incredible programs to help each athlete reach their goals. He is very aware of what the athlete’s needs are and will tweak the program as he feels needed. I haven’t had a coach who is this attentive in a long time. I was discouraged with my progress until I found Jance and 5 Rings Barbell. The positive energy everyday is amazing.

Source: Google

★ 5

My 11 year old daughter has been training with Jance for almost two years and loves this gym! Jance is extremely educated in his craft and sport. He caters to your personal goals and writes specific programming to help you achieve your goals. My daughter has competed in 4 powerlifting meets which Jance and his wife Trish have attended every single one. A family owned and operated gym with owners who care about you. Jance continues to study and achieve certificates in so many areas and his knowledge shows in the programming he writes. We love this place! 5 Rings offers red light therapy, a cold plunge, sauna, catered programming and more. Jance works with clients of all ages. We highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

5 Rings Barbell has been an experience that has been difficult to put into words for me. I have been coming here for around three months now and I have nothing but positive things to say. My whole life I've always had difficulties sticking to a workout as well as gaining mass. 5 Rings is changing that.

The time spent here has been with Coach Colin and he does a great job of explaining how to do different movements, he's knowledgeable in many areas of fitness, and if he is unsure of anything he finds an answer quickly. Colin is very sociable and it makes it easy to open up during your time spent here. He's studying at university to sharpen his skills, and I can tell what he's learning translates into our sessions as the weeks pass. His fist bumps are definitely motivating and he offers them as needed! He has helped me gain 15-20lbs of mass since I started and I would say that's probably the fastest I have gained in all my different fitness journeys throughout my life. I am very excited to see where I will be at my 6-month mark.

In the short three months that I have been coming here, I have felt welcomed without hesitation. Coach Jance is the owner of 5 Rings Barbell and the community that he has built is great! You can tell that Jance has taken his journey in building this community seriously and you can see that he has put everything he has to offer through his actions. He's traveled the world to hone skills, he writes articles that he publishes on his website, and he puts out videos on various platforms for all of us to use so we can hone our skills on our own individual journeys. You can tell that he has put his life into this work, that it's more than just a job for him. This is his way of giving back to the world. From an outsider looking in; to me, it appears that this is his purpose. In my experience, it's always admirable to see that someone has found their purpose in life and that's what makes 5 Rings Barbell different from anywhere else. I would suggest taking a chance and spending some time here it'll help you in many different ways than just a fitness perspective.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been training with Jance for nearly 2 months now and the knowledge he has is phenomenal. I started coming here for 2 main reasons: 1) I’ve had severe back pain for nearly 4 years due to line of work, injury, and a recent car wreck and 2) get big and strong.
After my first session with Jance I left with zero back pain and it has stayed away since, by following his protocols, direction, and “body work” sessions. That alone is priceless to me. With training just 3 days a week at 5Rings- I’ve been able to improve my strength quickly. Jance has made 5Rings really feel like a family. Thanks for all you do!

Source: Google

★ 5

Jance is one of the best (if not the best) trainers in our state. Here’s why: he 100% invests in himself to better help his clients. He has a stubborn work ethic. He also has very specific principles of success that, when followed, move you from good to great! He cares about his clients and it shows in the thought he puts into their workouts.

Source: Google

★ 5

Good luck finding a better coach/mentor that’s as good as Jance or that cares at the level he does for his clients.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best trainer period. Very knowledgeable and down to earth, he has brought me to my goals and then some. I started when I was 16 around 160 pounds and could barely lift 100 pounds and now I’m 18 210 pounds and I can regularly lift upwards of 400+ pounds. If that doesn’t convince you I don’t know what will.

Source: Google

★ 5

Jance's approach to training is unique and a breath of fresh air

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m an active thirty something that has been numbly accepting the daily pains of getting older, until I threw my shoulder out. Jance took the time to listen to me and help to pinpoint where my body was needing ART, active release therapy. Immediately after the first session with Jance my pain not only from my shoulder was gone, but also from areas I was tolerating. I now see Jance twice a month and don’t have a desire to waste my time/money on “feel good” spa massages. All of my other activities have majorly improved and I look forward to them with confidence and drive! I no longer need to use pain medication/creams to get through the day. I get more or better quality sleep and recovery time.
I’m THRIVING, my body feels more like a young twenty something. Jance has given me the ability to live life to the fullest again! PRICELESS!

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been working with Jance for about four months to improve my powerlifting. In just this short time I have been amazed at the progress we've made. I have struggled for years with programming, and it is a huge relief to have someone as experienced and educated as Jance guiding my efforts. There is a clear intent behind every exercise, set, rep, and rest time, all that is required from me is execution and feedback. I have a better understanding of how my body functions under load, both as a whole unit and its constituent parts. Despite training two states away and only communicating electronically, Jance always responds to any questions or concerns quickly. And he always has an answer. His wealth of knowledge is not limited to just one area, and as a result I have a better understanding of principles and techniques outside of powerlifting that makes me a more well rounded lifter. I can't reccomend his services enough.

Source: Google

★ 3

Source: Google

★ 5

Jance Footit is a highly educated, endlessly dedicated teacher and professional trainer. He cares about each of his clients, providing a wealth of knowledge when it comes to physical fitness, health, and the overall taking care of one’s body. He spends time with everyone that enters his doors to ensure that they understand the workouts he has personally sculpted for their needs, and he keeps a watchful eye out for everyone’s safety. I highly suggest considering 5 Rings Barbell as a primary place for any sort of physical training your lifestyle may require.

Source: Google

★ 4

Good

Source: Google

★ 3

Good, not bad

Source: Google

★ 5

If your looking for great personal training. This is the place to get it. Great equipment, and knowledgeable staff.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google