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A Fit and Healthy New Year Starts Here: Defiance County’s Gyms at a Glance
- Cara Boehm
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
As the old year winds down, many individuals think about what they would like to do in the new year, and hitting the gym is on the top of many lists.
Defiance County has the right gym to meet any needs or resolutions. Here’s a look at some of the gyms and fitness centers the county has to offer.
Defiance Area YMCA, 1599 Palmer Dr., Defiance
“We want our community to know that the YMCA exists to strengthen every person who walks through our doors in body, mind and spirit,” said Brian Rachielles, chief executive officer of the YMCA. He emphasized that the YMCA offers programs for toddlers through seniors. “We’re a place where families grow, relationships are nurtured, confidence is built and lives are changed. Every program, class and service is designed to uplift our community and help individuals discover their full potential.”
In 2026, the YMCA will be reopening its pools after months of renovations and repairs. Rachielles stressed that staff are “excited to welcome the community back into the water in the new year.”
The YMCA also offers 24-hour access through a key fob.
“It has become an important part of how we support the diverse lives and schedules of the community,” Rachielles pointed out. “We’re glad to offer a safe, reliable and accessible space at any time of day.”
Planet Fitness, 1500 N. Clinton St., Defiance
According to Planet Fitness’ website, the staff strives “to create a workout environment where everyone feels accepted and respected.”
Defiance’s Planet Fitness is open 24 hours Monday through Thursday with members using a key fob or phone app for entry outside of regular hours. On Friday, the gym is open from noon-9 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday it is open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Members also can use the mobile app to access workout videos, a personal fitness trainer and more. The gym’s personal trainer is available on first shift to assist members. There also are several programs offered including a 30-minute circuit, core, personal fitness 360 and more for members to take part.
Knight Fitness, 1729 Spruce St., Defiance
Owners Kristin and Joe Knight opened Knight Fitness as a way to educate people about fitness and provide support to members.
“We want to help people and know how to help them hit their goals properly,” said Kirstin. “We have some personal trainers in our gym to help and guide (them by) making sure people are doing the right thing to reach their goals.”
Kristin said that in 2026 Knight Fitness may add some cardio classes, though nothing is set in stone. A step class already is held several times a week. Personal trainers also are available. Members may take part in a voluntary monthly strength club at the gym.
While typically those who use Knight Fitness range from around 18 to 50 years old, the youngest gym enthusiast has been 15. Parents have to sign a waiver for anyone younger than 18 to work out at the gym.
Kristin said she is very proud of all of the gym’s members.
“We have an amazing community,” she proclaimed. “All of our members are incredibly kind.”
She pointed out that her and her husband also use their gym and enjoy working out at Knight Fitness.
“We have a lot of experience and want to share the information we have,” Kristin stated. “We want to give them (the members) the truth and all the support they want and need to achieve their goals.“
FIT (Functional Intense Training), 622 Clinton St., Defiance (for now); soon 220 Clinton St., Defiance
FIT focuses on strength, speed, agility, endurance and more.
“It’s all inclusive,” explained Seth Buhrer, owner. “I have people from ages 5-84 that are my clients.”
Buhrer stated that FIT is “a different way to work out than what people are used to seeing. It’s a group setting but not a prototypical class,” he pointed out. “The instructor doesn’t take over. The way the format is (it allows) people to gab with one another.”
Buhrer remarked that it’s neat to see people in their 50s and 70s working out with guys in their 30s.
“People can come together and get a workout,” he said, adding that the workouts are never monotonous. “I have between 250-300 exercises in my library,” Buhrer continued. “When people walk through my doors people don’t know what they are going to get, but (they) always get a full-body workout.”
Members also can see their heart rate live during the workouts.
“We offer heart rate monitoring live on the big screen TV in the studio, where it shows their current heart rate along with other participants’,” Buhrer explained. “It adds a good dynamic to the workout. We can all see how hard each other are working.”
Big things are coming for FIT in 2026. As of Feb. 1, it is moving to a new location, 220 Clinton St. in Defiance. “I’m getting all new turf and adding new (features),” Buhrer proclaimed.
SheFiit, 401 Greenhouse, Defiance
SheFiit is a women’s only gym that offers childcare on a need-by-need basis for children aged 6 months and older.
“We are a women’s only gym so the women can come in and feel safe and comfortable and have that privacy,” said Jennifer Davis, owner of SheFiit.
In 2026, SheFiit is looking to start offering classes. “I want to start a mobility class to allow (members) to be more flexible so they don’t get hurt as often,” Davis stressed.
For those with older kids who may want to introduce them to fitness SheFiit can help. Davis mentioned that parents can come and work out with their kids as long as the children are at least 10-11 years old.
While many women may not know what they need to do to reach their goals or how to start a fitness regime, Davis stressed she can help.
“I’m here three days a week to help anyone with anything,” she explained. “I’m willing to help in my off time as well.”
Will Power Fitness, 115 E. High St., Hicksville
Will Power Fitness is a full-service gym that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members can access the gym anytime through their phones. Members have to be 13 years old or older to join the gym, however individuals age 9 and older can take part in classes. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult regardless.
Amanda Ross, owner of Will Power Fitness, pointed out that the gym has 10-15 classes or group fitness sessions each week.
Ross stated that there are no new classes planned for 2026. “We will probably keep everything as is,” she stressed.
Will Power already has several classes for its members.
“We do have personal training available and group training,” Ross said, adding that the Zumba class is one of the most popular classes. “We are a full-service gym. A lot of people think we are
just classes.”
She added that inside the 7,000 square-square-foot facility there also is a boutique and aesthetician.
With all the gyms to choose from in Defiance County, it won’t be hard to find one that is the right fit to meet individuals’ needs in 2026 and beyond. So get out there, and have a fit and healthy new year.