On The Rise Fitness, Cincinnati OH

Can't recommend this gym. Car broken into multiple times and the gym would not cooperate with the authorities despite having footage that might identify the criminal.

Edit: This is not a fake review, though I am posting this under an alias. The following is an objective and comprehensive review of the facility. It's easy to say an honest review is fake, but difficult to refute the objectivity of the specific issues I laid out. Feel free to purchase a $5 day pass and see for yourself.

Most of the bars are bent, the 45lb plates don't fit the sleeves so they wobble around a lot, and most of them vary in weight. Be prepared to scavenge around the entire gym to find plates that are of similar width and weight if you want your barbell lifts to feel somewhat balanced.

All of these things can be pretty dangerous when lifting heavy. Random holes under the floor mats all over the place which are a serious tripping hazard. Speaker's receiver has a note that says to keep volume below a certain level otherwise trainers reserve the right to turn it down so they can communicate with their clients, but even if you keep the volume below that threshold they will go out of their way to turn it down and stare you down like you attacked their mother. Another member recently had an equipment malfunction that resulted in his head being split open, accidents happen I guess.

Gym is located in a not so good area. Most nights there will be cops and ambulances stopped on surrounding streets blaring their sirens and flashing their lights. Not a huge deal to me, but if I were a small woman I would not feel safe walking to my car after hours with all of the crime that goes on around here.

In the warmer months of the year, the garage door is kept open so members don't die of heat exhaustion and dehydration, but this also allows all of the bugs to get in. If you are here in the summer, I suggest wearing a thin pair of pants to save your legs from getting brutally destroyed by mosquitoes.

Membership is $45/mo after taxes in addition to a hefty enrollment fee, day passes are $5 which is somewhat fair considering the negatives associated with this gym. No cancellation fee, though it wouldn't surprise me if the owner implemented this. Expected and advertised vibe is a hardcore dirty gym with shirts off, loud music, and hard training. Actual vibe is more akin to planet fitness, very very very few people who train here are serious about training. Majority of people outright refuse or just don't care enough to rerack their weights so expect to pull a bunch of 2.5-10lb plates off the bars/racks in order to access or load the heavier weights behind them.

World Gym Cincinnati isn't much farther away, is $30/mo with no scammy enrollment fee, also 24hr access, is 5x the size with tons of brand new high quality power bars, DOZENS of amazing Hammer Strength and Nautilus machines for every body part, dbs up to 150lbs, just about every speciality bar for strength training imaginable, and brand new machined and perfectly calibrated 45lb plates that actually weigh the same and fit the bars the way they're supposed to. The owners there are constantly renovating, upgrading, and buying new fancy equipment for the gym and are always open to suggestions from members.

On The Rise Fitness is not the worst gym I've ever been to, can still get some good training sessions in, but it's definitely not ideal if you value training environments with lots of energy, very motivated and disciplined individuals, and weights/barbells that are in good condition (straight bars are straight, 45lb plates fit the sleeves, etc.)

This gym has a lot of potential, but all these little negative aspects combined really ruined my experience, and it seems to have take a turn for the worse over the last 3-4yrs with membership prices doubling and the addition of sign-up fees. Barely any equipment has been added or upgraded since then, and it suffered from all of the same issues back then that it still suffers from today, and with that being the case I don't think those issues will ever be fixed. Owner either can't afford to or just doesn't care to.

Was 2 Stars, but now 1 for the owner trying to discredit a critical, but honest and objective review.

They make you feel welcome and encourage you to work at your own pace and ability! It doesn’t matter where or what you’re starting with, there is no shaming, they e and focus on whole body health, not just building muscle!

On The Rise is chocked full of goodness whether you're in it for fitness, body building, power lifting or just clearing your mind and soul. Chalk up, throw some weight around, beat on some tires out back, rock out.this isn't a chain gym! On The Rise is totally inclusive, everyone is welcome: all walks of life, all ages, all goals, all fitness levels. No attitude, no judging. I've met some incredible humans at OTR. 24/7 access is available, so there's always a way to fit in a workout and the gym is incredibly affordable. What are you waiting for? Get yourself a day pass and check it out.

Great place! Awesome trainers that keep your motivation high. Very well kept, clean and up to date.

I started going to OTR Fitness for group classes. I then got into personal training with Malinda. She and all the trainers are great. They have helped me start and reach some goals I have had for my fitness and health. I really enjoy the atmosphere there. It is less intimidating than other gyms and the owner understands some people are nervous to start lifting. He and everyone there are very welcoming. I have made several friends and it’s great to have a place I feel comfortable going. I highly suggest this gym if you are looking at getting into lifting and big commercial gyms are intimidating for you!

This is a must check out gym. OTR has everything you need and I mean more than weights. The staff is second to none. They can help you at any level rather you’re just getting started or ready to compete. The facility it’s is always kept clean and equipment functioning. They have more than just stuff to pick up. A number of services are available to aid in recovery to keep you healthy and on track. The best isn’t what’s above. It’s more than a gym here. It’s a community where you can grow and achieve goals. One visit and you’ll feel apart of the family.

Friendly/knowledgeable trainers, clean and welcoming facility - awesome place to workout! Lots of options - self workout, classes and one on one sessions available! Highly reccomend On The Rise!

The best gym! This is a gym for everyone, no matter what your fitness level is. All your goals can be achieved here, and the trainers actually care about you.

One of the best places in Cincinnati to lift. It is a small gym in the heart of Sharonville. No matter who you are you fit in at On The Rise. The staff really wants you to hit your fitness goals.

Phenomenal training staff! They truly care and will make sure you reach your goals no matter what you're trying to achieve!

On The Rise is an incredible gym. Joe is so welcoming and he and the staff go above and beyond to welcome, encourage, and push you in the gym. Everyone is welcome whether you are just getting started on your fitness journey or are looking to push yourself further. I can’t recommend this gym more!

On The Rise Fitness is my favorite Cincinnati gym. And it is the only gym I train at when I come to visit, since moving away to Texas. The equipment, people and atmosphere is top tier. I’ve never had an issue with rude/creepy patrons, parking, equipment availability, cleanliness, etc like I have had at other places. I highly recommend OTR FITNESS! Oh, and be sure to check out their badass trainers

The best gym ever to make any and everybody feel right at home! From day one i never ever felt out of place, and for a older woman like me that says it all! Great trainers, Great people and a great workout every time!

Favorite gym of all time! Having to leave this gym when I moved out of state was a tough pill to swallow. If you have a chance to workout here, you’re lucky.

Best local gym in Cincy! Joe truly cares about the people who train at his gym. OTR has the best training environment I’ve ever experienced.

If you’re looking for loud music (no need for earbuds), no A/C, and the best training atmosphere, OTR is the place for you! OTR is the garage gym you wish you could build!

(All photos taken from the garage door side of the gym)

If you're thinking about joining on the rise you def should! Joe the owner is super friendly and everyone at the gym is great. Malinda is a very encouraging and positive personal trainer. 10/10 recommend. I was nervous joining a new gym last year but its the best decision i've made. My strength has gone up so much and so has my confidence. The gym is always clean and always has bomb music playing. Join! You wont regret it!

On The Rise is an awesome local gym with an amazing atmosphere and culture. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful at all stages of your lifting experience. Definitely check out the gym if you’re in the area!