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Group fitness gyms in Toronto
Group fitness gyms in Toronto prove that working out in groups provides a no-idling, non-thinking approach to fitness, naturally triggering our competitive side to one-up the sweaty valiant peer beside us, maximizing lunge output and overall results.
Although most gyms offer fitness classes, there are fitness gyms in Toronto that exclusively offer group classes and nothing else. These classes are taught by top fitness trainers who possess the knowledge and expertise to keep us motivated on our quest for physical transformation.
Unlike traditional gyms, this niche market caters to those of us looking for a more personal approach to fitness as well as, perhaps, a sense of community and camaraderie among waist-shrinking peers.
Offering the perks of personal training without the hefty price tag that comes along with one-on-one sessions, the trained and motivational coaches push, coach and assist through an array of dynamic group classes, giving us way more bang for our buck.
Convinced yet? Here are 5 group fitness gyms in Toronto.
StrengthBox
With walls to climb, a gigantic wooden jungle gym to conquer, and plenty of space to move, this industrial-style "box" gym feels a whole lot like an adult playground. Sessions at this studio are designed to emulate primal movements and activity patterns which mimic our hunter-gatherer ancestors. Classes are taught in small intimate groups led by encouraging and innovative instructors. Memberships for unlimited small-group training costs $150 per month (no contract), $100 for 8 sessions, and drops-ins are $20.
Harmony Fitness
Located in North York, Harmony Fitness is Toronto's largest group fitness facility. Their California-esque ambiance is indicative of the variety of their contemporary classes and their infectiously energetic instructors. With a roster of trendy classes like Zumba, TreadSanity, and BarreSanity, this dynamic studio aims to shake up any lackluster routine. High-powered classes are synced with heart-pounding music, while sportive instructors motivate members to do more, creating the perfect mecca for the sculpted masses. Annual membership is $1650, or $165/month for an unlimited class pass.
Urbanplayground Fitness Inc.
Owned and operated by two fierce personal trainers, Urbanplayground, a women-only fitness studio, knows what it takes to motivate and mentor their lady clients. This bootcamp boutique, pride themselves on comfort and feminine camaraderie. Small classes of 3-12 participants, and mandatory registration and cancellation policies keep clients accountable and motivated. Don't let the women's only bit fool you! Classes like The Hangover Cure, Yoga Bootcamp and Total Body conditioning are anything but easy, giving any bro infiltrated gym a run for their money. Drop-in sessions are $22.56, unlimited 4-week pass $180, and a 48-week unlimited pass is $1440.
Fit Factory Fitness
With over 120 classes held per month, the mix of variety offered at this studio keeps gams fatigued and sweat glands overworked. Unlike other bootcamp-style studios, Fit Factory's signature bootcamp class is led by co-founder Tony A, a former U.S. Marine Corps Drill Instructor, who has over 22 years of experience in the fitness industry working with both civilian and military personal. Annual membership fees are $200/month or $150/month (prepaid). Unlimited month to month access is $250.
Think Fitness
Energy and endurance is continually challenged at this high-intensity, Bloor West Village studio. With in-depth attention paid to client's form and abilities, the personable and encouraging trainers at this close-knit studio have members quadrupling their "feel good" endorphins. A variety of strength building exercises like sprinting with parachutes, kettlebell work and Olympic movements, are jammed packed into their strenuous and sweaty classes. Drop-ins are $20 and unlimited class passes are $169.99/month
Writing by Stephanie Payne. Photo from the Fit Factory Fitness Facebook page.
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$150/MONTH is the cheapest option ..
For a bunch of basic exercises?!
I thought this gym deserves a mention on the list, as I've had such a positive and motivating experience with it.
I agree with Teekay, when you feel the cost of the classes, it improves compliance. I usually sign up to classes in advance, and then I have no excuse not to go because I'm paying for it anyway. There's always a million things that can keep you from taking that hour to take care of yourself.
You will definitely find what you are looking for at Fit Factory Fitness - whether you are young, old, athletic or not. When it comes to my health/fitness I only want the best and Fit Factory Fitness delivers. I've recommended Fit Factory Fitness to multiple friends, and they've all become members after attending a few classes. Check them out and see for yourself.You will not be disappointed.
I first started in February and I am a member since then. Instructors are great - motivating, educated and CARING! It makes a lot of difference! There is no judgement and everyone is very supportive of each other! As soon as I step into 579 Yonge Street, I KNOW that I will be actually working out for the next 60 minutes! Feels great after :)
The camaraderie is an added bonus: the instructors run an intense obstacle course on Saturdays during the summer (The O Course) and also get together groups to run other obstacle races (Spartan Race, Warrior Dash, Tough Mudder, etc).
It's been a great experience for me, and I encourage others to try it out.
Fit Factory was better before the explosion of online deals and new location. It's become overcrowded, less personal, and less effective. If you have any special needs (injury, new to working out, etc), you are left on your own for a bit. Their website claims you can burn 800 cal in a session, which does not make sense unless you are extremely large. When I questioned why my heart rate monitor shows I burn 300-500 cal per session, I'm told my monitor must be broken/inaccurate. Looking at online calculators, 300-500 is also the range I get (for my stats). I would like to know who can burn 800 cal/h in this class.
In terms of the workout, you do a mix of weights and cardio.
Cardio - good. You run around the park (timed race, prizes for top times), do jumping jacks, run in place (if inside), burpees, etc.
Weights - little baby weights!! Don't expect anything over 10 or 15 lbs.
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STRENGTHBOX
StrengthBox is a great place, though I have only gone once. It really is an adult playground! The day I went, it was done similar to a circuit (list of exercises to complete). Depending on your skill level, it'll take 45-90 minutes to complete it. I saw a really nice range in weights - I didn't check, but there was definitely more than 20lb weights! There is rope climbing, a rock climbing wall, bars (chin ups, leg lifts), and tree trunks (you can pretend to climb trees), and some other stuff I didn't get to try out. Everyone there is in great shape, and very supportive.
I have no idea what this lady above me is talking about, I have had the best experience of my exercise life at Fit Factory!!
Even more so SINCE the new location.. The FFF Family is amazing and I love how they can remember everyone's name!!
That kind of stuff is actually important to me, not that I am just another number or another dollar. As well in my very first class I mentioned to the instructor my shoulder injury and he was extremely perceptive to finding me a modified exercise.
Then you get to the workouts.. oh boy. 800 Calories seems like an understatement!!! If you have actually done the class and pushed your hardest... :)
I have a heart monitor as well but I don't even bother with the caloric expenditure aspect of it.. To me that's like reading it off of the treadmill. How does it know which muscle groups you are using?? Ie. Legs burn more cals.
As well how does it know your metabolic rate?
Anywho thought I would throw my two cents in the mix here.
If you are looking for the MOST INTENSE and Military structured Bootcamp in Toronto, then Fit Factory is where you need to be, believe me.
And as for the O Course, I am signed up for end of August!! Can't wait, the videos look insane, to say the least and I am a little bit nervous..
Definitely a niche in the fitness industry that is blowing up huge!!!
Thank you FFF for being in Toronto!
Fit Factory fitness is the place to be. You will never work so hard and you will never feel so great. The atmosphere at the studio is amazing. Everyone, no matter what your age, shape, size or ability level, is welcome and treated equally. As long as you have it in you to try and then try harder, this is the place for you. The trainers are awesome, someone always welcomes you by name and you leave sweaty and feeling amazing because YOU DID IT! Come check it out!
What really annoyed me is that they want to do before/after shots of people that lost weight prior to joining!
Nevertheless - if you can hack it, it's an awesome workout.
It may seem like a lot to pay for a gym, but really, it's not. Each class is led by an inspiring and motivating personal trainer, and modifications are made throughout the workouts so everyone of every ability is able to participate. It's a fraction of the cost of working with a personal trainer. It's a great deal.
I go at least 5 times a week and look forward to each and every class. I don't think I've ever sweat so much and had such a blast doing so. The class sizes are small, and the vibe is always positive. They offer many different classes so I'm never bored. I'm really lucky to have found this gym.
Not a cool comment either;
Asians on computers = video games?? Hmm. Sounds like you come from an uneducated background.
Perhaps if you had any will power you would've been able to hack it!!!
Got my workout in tonight at FFF!! Uh Rah to the real troops!!!
As for the LA feel? I've been to LA's clubs many-a-times and this is far from it! The owners boast that they take multiple trips to Los Angeles, Sure! I can believe that, with all the money you're stealing from us! Yet, you can't seem to even keep your facilities maintained, let alone make it resemble anything close to the luxuries of the LA lifestyle.
To Jason! you're a joke of an owner! Leave the training and ownership of this facility to someone who knows how to do it and why they're doing it. Also, to all the trainers that work at this facility! You're absolutely fantastic! I hope to see you all at another location!