City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More
Photo by Mariia Chystiakova

Featured Article

Shaping a Stronger Future

A riveting Q&A with Columbus strength-building experts Megan and Pete Yeh.

We had a chance to get to the bottom of Pete and Megan Yeh’s amazing fitness journey and how what they learned and now coach to others can help you build a future of strength for yourself. We think it’ll make you just as pumped to get to the gym as we are. Check it out:

CL: What started you two on your fitness journey? How do you stay motivated with it? 

M&P: For both of us, the journey started with injury.

We were lifelong athletes, but as we hit our late 30s, staying active started to feel harder. The injuries were piling up, and we realized we needed a new approach—one that would help us stay in the game, so to speak. That’s when we discovered the power of strength training.

Getting stronger changed everything. It didn’t just help us recover—it made us more resilient. We could return to the activities we loved and keep up with life’s physical demands. And honestly? Lifting became addicting. You can see and feel the tangible results. Your body changes. You walk through the world differently.

At the end of the day, our story is simple: strength gave us our lives back. Now, we help others find that same freedom with Starting Strength Columbus.

CL: What would you tell someone who’s just starting out, or can’t seem to keep the ‘streak’ going?

M&P: First, know this: success doesn’t come from being perfect—it comes from showing up. You’ll have great days in the gym, and you’ll have tough ones. But the real difference is made by consistency. That’s how real, lasting results are built.

You don’t have to do it alone. A coach can make all the difference—not just by motivating you or helping with your form, but by giving you a plan that’s tailored to your goals. They help you train safely, progress steadily, and stay accountable. Without that support, it’s easy to lose momentum, feel lost, or eventually give up.

CL: How does your business help people keep their goals?

M&P: Most people think they're strength training because they’re moving a weight—or body weight—during a workout. But true strength training is different: it’s intentional and measurable. And when done right, it delivers results that most workouts simply can’t.

At our gym, we use the Starting Strength method, which focuses on compound lifts like squats and deadlifts, combined with adding weight over time. This approach isn’t just about getting stronger, it’s about building long-term physical capability, resilience, and health.

If your goal is to improve bone density, prevent injury, gain functional strength, or stay active for the long haul, strength training is essential—and it needs to be done correctly. Lifting heavier weights for lower reps, with proper form and coaching, yields strength and health outcomes that far surpass typical high-rep, low-weight workouts.

CL: What is one success (or failure) story that keeps you going?

M&P: Every day, we’re inspired by the small victories—because those “small” wins often change lives. We’ve seen clients lose a dress size, reverse insulin resistance, walk without a walker, come off disability, and return to the hobbies that bring them joy.

In one example, we have a client with chronic leg issues who quit activities she loved like skiing and playing tennis. She’d been through surgeries, physical therapy, and nothing improved her situation. However, through consistent training, support, and a program tailored to her needs, she made a remarkable comeback. Today, she plays tennis every week—and just got back from skiing double black diamonds in Colorado.

CL: Do you have any recommendations for must-have equipment that a person could get when working with you?

M&P: Lifting shoes, for safety and stability under the bar, a positive attitude, and an open mind. 

CL: What does the future look like for you and your business? How does the local community fit into those plans?

M&P: At our core, we believe everyone deserves the strength and confidence that comes from lifting—no matter your age or experience level. That’s why we’re committed to serving the Dublin and greater Columbus community for years to come; creating a space where lifters of all backgrounds can thrive.

This summer, beginning June 9th, we’re launching a 6-week lifting camp specifically for teens. It’s designed to teach proper technique, build confidence, and instill a love for a skill that can benefit them for life. We see lifting as more than just a workout—it’s a foundation for lifelong health and resilience. 

CL: Any last thoughts for our readers?

M&P: If you’re curious about what we do, we invite you to come in for a free 30-minute session. You’ll get a feel for our supportive environment, meet our team, and see firsthand how we help everyday people unlock their strength. Our future is about empowering you—and we’re just getting started.

As a physician working in the hospital, Megan cares for patients, who in her words, have “physical decline often rooted in preventable weakness. That decline is often reversible—if we start building strength early enough.” Strength building is the start of prevention. She adds, “The great news is you can make significant strength gains even when you’re older—it’s never too late to start.”

Pete, on the other hand, is all about the wins. His coaching position allows him to “see people grow stronger, more capable, and more confident every single day.”

Together, their community is a game-changer. "People often walk through our doors for the coaching," says Megan, "but they stay because of the relationships they build. You're not just working out beside strangers; you're becoming part of something bigger." 

Making inroads to people's lives so they stay in shape and grow strength for living, the Yehs added a strength training gym to the Dublin skyline to keep up their own fitness journey while also helping others do the same. You can start by visiting www.startingstrengthgyms.com/columbus/ today. 

We don’t just help people “work out.” We help them get strong—safely, efficiently, and for life.

Businesses featured in this article