Fitness Clubs
Totum
With three locations in Toronto, Totum must be doing something right. At King and Spadina, the largest of the three battles Diesel Fitness for the hearts and wallets of the ad professionals in the neighbourhood. The 15,000 square foot fitness facility, designed by the award-winning 3rd Uncle and branded by Bruce Mau Design, features exposed brick walls, lots of natural light and top of the line equipment and instruction.
Totum (which means whole in Latin) takes a multi-disciplinary approach to what they do. They supplement the usual gym routine with a range of fitness and health care services including an on-site Naturopath. But for those just looking for a sweat, there's no shortage of cardio equipment, free weights and exercise classes. About the only thing that's missing is a better variety of weight machines.
The gym was founded by Tim and Stacy Irvine - both University athletes. She in Track and Field and he in Football. Both have Masters of Science Degrees and more than twenty years experience in health and nutrition. This comes across in the overall vibe of the club. It ain't cheap to join but there's zero attitude here. The focus really does seem to be on getting and keeping their members fit and injury free.
Rates and Initiation Fee
Totum has three locations. The two studios (on Roxborough and St. Clair) are both pay as you play but require an initial $100 assessment fee. The King and Spadina location does away with the assessment fee and instead just prices membership at a flat rate of $109 a month.
Towels, Lockers and Showers
The locker rooms are relatively new and modern and come equipped with nice private showers and a steam room. Day lockers are free but overnight lockers go for a monthly rate of $25. Towel service is included with the membership.
Personal Training, Yoga and Spin
Hatha yoga and spinning classes are offered almost everyday and are included in the membership fee. Personal training starts at $55 a session but can climb as high as $150 a session.
Food and Juice
Totum offers a range of ready-made packaged snacks like protein bars, healthy cookies, energy drinks as well as an accessible line of professional grade supplements through their Naturopath and Chiropractors.
Worth Mentioning
There are plenty of other classes to choose from including Circuit Training, Rhythm Boxing, Pilates, Muay Thai, Fit for Basketball and more. Morning classes start as early as 6:30am. Totum also offers a number of health care services such as Chiro/Physio/Naturopathy/Sports Medicine and Massage; and specialized and unique services like Active Release, Shockwave therapy, Acupuncture and Laser therapy.
Days and Hours of Operation
At the time of this post the gym is open Monday to Friday, 6:00am - 10pm; Saturday from 8am - 5pm and Sundays from 10am - 5pm. It's always best to check the web site for the most up to date info.
Discussion
18 Comments
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Some staff are very friendly, like Erica. Rest are phony and unfortunately showed attitude especially there was an Asian staff, forgot her name. probably Tracy.
What I like about this gym? Two things. It is less crowded. Good for someone who needs privacy, and the changing room.
It is a fancy gym over all in terms of appearance, but no equipments whatsoever for that kind of money. I dont mind paying if it is worth the money. But...
Overall, If you want to get fit without having to spend $$$$, join King West, Goodlife. Find out when it is less crowded.
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Regarding the equipment, we are beginning a year long replacement plan that will see over 50% of the gear changed. We're starting with the treadmills which will be arriving by the end of August. We will also add more traditional weight stack equipment in months ahead.
Our Free Motion equipment is still what I consider to be the most innovative on the market. It can be used in hi performance sport training, body building, functional training and post rehabilitation work. It's fun to show people who aren't used to it what a great workout it can produce.
As a company, we focus on service and professionalism in an industry that has, unfortunately, not been known for either. I'll offer anyone a week complimentary to compare.
Thanks for the comments.
http://newsdurhamregion.com/articlePrint/20575
We appreciate your comments as this is how we can learn and be better. All I can do is offer you another opportunity in the future to come and experience the ongoing, growth and positive changes at Totum. We are committed to getting better and our plan is to do just that, even in areas that we are rated strongly.
All the best to you.
Sincerely,
Tim Irvine,
President,
Totum Life Science
However, with that said, the classes they offered were phenomenal (Garfeld's class is a must), the staff were nice and the other members are friendly too. If you can afford the $$$, it's worth a shot...just MAKE SURE YOU CLEARLY TELL THEM WHEN YOU WANT TO CANCEL YOUR MEMBERSHIP!!
Generally speaking our cancellation process is quite straight forward and certainly not the tooth pulling experience at other clubs. We have very few problems overall, but there are some. The most common issue is if a member does not complete there cancellation request in writing to us. This is an absolute must as verbal requests are impossible to verify.
For any issues we have had with cancelling members, we have always resolved them in a timely manner and to the satisfaction of both the member and Totum. It's only reasonable to do so.
Anonymous Member, if ever you are interested in re-joining Totum, I am happy to direct the process myself so you can have a high level of confidence in your commitment.
All the best.
Tim Irvine
President,
Totum Life Science
Erica apologized and offered me a deal to make it up. It is no way her fault. I appreciate her offer, but I had to turn it down because of the same reasons. Erica does a great job btw.
There are many good things about the gym, where to begin.
Garfield's boxing sessions, Antonio's classes. Especially I have never seen anyone working as hard as Antonio in his classes, sometimes people on the treadmills around (The new upgraded treadmills were excellent) just stare at this class, and sign up for the next day...
The best personal trainer anyone can have is, Andrew Stanfield, so far he's the best trainer I've seen. I don't think you wanna let these guys go at any point.
Markam is very informative with his Gyrokenesis classes.
The no contract month to month is another great thing, when I was gonna introduce my friends and colleagues, they liked the no contract hassle free memberships, putting account on hold. Just gotta meet Helene and cancel the membership, that's easy.
Very well maintained washroom, and towel service, btw the wooden divider thing in the middle of the mens room, is pointless. There were some members who actually said they hated it when it was put there, and claustrophobic.
Other than that, if the personal trainers work out on a specific time, it would be much better. There were times I come from work and I had to share a machine or weights with the personal trainers that are actually working out. Especially on Saturday evenings.
I understand this is more of a fitness studio. But, if there are more machines and weights...this could easily be one of the best downtown fitness clubs in Toronto. And yeah, some friendly receptionists as well at least with fake smiles :)
I have been going to your rosedale location for three months now . I find all your staff to be very professional and Kerry who is so small can perform miracles when you need an RMT.
As for Michael my trainer he has whipped me into shape with the most care I have seen.I have noticed on the page issues regarding billing and we had a small issue but your people handled it perfectly.
Thank you
M
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i just moved to toronto on a job transfer, and was actually going to sign up at a downtown gym; i'm not sure if this is the place I will want to attend.
I always wanted to check it out and was considering buying my wife a few months membership for christmas.
But after reading this blog I'm not so sure not.
My wife has never gone to gyms before and really wants to start but
I'm afraid this place will put her off if the staff are as everyone is saying.
Are people just being snobs here or are the staff really that bad?