★ 5

After being a member of a major gym for years, I started to feel demotivated and frustrated by the lack of progress in my fitness journey. It became a turning point—I knew it was time for a change.

I used to pass by The Ark and always thought how amazing it would be to have a coach dedicated to guiding me—someone knowledgeable who could truly understand my goals and challenges. One day, I looked it up on Google Maps and decided to call. That’s when Coach Michael Espinosa answered the phone. From the very beginning, he was attentive, understanding, and genuinely listened to my concerns. I shared my frustration about not seeing any real improvements in strength or physical changes, and he immediately invited me to come in for a visit and a trial workout.

When I arrived, Michael personally welcomed me, took the time to explain everything about CrossFit, and gave me a full tour of the gym and its amenities. He also introduced me to the team—and from that moment, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time: a sense of belonging.

I signed up for three classes per week and immediately began to notice a huge difference. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Under Michael’s guidance, I started to challenge myself again. He consistently checked in with me, asked how I was doing, and always looked for ways to support me in reaching my goals. He pushed me when I needed it and knew exactly when to let me dial it back.

Thanks to Michael and The Ark, I’ve regained my motivation, built strength, and found a fitness family I truly connect with. I can’t think of a better place to train.

Thank you for everything, Michael. You’ve made a real difference in my life.

Source: Google

★ 5

Such a great gym, Coach Mike is a really dedicated and enthusiastic coach who’s created a super warm and welcoming environment. Lots of very talented lifters here for inspiration but still beginner friendly. Would absolutely recommend to anyone. Thank you Mike!

Source: Google

★ 5

If you wanna have a good workout, go to ark!! The people are beyond friendly and the vibes are amazing! Everyone wants to lift heavy and is really encouraging. Coach Mike is also super cool and was a welcoming face as a Hispanic who moved to Gainesville. Going to work out ark is the highlight of my day :))

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm glad the Ark is the place where I first time learned weightlifting. As a beginner, I learned the technique without any knowledge prior here, and I like it. There are a lot of people training at the Ark, from beginners to experienced athletes. I believe you'll find your place if you would like to try or practice weightlifting. Coach Mike makes the Ark a warm, welcoming place for everyone. More importantly, weightlifting sometimes feels too masculine, which might stop some women from learning it. But in the Ark, you'll find many women practicing with you. lt's such a nice experience being stronger with a lot of women together!

Source: Google

★ 5

Coach Mike is awesome! He provides a super supportive and fun environment to workout in and provides awesome feedback. I’ve had nothing but a great time at the Ark!

Source: Google

★ 5

The Ark Fitness is truly a gem for anyone looking to dive into Olympic weightlifting. From the moment you walk in, you feel a sense of community and positivity that sets it apart from other gyms. The coaches are simply amazing, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for helping you improve. Their guidance is invaluable, and you'll see noticeable progress under their expert eye.

What really makes The Ark Fitness special, though, is the people. The training environment is filled with friendly faces who are always there to motivate and support you. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced lifter, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded individuals who push you to be your best. If you're serious about weightlifting and want to feel good about your training journey, The Ark Fitness is the place to be.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great environment. Plenty of space to do any kind of workout.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been coming to the Ark gym for about a month and have been loving the experience! Coach Mike does an awesome job at leading/coaching the strength class and making everyone feel welcome regardless of their fitness level. I've taken many strength classes before but these are by far some of the most challenging I've done- I leave feeling accomplished. For every exercise you're given modifications, for what fits best for you. I wish I had more time left living in Gainesville because I know I would continue coming to the Ark!

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome environment for newbies and the experienced! I love the group fitness classes and how inviting the coach and members are. Highly recommend this gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great place! It has everything you need for an amazing workout! The coaches are very knowledgeable and keep the energy high during workouts.

Source: Google

★ 5

The free fitness classes are awesome! If you want to work hard and work up a major sweat, this is the place for you

Source: Google

★ 5

COACH MIKE IS THE BEST!! He’s super knowledgeable about weightlifting and fitness in general. The gym is smaller, but if you go at the right times it’s never too crowded. I love going here to practice Olympic weightlifting because the bars and plates are in good shape. Also, the people I’ve met at the gym are super polite and respectful. I cannot recommend this gym enough!! 🏋🏻‍♀️

Source: Google

★ 5

Love training here! I’ve done Olympic lifting for many years and Coach Mike and the whole team are so welcoming and kind. They’ve helped me get restated back into lifting and it’s been a blast! Great workouts and great people :)

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome gym! The community is amazing, and Coach Mike is great at what he does. On top of that, you absolutely can't beat the pricing.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great environment, great people, great coaching, great gym!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been going to The Ark for the past three years now and I can say for sure there is no other gym like it. It’s best suited for barbell style training like CrossFit or Olympic weightlifting so if that’s something you’re into, it’s definitely worth checking out! There’s no better place that gives off an old-school, hardcore training environment. The people are great and Mike, the owner, is a great person and one of the friendliest people out there.

Source: Google

★ 5

such an amazing environment!! great people, equipment, and coaching. highly recommend checking it out!!

Source: Google

★ 5

So easy to set up never had a connection issue

Source: Google

★ 5

Easily the best gym in town. Good equipment, great management and even greater atmosphere!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome gym, great equipment, best coaches around!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Awesome community, great facility. Everyone is super nice and will spot you or give tips but will also leave you alone if that's what you prefer. Heads up there is no AC but that makes the struggle even better.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Awesome space with a great community!

Source: Google

★ 5

Extremely welcoming and friendly environment to any and everyone!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve never trained inside the gym, but I occasionally use the outdoor calisthenics park. I am writing to express gratitude for the creation of this park, especially in a city that is devoid of places to do pull-ups, dips and other forms of bodyweight exercises for free. Thanks for doing the city of Gainesville’s community a great service.

Source: Google

★ 5

The best and most inviting gym environment in the area for both experienced weightlifters and those who are just starting out and looking to learn. Coach Mike is among the most genuine and knowledgeable guys around and brings great care and attention to his coaching. He has successfully fostered a culture at The Ark where people can train seriously while having fun and being a part of a great community of people.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

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!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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!

Source: Google

★ 5

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

Source: Google

★ 5

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 👏💪

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love the Ark. Great people, great programming, great vibes.

Source: Google

★ 5

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

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Helped me achieve a long sought goal safely. Great people here!

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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!

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Pog

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

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!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great equipment, great coaching, welcoming atmosphere.

Source: Google

★ 5

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!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great gym, awesome experience

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

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!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

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!

Source: Google

★ 5

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!!

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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!

Source: Google

★ 5

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!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

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

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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 :)

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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

Source: Google

★ 5

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!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google