The Best Fitness Clubs in Toronto
What's the best fitness club in Toronto? For many it's a loaded question. First you need to get past the idea that gyms are all out to get you with hidden fees and convoluted membership programs that change as often as the weather. Then you need to decide how much of your monthly budget should go toward a gym; and what facilities, classes and level of pampering are required to satisfy your needs. But ultimately, the location might drive the decision as we all know we're more likely to hit the gym the closer it is to work or home.
With this pretense in mind, it's no surprise that the vote for the best fitness club in Toronto was as close as any of the categories in our poll. Like our Best Brunch in Toronto results there's a bit of a downtown bias here with the inclusion of only two gyms north of Bloor. We've also omitted all the chains. Just check the flyers in your mailbox to be reminded of places like Extreme Fitness, Goodlife Fitness and Premier Fitness.
We've also omitted single-sex gyms (like Christine's Fitness) and the community centers - the places that are usually lighter on the wallet but often feature older equipment, less than ideal ventilation and communal showers. But it's unfair to paint them all with the same brush. For some better options, check out the Miles Nadal JCC or the local YMCA.
So who's on the list? Many of these gyms opened their doors in the last five years and were started by thirty-somethings who recognized the shortcomings of the more traditional fitness clubs. Leading the pack is Liberty Village's Kingwest Fitness, one of the many loft-like spaces that made the cut.
Kingwest Fitness
A spacious fitness club in a beautifully restored factory in Liberty Village, Kingwest Fitness offers spin, boxing and other classes and has a women's only section. More...
Totum
A stylish 3rd Uncle designed and Bruce Mau branded club on King West, Totum serves up a range of classes including Pilates and Muay Thai. More...
Eclipse Fitness
This second floor retreat on College features light-infused spin and fitness studios and a good mix of machines and free weights in a loft like space. More...
The Yorkville Club
Just steps from Whole Foods, the Yorkville Club provides a range of classes, cardio, yoga, spin and pilates to help sweat away all those organic calories. More...
Bloor Street Boxing and Fitness
One of the leading boxing facilities in Toronto. The second floor features the ring that Mohammed Ali and Rocky Marciano fought in New York's Times Square. More...
The King West Club
This sub-level club across from the CBC is stocked with a good range of cardio equipment, free weights and machines. More...
99 Sudbury
Still a work in progress, 99 Sudbury is slated to offer a full range of classes, yoga, squash, free weights, machines and cardio. More...
Revolution Fitness
This high-end club in the Financial District sets you up with a fitness entourage to monitor your workouts, nutrition and daily progress. More...
H.I.T. Fitness
H.I.T Fitness offers a unique training system the revolves around their proprietary H.I.T Fit ROM Machine. More...
Comments (46)
I'll never forget, a friend of mine who worked out in a "real" gym, and he came to visit and we took him to a Baileys (it was the 80's)...he walks in, looks around and says, "there's no 'eye of the tiger' in this gym." : - )
Eye of the tiger, Rock.
Where is the review for the good old YMCA? You'd be surprised at what you get, not to mention your fee goes toward a (relatively) good cause.
Used to have a membership at King West Fitness. The AC was a big problem there and it was often too hot or humid. The place was almost always empty and that got boring after a while. I used to wonder how they were staying in business, it's been a year, so maybe they're busier now.
I have a Goodlife membership now and while it's crowded, I prefer it.
Going to vote for Berkeley Gym at Queen & Berkeley: www.berkeleygym.com
Some folks live east of Yonge, you know.
what about Trainers Fitness at Bathurst & Bloor? it's practically Average Joe's from Dodgeball, but it's dirt cheap and is popular with the students in the neighbourhood.
It was a mistake to leave out the YMCA, west and central. They aren't community centres, rather full on gyms with better facilities than many clubs.
I'd rather see a ranking/comparison of more affordable places rather than the chi-chi boutique gyms that cost $70+ a month.
I belong to the King West Club. It's a good basic gym but definitely no-frills.
- There are eight shower stalls in the men's locker room but only four of them have doors with all kinds of sludge and scum on them.
- The floor in the locker room is painted concrete. Slippery when wet and potentially dangerous.
- At any given time at least one cardio machine is out of order.
- the spinning bikes were crammed into the cardio area making the whole area feel cramped. It's hard to get to some of the machines without climbing over people.
- Full-sized lockers are in short supply. I usually have to cram my stuff in one of the small lockers.
- The sauna is kind of gross. I suppose it's hard to keep the wooden benches clean but they must be able to do something to make it more hygeinic, no?
- The entire place could use a good cleaning, especially the locker rooms.
But as I said, it's a good gym all in all. Not expensive, has everything you need for a workout, and free classes.
Yeah. The YMCA at college/yonge deserves to be up there.
The guys there are so supportive. They always come up to you in the locker room to pat your bum and tell you how good you look.
Since you omitted community centres but referred to it, I'll put in my two cents about the Miles Nadal JCC:
It's a pretty good club, especially if you're willing to pay more - beyond the basic fee - for extras such as permanent locker (no need to carry your gym bag around all day), laundry service (no need to take your smelly gym clothes home to wash either) and towel service.
I've been a member for a few years, recently researched other, less expensive clubs closer to home and decided to stay with the JCC.
Things I like:
They're non-profit so at any time I could see their financial statements. With some of the other clubs I'd wonder what I'm paying for. When I belonged to Fitness One at Yonge and Charles, I knew exactly what my $15/month WASN'T paying for (good ventilation, proper cleaning, just to name two). I like the non-profit business model.
I like that they're established and aren't going anywhere and no one can "buy them out", compromising quality and interrupting their business.
I like the value I get and the instructors that work there.
I'd like to see more weights and more barbells especially, but I do fine with what's there, as do the big, muscular guys who look like powerlifting competitors. Someone told me that the JCC has plans to enlarge their weight room.
Holy expensive clubs for rich white people, Batman. I thought I was reading Toronto Life for a second.
I would never sign up for any of these clubs. Exercise is no doubt essential, but I cannot justify paying $60 a month and up for membership. The dumbbells in my community centre weigh the same as the dumbbells in these fancy gyms. I think the added 'service' and extra amenities (a juice bar?) only cater to a very select group of people. I wish this was a more comprehensive guide.
What about Quad Spin? That place is incredible. The folks are so supportive there. It's small but so worth it for the one on one attention.
A must for all women who truly care about getting in shape and having fun!!! Probably Canada's fastest growing ladies only club...neighbours to a hot spa & tanning salon too :)
From my experience Premier Fitness is certainly the worst fitness club. The only positive thing I can say about them is that their equipment is relatively new. Their staff is unprofessional and rude. There are cockroaches in the shower too!! And they overcharge me every single month.
It's funny to me that people think "$60 is too much for a membership"...it's seriously like $1.70 a day. Hold back one coffee. And I bet your cell phone bill is more than that! You pay hundreds, thousands of dollars to fix your car, house, etc, but yeah spending $60 to for your own health and fitness is CRAZY....exercise puts years on your life, decreases stress, decreases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes, increases mental acuity, treats depression, ETC ETC ETC.......what is that worth to you?? you aren't superman, your body needs as much care as anything else in your life.
UGH sorry that mentality pisses me off.
ANYHOW- from my experiences, and my best friend works at GoodLife Fitness, they are by FAR the most trusted, stable, and integrity based gym in Canada. Of course, people have bad experiences with everything all the time, I even bought a pair of $300 Versace sunglasses that broke after 2 days, but in the end, NO OTHER fitness club has been around for 30 years and they have a corporate head office, fair rates, they do NOT price negotiate, they take on a personal approach with members and do a lot of great things to keep them working out and improve their health.
you're stupid to join a no-name club, have fun when they steal $500 from you and close down after 6 months.
paying in full is the dumbest thing you can do at a fitness club (Trust me, i've worked for them), we used to laugh at charging people money upfront.
Interesting to see all those comments. Personally, I 've been a member of a Swann gym. Fitness center for women only. I'have been more than satisfied. I have quit training for the moment. Not much time for training at the moment but I plan to go back to Swann when I will have more time far that.
I can't believe no one has mentioned Roland Semprie Rosedale on Yonge street! Okay, so it's a tiny tiny bit north of Bloor (just outside Rosedale Station), but it's worth it. Since it's primarily a personal training gym, it's never crowded. Even the classes (boxing, salsa, and spinning are my favourites) are very small. The facility is gorgeous, and the staff are thoughtful and attentive (they always remember me and what I do/don't like - big towels, cold water, no chocolate in my protein shakes, etc). Roland is insanely knowledgeable about all things fitness/wellness and helped me put together a personalized package including personal training, classes, supplements, and nutritional counselling. There's so many body treatments available (massage, chiropractor, etc) and they focus on a holisti approach to good health. I've been really satisfied with my experience there, and I HIGHLY recommend it.
The YMCA's, University fitness and buildings equipped with private gyms are the way to go. The rest are there to exploit you.
If you are just starting out you want to find a gym with competent staff. In terms of the facility, as long as it has a good selection of dumbbells and barbells you're good to go. I've had some bad experiences with gym staff, and these days that drives my decision when choosing a place to work out. I like to go down to a gym and see how you are treated before making my decision.
I agree with another poster: this list of clubs are all upscale rich white corporate health clubs. You can tell by just looking at the pictures. I suspect the author is a shill for some of the clubs he writes about. The report is not objective.
...I've looked even closer at this so-called best fitness club review, and am underwhelmed. White yuppy health clubs for those earning over $100,000! Come on, people: "The Yorkville Club ...next to Whole Foods!? Yeah, Whole Foods: where an apple costs $5. Brilliant: live in a $300,000 condo next to Whole Foods, and exercise your fat, white corporate ass at the Yorkville, then buy $5 apple, etc. over and over. Look at the interiors of these health clubs in the photos: it looks like you're paying for "loft exercise boutique designed by Versace". Get back to basics: don't need a fancy shmancy expensive location and interior...how about a decent, affordable health club with clean facilities, no rip-offs, and a good selection of group fitness activities. Maybe the closest thing is the YMCA? Just a thought.
I really like the YMCA. I was a memeber in durham for over a year. The equipment and facities are as good as any premium gym I have been to. The only down side: Lots and lots of kids of all ages, as well as an ongoing theft problem in the change rooms. They also now have a $90 sign up fee. (it was $40 when I origionally signed up)
I don't have a hate-on for the fancy shi-shi places, but I'm not in love with the "grass-roots" ones either. Isn't there something between fancy and "they have a theft problem and roaches?" Doesn't seem like too much to ask.
Oh, and can it be next door to my apartment, too? That'd be awesome... thanks!
I agree with many of the comments about the YMCA. My husband and I have been members for years, your money goes to a worth while cause and not in some fat cats pocket. Enough said...
Unbelievable. These are clubs for the elite. Who cares about staring at hardwood floors and natural light beaming through the windows. Since when do health clubs have to be so elite to be healthy. Who picked these 10 clubs anyways?????????????? Sounds like you beleive in charging for a 2 tier healthcare system as well-pay alot of money to have good health. Give me a break and be realistic.
Riverdale Fitness. Gotta' give them a plug. It's no frills, but it's also no attitude. $40 a month, good hours, clean, staff that's knowledgeable AND friendly! Some serious muscle heads take over the back of the weight area from time to time, but even they give no grief to a little girl like me walking back to pick up the baby weights. Highly recommend!
I am going to say one of the best gyms that I have ever attended(for classes, personal training and top notch health services) has to be Roland Semprie Rosedale. It is intimate, motivating and completely REAL! I hate pretensions and the idea of being looked down upon, so when I walked into this facility and the reception were quick to welcome me and offer me anything I needed I knew I had found a place that would work and benefit me. I have been going to Roland's for 3 months and I already seriously feel different and more healthy. You should check it out as another healthy alternative to your life!
Aside from the already castigated pretense, MAYBE 1/5 of Torontonians live reasonably near these clubs. Anyway..for my fellow inner-suburbanites: My vote for worst is Premier Fitness Yorkdale. Facility barely passable but if you give them a credit card they will NEVER let go. If you have a dispute with them, they are prepared to destroy their reputation with you and all your friends for a few measly dollars. On the positive side of fitness facilities.. I truly miss living near a YMCA facility. Sigh...
Yeah...you probably work there...I have been there...its okay...but a little bit pretentious. Not one of the best.
Mike
I just wanna say that Fitness One for women is the place to go excercise for ladies. I paid $200.00 for sign-up fee, but for life I'll only have to pay $10.00 per month. I've been a membe for 4 years now, and I love it. It's no-frills, but hey... you go there to sweat it off, not to show up in your lululemon pants and $500.00 yoga matt. Totally recommend it!
Roland Semprie Rosedale! amazing shakes, none of that water down liquid most sell, modivating! clean! and goes back to the basics. Roland has this ability to make you want to improve and be healthy. Boxing and Cycle classes are my favorite!
We wasted thousands of dollars on gyms we really didn't like (and barely went to) until we found Home Health Canada--they put a great treadmill in our house for a monthly fee. Their personal trainers gave us programs that got us fit fast and now we work out any time we want and still pay less than our gym fees!
Best money we've ever spent. Our vote for best gym goes to the one Home Health Canada put in our home.
I feel that both Extreme Fitness and Eclipse Fitness clubs are the worst Fitness clubs one could ever join, They are major cheaters and i t is a waste of time, energy and money not-well spent. If you ask me where you should work out. Try either the Parks and Recretation at Yonge and Eglinton, YMCA by College or Goodlife at Yonge and St. Clair. These are the best clubs.
I am originally from Toronto, currently living in London, UK. If you find $60 a month for your health & wellbeing too expensive, here's food for thought...last year I worked in a health club in London that charges 900 british sterling (about 1600 dollars at the moment) joining fee and up to 300 dollars a month to keep using the club! The club, while large in size with a nice restaurant, had average facilities, sub-standard classes(that is , if they weren't cancelled) rude staff and frustrated members. I can't wait to come back home to our fantastic & fun health clubs and gyms!
There is a new gym at Avenue and Eglinton called Body and Soul Fitness. It's always clean, no hidden fee's or contracts, just month to month, and the staff are incredible. They all know you by name and make you feel good about your self. They're always focused on you hitting your goals. They have a few classes like yoga and spinning but they're really known for their personal training. Definitely something to check out.
Would love to see an updated list here. Is there any good fitness clubs in the King East area? I'm sick of Good Life. It's always way too busy.
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I go to the JCC and I highly recommend it. I haven't been a member of any other gyms in Toronto, but I have used tons of gyms in other cities, and I think the JCC might just be the best I've ever used. Everyone there is really friendly, it's clean and the machines are good. The changerooms and shower area are really nice, too. There's not a big weight room, but I like that because it means that the JCC doesn't attract those serious bodybuilding guys. Only problems are that it can get really busy at peak times and the hours aren't that great (only open 'till 10pm during the week and 7pm weekends).
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