Fitness Clubs
Bloor Street Boxing and Fitness
Bloor Street Boxing and Fitness is one of Toronto's most iconic gyms. Founded by former lightweight National Champion Paul Ryan as a non profit to get kids off the streets, the gym started as a boxing gym with the ring, the bags and the facilities to train local youth into champions. That was back in 1993.
Since that time Bloor Boxing and Fitness has not only become a leading boxing training facility for competitive men and women fighters but it has also transformed into a full service fitness facility. The main floor boasts a good selection of machines, free weights and cardio equipment while the boxing ring and classes have moved upstairs.
Boxing classes take place every day of the week except Sunday. There are lots of punching bags to go around, but the real centerpiece is the ring itself - it's the same one that Mohammed Ali and Rocky Marciano battled in New York's Times Square.
The overall vibe seems pretty casual, in keeping with the no-attitude aesthetic the owner is looking for. Here it's all about the work-out and members tend to be drawn from the surrounding neighbourhoods - Parkdale, Roncesvalles and The Junction. Most people working out here are in their 20's or 30's but the actual membership spans from 16 to 75 years young. Music tends to be of the standard satellite radio variety and satellite TV's are embedded into most cardio machines.
Rates and Initiation Fee
The cost to join is fairly reasonable and will work out, on average, to be around $40. An initiation fee may apply depending on the length of the membership. The kicker is probably the mandatory $30 Fitness Assessment with a personal trainer. While this might be beneficial to some, the gym should really just do away with it and make it optional. Otherwise, it just stinks as a hidden initiation fee.
Towels, Lockers and Showers
For rates at this price point don't expect too many frills. This gym is strictly BYOT (Bring Your Own Towel) which works for some people but I'm probably not one of them. If I don't plan correctly I might be forced to occasionally dry myself with something a bit on the soggy and crusty side. The locker room is also bare bones and could use an update. An overnight locker costs $10 a month but day use is free. On the bright side, at least the showers aren't communal.
Personal Training, Yoga and Spin
The focus here is boxing which means don't join this gym for a wide range of other classes. They do offer yoga twice a week (it's included in the price) but there aren't any spinning bikes or classes. Personal training is available. Rates vary as there are several packages to choose from.
Food and Juice
The gym doesn't offer much to re-fuel at the moment but apparently they're planning to add a juice bar soon.
Worth Mentioning
The gym has boxing every day but Sundays. There's also salsa and Muay Thai.
Days and Hours of Operation
At the time of this post the gym is open Monday to Friday, 6:30am - 10pm; Saturday from 10am - 6pm and Sundays from 9am - 6pm. It's always best to check the web site for the most up to date info.
Discussion
94 Comments
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In class situations, I find I get what I put into it. Some instructors are not big on technique, so in those classes, I take it on myself.
I have attended the early Saturday morning class a few times, and consider that instructor well qualified. She runs a very challenging class that is both physically and mentally demanding. There is significant focus on technique, and when you are not achieving the correct form, she is able to break down the movements to explain where and how you need to improve.
If you are considering joining and have doubts, I suggest you consider the times that you will likely be using the gym, and scope the place out at those times (not just one day). There is a free day pass available, and in the past there have been guest passes that last for one week. You need to be sure that this is a good fit for you, so I figure the staff should accept that you need more than a single visit to make the decision. It's just due diligence.
Perhaps since I've never joined a gym before, not having towel service, and having a tiny change room (women's anyway) is not a problem. I need to change, I need to shower. I don't want to pay for extras.
It all depends on why you're joining. Are you doing more weight training, are you looking to do classes, cardio, etc? For strictly weight training, it's really not that bad. My only complaint is that they have mostly 1 set of everything so this means you have to wait sometimes to get your turn. having said that, suprisingly it doesn't happen too often.
As for the classes, it's hit and miss, but mostly a miss. I'm sure there are some qualified instructors, but from my experience, it's not up to par for a gym that has BOXING in their company name. This gives off the illusion that this is a legit boxing facility, which it is not!! It's like signing up to Extreme Couture and finding out that it's his wife's brother's friend's cousin that's running classes instead of Couture himself or people he trains with.
I think this place has some potential, but at the moment, it seems like it's poorly run and maintained. I get the feeling that upper management doesn't really care about the gym at all.
Conclusion, if you're looking for a place to just lift some weights and bulk up, it's not so bad. However, anything beyond this, like classes, technique training, etc, you might want to look elsewhere. If you're looking to train as a boxer, this place is definately NOT the place to do it. Although it's hard to find other boxing facilities, do not sign up if you're serious about boxing.
People got disappointed when it didn't meet their expectation. I would suggest to get 7 day pass to try the classes and the gym before signing.
Don't expect a high-end gym for $30 a month.
The best deal for membership is $200 one time payement (initiation i guess) then $25 a month after that. Aparently you never have to pay the $200 ever again, if true, $25/mth is good for what it is
Anyways, it is good for a quick and dirty Gym
So, in 2010, giving it another try...i'm so attached to this gym for nastalgic reasons but i do love working out and i hope that the classes have improved...
ps. My personal opinion.
It's 24 hours but, It's only staffed half the day and rarely on the weekends. This means that if you have trouble with a machine not working (which often happens) or the TV not working (they were broken for about a month) there is no one to go to. Also the gym gets pretty messy with no one around to clean up. The garbage overflows sometimes on the weekend and there have been times when there is no toilette paper in the bathroom!
Also, there is limited cardio equipment so if you go at a busy hour, you may spend long time waiting and you have to watch to get a machine (there is no sign up schedule)
The staff are friendly when they happen to be in, but they are pretty slow responding to questions or complaints.
This gym is about 5/10
It's 24 hours but, It's only staffed half the day and rarely on the weekends. This means that if you have trouble with a machine not working (which often happens) or the TV not working (they were broken for about a month) there is no one to go to. Also the gym gets pretty messy with no one around to clean up. The garbage overflows sometimes on the weekend and there have been times when there is no toilette paper in the bathroom!
Also, there is limited cardio equipment so if you go at a busy hour, you may spend long time waiting and you have to watch to get a machine (there is no sign up schedule)
The staff are friendly when they happen to be in, but they are pretty slow responding to questions or complaints.
This gym is about 5/10
It's 24 hours but, It's only staffed half the day and rarely on the weekends. This means that if you have trouble with a machine not working (which often happens) or the TV not working (they were broken for about a month) there is no one to go to. Also the gym gets pretty messy with no one around to clean up. The garbage overflows sometimes on the weekend and there have been times when there is no toilette paper in the bathroom!
Also, there is limited cardio equipment so if you go at a busy hour, you may spend long time waiting and you have to watch to get a machine (there is no sign up schedule)
The staff are friendly when they happen to be in, but they are pretty slow responding to questions or complaints.
This gym is about 5/10
The machine are kept maintained and the staff are very outgoing. I have been a member here for the past 4 years and it keeps on getting better. Every gym does take critisim and I feel they have really tried to make improvements on every aspect.
We want to apologize with your experince at Bloor Fitness & Boxing. If there have been any issues regarding your account with our facility we will be more then happy to help you regarding any situation. Feel free to contact the gym at training@bloorboxing.com or at 416-535-2699. Have a great day.
Then he goes on tell me that their boxing classes depends on how many people show up. What?! Basically, I'm talking about their newest gym, he emails people during the day to see who wants to do a boxing class later on that evening and if less than 5 people want to attend, then the trainer doesn't want to show up. What?!
So, he emails the people in the class, 5 people express an interest in a class that evening but only 4 or less actually show up, so does that mean that the coach will cancel the class after I've struggled to get down their on time?
THERE'S NO WAY I'D JOIN A GYM LIKE THIS!!!
I'm gunna go try this gym out today though, all I want are some weights and from what I read I doubt I'll be disappointed in that department, and I don't know why everyone bitches about cardio, invest 5 to 10 dollars in a skipping rope, better then half assing it on a treadmill like I see most people doing, drop the bitching about unworking TVs too. you're at the gym to get in shape, watch TV at home.
I'll write a review when I get home.
You people are fucked up..
I'm looking for a decent gym in the area, that's not too expensive (under $40/mo) and where I don't have to wait in line to pick up a set of weights. Would this be my place?
paid for 2 months then got billed for 3 more when i wasnt even there. the only thing wrong with this gym is everything.
1 star
Would this gym be good for me?
Thanks
http://newsdurhamregion.com/articlePrint/20575
Thanks.
My name's Antonio from Italy.
I read in your post that you worked out in Lansdowne A.C Boxing. I'm colleting some info about this club and some pics too. Can you give me an account of Lansdowne A.C Club?
Thanks a lot
Antonio
Pro's:
- Staff has been very friendly and polite. I do not use them as personal trainers, I don't need that service, however, if they are as friendly while they train you as they are when they se you everyday, then they are doing ok.
- I rarely have to wait for machines, or weights. Maybe I stay away from peak times, I dunno, but find a gym that has full accessibility during peak times....
- This Gym is NOT for models and pick up joint behaviour. I cannot STAND that crap, and so far, I see none of it here. The women are here to work out, the guys, it seems to me, are here to do the same. I have yet to see pretty people standing around with no sweat trying to pick up, thats a very good thing.
- I can come when I want. 24 hours may cost more, but calling it a scam is ridiculous. Nothing is free, and having the option to basically treat your gym as if it were your own personal gym....priceless. Most people who complain about that much hav easy hours or part time jobs.... try working shift work, or dealing with children or demanding jobs. Gym Flexibility is VERY valuable for people like us. 5am is when some peoples Alarms go off.
Cons:
- stretch area and open space area's are too small if you cannot use the upstairs area due to classes being run.
- Shower is a bit suspect in the mens change room, kinda funny, if you're in the far one, and then a guy uses the close one, well, you have to wait till he's done to leave... or walk through his little stall to get out which can be a little uncomfortable unless you're straight outta Spartacus.
- There is Zero weight room etiquette when it comes to placing the free weights in the proper spots after use. You should never leave your weights on the bar, and there is a proper sequence to place them on the rack. More staff could help this.
- Entrance area could have been laid out better to get people with their dirty shoes to the change rooms more efficiently to reduce messy floor issues. Ya, I guess I'm a bit picky, but I roll around on the ground doing exercises.
All in all it's a good gym for me. Listen, if you're looking for Bally's, go to Bally's. If you want to socialize, Premier and Extreme or Goodlife can be your place to do that. If you want a no nonsense place to work out. Cement walls, free weights, decent Boxing instruction for people getting into it, or simply wanting a new way to get in shape, then this place can be a good place to work out. My Roommate is a personal trainer, he has been to BSB, he thinks it's a decent gym, nothing big, nothing small. I am a former athlete and know my s^%$, I am happy enough because I don't need a tonne of coddling at the gym.
End results after I think about it. I give it a 7/10. And thats just fine for me because it's very fairly priced, and I can go whenever my schedule allows. If this is what you like, Join, if you need the Spa experience to working out and getting laid.... this might not be your thing.
Cheers
their motto..no hassles, no attitudes...I found the complete opposite
Would recommend this gym to anybody that is serious about seing results.
I recommend it.
However, I feel safe even in the middle of the night, other clients are friendly if you ask and don't bother you or try to socialize if you don't, the equipment is fine, it's reasonably clean and right on the subway.
I think it really depends on what you want from a gym. I'm a 48 yo woman and I get a lot out of it. Joined on the advice of my 55 yo brother-in-law, who lost 50 pounds working out and going to classes there, and is in kick ass shape.
its just a bad gym.
Lara
I recommend this gym for sure!
Sam
( 1 month scammed in ) then in order to get your 24/7 access card you need to provide bank into, and then tell you to sign up for the 49 dollar a month is min of 3 months , so 2 months scammed in, what dis honest place, i hope this place goes bankrupt.
I give this gym a 7.7 out of 10.
Anyways i hope this helped anyone out that is looking at this posting.
ciao
Need the washrooms renovated tho.
I used to go to Goodlife and eventually got sick of the guys that seem to think because they can lift more then someone else they have more of a right to be there. And the woman that would get dressed up to go to the gym....That is BS and luckily BSB doesn't support that mentality. If you are actually there to get fit and don't care about the flashiness some other more mainstream corporate gyms offer then this place is great. Personally, I don't care about whether or not they need to renovate the locker room or washrooms as I think Moe said this best above:
"I remember when going to the gym meant busting your ass and leaving a puddle of sweat everywhere you worked!"
I am very happy I am not at a gym anymore where dudes stare in the mirror half the time flexing and the whole scene is a fashion show!
I also agree that the gym isn't quite there with the boxing classes but hopefully with Kobe just starting on as a trainer things will change. I think there is a big difference however between the boxerobic style classes that they offer and some of the more serious classes that have now started. Wednesday and Thursday nights are a lot different then the other classes mentioned in the other posts above. So if you are joining to take on the classes be warned that each of the instructors offer a much different experience so choosing which best fits you is important.
I have lost a total of 57 lbs in 3 years (40 of the 57 lbs) I lost my first year! My weight loss is mainly attributed to attending 3-4 boxing classes a week along with healthy eating lifestyle. The instructors are motivational and the classes are awesome, it is a great total body workout.
Contrary to some of the other comments about a "fat chick" teaching the classes - her class is the class I attended the most and saw the most results from.
I have and will continue to recommend this gym to anyone!
Watch the service. The towels are terrible, small and fluff moults off it. Don't bother with the orientation. You have to decide what machines you need and then they'll show them to you. That's it as the rest is about the hard sell for the trainer at $60 an hour.
If you ask for help to actually program a machine you're on your own, the staff tell you to find out from a trainer. I'm talking what buttons to push-I do this often and it's still sometimes a challenge.
A bit of a disappoint-when our contract is up we'll be looking elsewhere despite how central it is.
NO REPLIES - IGNORED - NOTHING. Still getting billed.
But yeah, good gym if you want to pump iron.
I need 24 hour access to cardio and that's exactly what I get here. I have not tried the classes but I did get 3 calls regarding a free fitness evaluation, which means that they're hard-selling the for-pay personal training services.
If you can go at off-peak hours, I can't imagine that this is a bad deal for anyone needing cardio or basic weight access. Again, I can't say whether it's good for a serious bodybuilder. Just go down there and walk through, you'll figure it out soon enough.
If you wanna get signed up speak to the manager, His name is mike very nice guy with good intentions.
Myself and my Husband both love this gym.
I would recceomend this gym, Try it out First.
They give out free 7 day passes.
Anyone know if payments can be made this way?
It's a pretty sweaty rough gym which to be honest is usually a positive in such gyms as they indicate they are for serious people who want to work out unlike high end gyms, not the case here, this gym is sweaty rough and simply crap.
The people working there are rude, unprofessional and only interested in signing you up.
The gym is anything but serious, its a joke, instructors are amateur. The boxing lessons are poor you will not learn any technique here.
I've been to many raw sweaty rough gyms in my life in many different countries to work out hard and get some real boxing in and this place is the worst I've ever experienced.
I wouldn't go back there if I was paid to.
I also paid for 3 months of personal training there and it made a huge difference in my life and the results have been amazing. Plain and simple, its a no bullshit gym. If you want a place with frills you wont be going to a serious WORKING gym. That's what separates the men from the boys.
The staff are great and so are the people who are they to workout. I can admit though, the changes rooms could use a reno, but whatever... Im not there to hang out in the change rooms... Im there to get busy and get to work.
If you dont like it, dont knock it... and move on over to SNAP fitness or Good Life.
-Go Hard or Go Home-
The classes are well constructed and are thouroughly a good work out.
Teachers are more than helpful and always willing to lend a hand.
I recomend this gym. What you see is what you get. No hidden fees.
Justine
I have been a member at the usual suspects in the GTA.. GoodLife and the like and hated every minute there. BSB doesn't have the guys oogling or the usual idiots just trying to socialize and pick up.
The equipment is decent and usually in good working order, and I have never had to wait even during busy times. The classes are great, I tend to go to the fun classes so I can't speak to the highly technical classes. I would suggest for classes to pick up a pair of cheap gloves/hand wraps from WalMart, the lenders stink!
All in all a great gym, I am very happy that I did join!
The staff is very friendly and professional especially the manager.
I would highly recommend this gym!
Highly reccomend the classes if your looking to tone up.
Moreover, the TWIN personal trainer brothers are just COOL and always take it the extra mile to be helpful with have great charisma. Shane was is also great help. I.e. today when I phoned about a payment inquiry and he got all the paper work ready for me by the time I got to the gym after work. Mike (the manager) was done work for the day, yet when Shane called him to confirm my request he picked up and was able to add value to the service I needed-even during his time off work. Much appreciated. So while some may BLOOR FITNESS is not among the fanciest gyms, you are probably right it is not. It's among the greatest! The dedicated staff, friendly gym members and two floors (First floor-gym and change rooms; and second floor-boxing ring, punching bags, where classes occur), make Bloor Fitness a gym that I would not in a million years trade for other higher end gyms even though I could afford them. Get your (non-binding in any way) 7 day pass and try it out- bring you friends along too. I support Bloor Fitness all the way :D!
Ohh, one more thing...If my review had to consist of one word only, it'd be -"home".
PS: smile Paul!
Most sincerely,
E.
My overall opinion is the gym is pretty good!
Try it out first.