Ohio State Students Are Raving About This Fitness Revolution—Will You Be Left Behind?

Tucked beneath an apartment complex on Lane Avenue, just ten minutes from the Ohio State University campus, a new fitness haven is making waves among students. **Body Alive Upper Arlington**, which opened its doors in late December 2025, has quickly established itself as a popular destination for those seeking invigorating workout routines that blend community and wellness.

Located at **1600 W. Lane Ave.**, Body Alive offers a variety of **pilates** classes, including mat, power, and challenge options. The studio’s owner, **Elley Sanfillipo**, who oversees all Body Alive locations in Columbus, shared her journey of bringing the fitness studio from its Cincinnati roots to Columbus after relocating from California in 2024.

“While I was out west, I actually dealt with some back issues that led to a big surgery right before I turned 30,” Sanfillipo said. “In my recovery, I started doing pilates and when I moved home — I was actually in Cincinnati first — I just fell in love with Body Alive. Not just the workouts, but the community as well, and that is why when I moved to Columbus, I was super passionate about bringing Body Alive.”

Since her return, Sanfillipo has not only opened Body Alive in **Polaris** in June 2025 but also plans to launch a new location in **Powell**, marking a rapid expansion in less than two years. According to Sanfillipo, the appeal of Body Alive to college students lies in the effectiveness of the workouts, the vibrant music, and the nurturing community atmosphere.

“Our workouts are super effective,” Sanfillipo emphasized. “We’ve got you for 45 minutes. You are going to work for the majority of that time in a way that’s really intentional and hits the entire body. The music is so important … Moving to the beat of the music kind of allows you to check out of your mind and into your body, which I think helps us stand out.”

**Monica Cones**, a third-year neuroscience student and instructor at Body Alive, noted that the ease of scheduling classes at Body Alive compared to Ohio State’s large group fitness offerings further attracts students. “Because of how big the student body is, it is really difficult to get into OSU classes,” Cones explained. “So, it is nice being able to get into classes pretty consistently.”

Body Alive offers enticing promotions for newcomers, such as a popular deal of **six weeks unlimited classes for $36**. This strategy, paired with the young and relatable instructors—most of whom are college-aged—creates an inviting environment for students. Cones’ journey with Body Alive began when she discovered the studio in Cincinnati and subsequently became an instructor to have more control over the music in her classes, a crucial element for an energetic workout experience.

“Every instructor has different music they play,” she said. “We do a body part movement for each song, so one song will be squats, and the next song will transition to, maybe an upper body and then back to a core song. I would say the music [at the] Columbus [locations] is a lot more younger crowd focused.”

The sense of community is paramount at Body Alive, according to both Sanfillipo and Cones. Cones shared that the personal connections instructors foster with their students enhance the overall experience. “With Body Alive, there’s a big emphasis on community. Getting to know your students, knowing their names, getting to know the people that come into your classes and making it fun for them to come back,” she explained.

Sanfillipo puts significant effort into instilling a sense of community among her instructors, emphasizing the importance of their individual stories and motivations for teaching. “Every one of my instructors became an instructor for a different reason, and I think it’s super important to put some value behind that,” she said. “I love the instructors to show a little bit of vulnerability, to show our students and members who they are and why they’re there.”

This philosophy of connection not only enhances the community feel but also encourages members to commit to their wellness journeys. Sanfillipo believes that when instructors share their "why" with students, it ignites a similar passion among participants to stay committed to their fitness and well-being.

“It’s a place not just where I can improve my physical and mental wellness, but also a place where I have a community that helps me push myself to become better,” Cones stated. “It’s a place for me to challenge myself to become better and form new connections.”

To further accommodate students, Body Alive offers a **$20 discount** off its standard **$129 monthly unlimited membership**. As the popularity of Body Alive continues to grow, it’s clear that this community-driven approach is resonating with the student body, providing not just a workout venue, but a space for connection and personal growth.