Revolution Fitness

Revolution Fitness, in the heart of the Financial District at Yonge and Adelaide, draws its membership from the high-level executives, lawyers and stock brokers who work in the area. The gym ain't cheap but if you have the cash to burn to keep yourself fitting into those designer jeans this full service fitness club might just be one of the better options around.

The approach at Revolution Fitness is a clear departure from the average Toronto gym. Here, each member is assigned a fitness and health entourage. What that means is you not only get something akin to a personal trainer helping you out every time you break a sweat but you also benefit from a team of qualified trainers and nutritionists who monitor your lifestyle, diet, conditioning, form, time efficiency and day to day progress at the club.

Open for just over a year now, Revolution Fitness is stocked with top of the line free weights, machines and cardio equipment. There is a serene studio for stretching and yoga classes, a small store selling workout clothing and supplies and a kick-ass entrance that impresses as you descend an escalator off Yonge.

Rates and Initiation Fee

Membership at Revolution Fitness is limited to 650 members. Expect an initiation fee between $199-$399 depending on the package. This isn't the place to work out on a budget. Rates start at $49 per workout session. But at that price you get more than access to the fitness facilities but also the personal attention (that entourage I mentioned) and nutritional counseling.

Towels, Lockers and Showers

The locker and show facilities are amazing. There were too many private showers to count, steam rooms, big fluffy towels and lots of room to roam around. There is free shampoo, conditioner, hair dryers, shaving cream, disposable razors and moisturizers. Laundy service is available for a fee and overnight lockers can be had for as low as $15 a month.

Personal Training, Yoga and Spin

Unlike many other downtown gyms, yoga and spin take a back seat here. In fact, spinning isn't even offered. Yoga is included in the membership but classes are infrequent and understandably not the main draw that brings in members. Earlier this year though the club opened up yoga to non-members for $15 a class. There is no extra cost for personal training as this is already included in the membership.

Food and Juice

A juice bar offers freshly squeezed juices, protein shakes, all-natural protein bars, water and other pick me ups. They also host a monthly breakfast or lunch for the members that is geared to educate them on healthy eating.

Worth Mentioning

Revolution Fitness has an onsite Wellness Centre with chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, athletic therapy, naturopathic medicine and homeopathic medicine. The owner, Sarah Grant, used to be a consultant for a large international consulting firm. She was once 30 pounds overweight but now follows her own gym's advice and is fit and slim.

Days and Hours of Operation

At the time of this post Revolution Fitness is open Monday to Thursday, 6am - 9pm; Friday from 6am - 8pm; and Saturday and Sunday from 8am - 4pm. It's always best to check the web site for the most up to date info.