★ 4

Almost a full month in and so far so good. I like the flexibility to pick which days along with morning or evening sessions. I like the app used to track progress and the ability to watch how a certain exercise is done. A relaxed, friendly, and queer environment where you can go lock in and knock your session out, or contribute to the chit chat of the day. Being a newbie in the gym, I have received help/guidance when needed and would like to shoutout Noelle for being observant and stepping in my first two workouts to help with form and placement on equipment for the set to go smoother.

I also appreciate Sajel’s efforts to have extra opportunities for gym goers whether it is an extra class, movie night, or open door during the holiday for those not able to be with family, or need a break from them.

Overall would recommend, it’s chill and help has been there when I’ve needed it. I’m more of a ‘lock in’ when it comes to working out so getting in and knocking out sets has been great for me.

Source: Google

★ 5

Sajel Fitness is a great gym for any level of experience. The environment is queer, casual, friendly and judgement free. Must be a dog lover, to me its a bonus! Highly recommend

Source: Google

★ 5

I’m a month in and I’m loving the gym so far! The workouts are easy to follow for a newbie, but also a great challenge.I like that I can view the workouts ahead of time on the app as well. The environment and coaches are supportive and fun!

Source: Google

★ 5

I just hit 2 years working out at SajelFit -- the most welcoming and inclusive gym in Columbus.

I tried personal training out of total desperation - all my life I’ve had back and hip issues. I’ve done PT so many times I wish they had a punch card. I went to a doctor about hip pain and after a bunch of tests, the doc talked to me like I was lying or exaggerating. In addition, I have osteopenia, so I know my future includes more problems. I realized I needed to do something different or nothing would change.

Two years later, I’ve done 135 workouts. I feel strong and confident. I have no back and hip pain. I work out at least twice a week. My kids are seeing this commitment in me and are interested in more healthy activities. I never feel embarrassed or weak or like I can’t do something. Everyone is at different levels and that is OK.

I also just have a blast at the gym. I joke that sometimes my workout is like a therapy session where I tell them all my problems. I’ve learned all sorts of new things that the kids are into these days, and even got some amazing advice on how to support a young lady in my life who needed it.

And to top it all off, this gym prioritizes inclusivity, individuality, and growth. It is a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to gather and get stronger… Together.

So, if you’ve been thinking about trying personal training or joining a gym, this is your sign too go all in on your health and support an amazing small business!

Source: Google

★ 3

The two stars are for Noelle. She is an incredibly kind and lovely trainer and I went out of my way to be there when she was, because I knew with her I would be supported and have a good laugh with a friendly trainer. The gym has good equipment and the routines are challenging, but approachable.

Reasons I’m hesitant to give higher than three stars:
On multiple occasions I ran into safety issues with the dogs roaming the gym. Sajel frequently brings her dog into the gym, as does Noelle. Sajel’s dog is generally well behaved and didn’t obstruct my workouts, but like a dog, he frequently barked at strangers and wandered onto the gym floor for attention, but didn’t bother people while they were in the middle of using equipment. However, Sajel also allows her members to bring their dogs, and I believe this creates a highly dangerous situation both for the members and the dogs. On more than one occasion small dogs without recall training would go up to and walk around people mid lift with heavy weights/equipment. I almost tripped over a pug with heavy barbells in my hand.

Source: Google

★ 1

Sajel reached out to me on my social media offering me a discount to join their gym.
I was excited and agreed to try them out. For my first two sessions I trained with Noelle who was wonderful. They were attentive and patient and just overall such a delight to work with.
When I went in for my third session, Noelle was out for the week so I approached Sajel for some guidance as I was still very much a newbie.

Sajel treated me with an immediate attitude. When asking questions I was left with responses that made me feel stupid. When showing her the workout I was to start on she said “I’m aware” and laughed at me which made me feel confused and belittled. Like, I don’t know what I’m doing.. You’re supposed to be teaching me? You invited me here? I paid over 100$ and drove an hour because I was so excited to support this gym. How am I supposed to know what you’re aware of and what you’re not?

The mood was so uncomfortable after that, that I left. I was choking back tears and cried the entire drive home.

I’m shocked and so disappointed by this experience. It’s so hard when you’ve had a bad experience at the gym which I’ve had plenty of. I expressed this to Sajel when I first spoke with her on the phone and she seemed compassionate and understanding. But in person the mood was a complete 180 and now I’m left with one of the worst gym experiences I’ve ever had.

I’m so confused by this interaction and wondered if I had done something wrong or overstepped. The feeling that this was intentional mean-girl behavior is solidified by the fact that I have not had any inquiries yet as to why I suddenly left and no response to my email expressing my disappointment.

I would avoid this gym if you don’t respond well to calloused behavior and aren’t an immediate expert at navigating confusing apps, because it seems to be the only reason I can come up with as to why she was so short with me.

Source: Google

★ 5

A great place for neurodivergent/adhd mom nerds like myself. Noelle is great at reading what you are struggling with and giving explanations and alternatives to something that might be hard.

I’ve been looking for something with more substance than diy at Planet Fitness and a safe place. Team SajelFit are it!

Source: Google

★ 1

I’m extremely disappointed with the complete lack of communication from Sajel and her team. I’m a single queer mom with an autistic child, and I ended up being too busy to attend any of the classes I paid for, which is why I’m requesting this refund. I’ve sent several emails, texts, and dm’s over the past 2 weeks with no updates at all. They are outright ignoring me. It’s just super disappointing and sad, especially from an LGBTQIA+ company and during Pride Month, no less. This whole experience has been unprofessional, childish, and honestly harmful. It’s just really sad.

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is awesome. The trainers are fun and approachable. It's a safe place to be your queer self, and get strong doing it. A worthy investment.

Source: Google