Last updated October 5, 2026 · ranked from 600 Google reviews · How we rank
This list ranks 10 gyms in and around Portage, MI, led by Raw Strength, Portage JiuJitsu - Lightning Kicks and Burn Boot Camp. Together they have 600 Google reviews; Raw Strength has the highest Google rating on the list at 5.0. Every place on the list is in Portage, MI. Rankings weigh Google rating, review volume, how complete and current each listing is, and our own notes on each place.
A defined strength-training focus and detailed praise for its equipment put Raw Strength at No. 1. The gym at 300 E Centre Ave in Portage, MI lists powerlifting, strongman, Olympic lifting, and personal training, with hours covering all 24 hours daily. Reviewers describe plenty of space, combo racks, accessory equipment, and a selection of barbells, chains, and bands. Its 5-star Google rating across 85 reviews supports that feedback, while one visitor specifically praised the owner's quick, helpful response when arranging a day pass.
24-hour daily access
Powerlifting and strongman
Reviewer-praised equipment
“Raw Strength in Portage is an awesome gym. The atmosphere is exactly what you want if you’re serious about training,great equipment, plenty of space, and a motivating environment without all the unnecessary fluff. The gym has a great mix…”
Patient instruction and a welcoming approach to newcomers help earn Portage JiuJitsu - Lightning Kicks the No. 2 spot. Established in 2001, this family-owned gym at 541 Romence Rd in Portage, MI teaches jiujitsu, self-defense, kids martial arts, and mixed martial arts. Its 4.9 Google rating across 155 reviews is backed by accounts of clear teaching in a women’s self-defense class and patience during a beginner trial session. Training takes place on site, and appointments are required.
Patient beginner instruction
Kids martial arts
Family-owned since 2001
“My husband and I participated in a trial session of Hapkido with Dr. Hodge. He, Rebecca, the other instructor, and the other students were wonderfully patient with us two newcomers. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and had been assuming we …”
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Varied 45-minute workouts and practical family support earn Burn Boot Camp the No. 3 spot among gyms in Portage, MI. The Romence Road location combines cardio, HIIT, and strength training, with unlimited workouts and personal meetings with trainers included in membership. Free Childwatch and on-site showers add convenience. Reviewers repeatedly praise the supportive coaches and welcoming community, reflected in a 4.9 Google rating from 72 reviews. Members can also visit other Burn Boot Camp locations without drop-in fees.
45-minute workouts
Free Childwatch
Personal trainer meetings
“I love Burn! The community is incredible and the coaches and staff are extremely supportive and treat you like you family. I joined during my third trimester of pregnancy and it was one of the best decisions to make. They have helped me …”
Friendly coaching and a welcoming community put CrossFit Azo at No. 4 among gyms in Portage, MI. Reviewers describe encouraging instruction, clear communication and positive drop-in experiences, while its Google rating stands at 4.9 from 59 reviews. At 1176 Gernaat Ct, the gym opens at 5 a.m. on weekdays and has weekend hours, giving members several scheduling options. Wheelchair-accessible parking, an entrance, a restroom and seating add practical access features. Membership is required.
Encouraging coaching
Weekday 5 a.m. openings
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
“Dropped in for a WOD on Monday. Had a killer time after a day break. Very friendly box with OG owners. Hated I couldn't come back the next day for the front squat workout. Next time ...”
Children’s movement and skill-building programs earn The Little Gym of Kalamazoo its No. 5 spot in Portage, MI. At 408 W Centre Ave, it serves ages 4 months through 12 years with non-competitive gymnastics, dance, sports prep, and parent/child classes. Weekly sessions follow a progressive structure focused on trying activities and building confidence. Reviewers praise welcoming instructors, a consistently clean space, and activities that keep children eager to return. Its Google rating is 4.8 stars from 53 reviews; membership is required.
Non-competitive gymnastics
Parent/child classes
Progressive weekly sessions
“We started at The Little Gym in Portage about a year ago, and we absolutely love it! The instructors are always happy, energetic, and so welcoming. The space is consistently clean and inviting, and we really appreciate that the kids use …”
A 5-star Google rating from 23 reviews, sauna and shower facilities, and a boutique studio format earn The Babe Cave Boutique Fitness Studio the No. 6 spot. Located at 7630 S Westnedge Ave in Portage, MI, the gym describes its setting as Miami-inspired. Weekday opening times start at 6 a.m., with Monday and Wednesday hours extending to 6:30 p.m. Membership and appointments are required. Free on-site parking and wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, and restroom facilities round out the practical features.
Sauna and showers
Free on-site parking
Early weekday openings
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A welcoming introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helps Kalamazoo BJJ earn rank 7 among gyms in Portage, MI. Located at 8135 Cox's Dr, the gym focuses on Carlson Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and holds a 5-star Google rating from 26 reviews. Beginners describe feeling comfortable from their first visit, while a visiting NoGI participant praised the instruction and tough training partners. Another reviewer noted a mix of talent and experience. Listed hours include weekday evenings and Saturday mornings, with wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, and restroom.
Welcoming to beginners
Carlson Gracie BJJ
Weekday evening hours
“I love it I go Monday,Wednesday and Friday every week!!”
Thirty-minute circuit workouts and supportive coaching earn Evolve Fit Portage the No. 8 spot in Portage, MI. Reviewers describe sessions covering cardio, strength, and flexibility, with coaches who offer an extra push and pay attention to exercise form. One reviewer reports staying for eight years, while others praise the welcoming, motivating environment. The women-owned gym has a 4.8 Google rating from 58 reviews and offers onsite services and online classes. Membership and appointments are required.
30-minute circuit workouts
Supportive coaching
Online classes available
“8 years later and I'm still here!! Shawn and Sam are amazing trainers and always know just when I need that extra push. This place is great and I highly recommend if you are looking for a welcoming place to work on your fitness journey.”
Around-the-clock member access and short, structured sessions earn HOTWORX at Crossroads Galleria the No. 9 spot among gyms in Portage, MI. The studio pairs virtual instruction with infrared sauna workouts, offering 15-minute high-intensity intervals and 30-minute isometric sessions, with options including Hot Yoga, Hot Pilates, and Hot Barre. Outside the saunas, a Functional Exercise Area supplies free weights, bands, and ropes. Showers add convenience, while a 4.7-star Google rating from 58 reviews supports its inclusion.
24-hour member access
Infrared sauna workouts
Free weights available
“I signed up for a prepaid 3 month membership to see if I would actually use it and if I like it and I do!
Sometimes I do the workouts and sometimes I just meditate in the saunas. I had a Y membership before, but here I have weights, ca…”
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Personal training, physical therapy, and running coaching give Pure Movement its focus at No. 10. This private studio at 2050 W Centre Ave in Portage, MI pairs personalized strength and movement programs with support for active adults returning to sport or recovering from injury. Its Google listing holds a 5-star rating from 11 reviews. Appointments are required, with onsite services and online classes available. Weekday hours begin at 6 a.m., and free onsite parking and a wheelchair-accessible entrance add practical conveniences.
Ratings and review counts shown are Google ratings, displayed with attribution.
How we ranked this list
Each gym is scored on a Bayesian-weighted rating (its rating adjusted for how many reviews it has compared with the Portage category average), how recently we verified its details, and how complete its listing is. Scores and ranks are stored, so the order only changes when the underlying data changes.
Raw Strength at 300 E Centre Ave and Anytime Fitness at 283 W Centre Ave list 24-hour access every day. Planet Fitness at 6420 S Westnedge Ave lists 24-hour hours Monday through Wednesday. HOTWORX at 6412 S Westnedge Ave describes 24-hour member access to its infrared fitness studio.
Where can I train for powerlifting or strongman in Portage, MI?
Raw Strength specializes in powerlifting, strongman and Olympic lifting, and also offers personal training. Reviewers mention combo racks, barbells, chains, bands and accessory equipment. It has a 5.0 Google rating from 85 reviews and requires membership.
Which gym in Portage, MI offers childcare during workouts?
Burn Boot Camp at 633 Romence Rd offers free Childwatch alongside its 45-minute workouts. Sessions combine cardio, HIIT and strength training, and members also have access to personal meetings with trainers. Listed hours are 5:30–10:30 a.m. weekdays and 9–11 a.m. Saturday.
What are the children’s gymnastics options in Portage, MI?
Kids Gym, Inc. at 9027 Portage Industrial Dr offers TumbleKids for ages 1–5, with a parent for age 1, and recreational gymnastics for ages 5.5–14. It also has a competitive team, tumbling and ninja classes. The Little Gym of Kalamazoo at 408 W Centre Ave serves ages 4 months–12 years through noncompetitive programs including parent/child classes, gymnastics and dance.
Where can beginners learn martial arts in Portage, MI?
Lightning Kicks at 541 Romence Rd teaches self-defense, jiu-jitsu, kids martial arts and mixed martial arts; reviewers describe patient instructors and a welcoming approach to newcomers. Appointments are required. Kalamazoo BJJ at 8135 Cox's Dr teaches Carlson Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and reviewers also report welcoming experiences as beginners. Its listed hours are 5:30–7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.–noon Saturday.
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