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Best of Toronto

The Best Fitness Clubs in Toronto

Posted by Tim / February 28, 2008

Toronto Gyms Fitness ClubsWhat'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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

H.I.T Fitness offers a unique training system the revolves around their proprietary H.I.T Fit ROM Machine. More »

Discussion

104 Comments

Steve / February 28, 2008 at 01:56 pm
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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.
J / February 28, 2008 at 03:19 pm
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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.
R / February 28, 2008 at 03:47 pm
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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.
The Beerad / February 28, 2008 at 04:31 pm
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Going to vote for Berkeley Gym at Queen & Berkeley: www.berkeleygym.com

Some folks live east of Yonge, you know.
senior / February 28, 2008 at 06:45 pm
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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.
Y / February 28, 2008 at 07:37 pm
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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.
1pinecone / February 28, 2008 at 08:42 pm
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The YMCA Central has a great pool. Although UofT's pool is my ultimate favourite to swim in.
jen / February 28, 2008 at 08:48 pm
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I'd rather see a ranking/comparison of more affordable places rather than the chi-chi boutique gyms that cost $70+ a month.
Teena / February 28, 2008 at 09:57 pm
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99 Sudbury rocks! I love it!
tripper / February 29, 2008 at 10:05 am
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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.
Mr. Manly / February 29, 2008 at 11:16 am
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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.
AT / February 29, 2008 at 01:31 pm
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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.

ToddRam / February 29, 2008 at 11:34 pm
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bubba
Allan / March 1, 2008 at 06:02 pm
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Holy expensive clubs for rich white people, Batman. I thought I was reading Toronto Life for a second.
Tim / March 17, 2008 at 01:41 pm
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Diesel Fitness is now closed:

http://blogto.com/sports_play/2008/03/diesel_fitness_to_close/
Anton / March 18, 2008 at 09:40 am
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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.
pb / May 23, 2008 at 12:26 pm
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H.I.T. seems more than a bit quackish... "a 90 minute workout in just 4 minutes?"
Trina / July 4, 2008 at 09:32 am
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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.
Tammy / August 28, 2008 at 08:55 am
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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 :)
Masha / October 26, 2008 at 03:35 pm
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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.
Lauren / November 13, 2008 at 09:20 pm
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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.
fitness center 007 replying to a comment from Tammy / December 8, 2008 at 02:26 pm
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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.
Leela / December 14, 2008 at 12:59 pm
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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.
RK / December 24, 2008 at 06:56 pm
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The YMCA's, University fitness and buildings equipped with private gyms are the way to go. The rest are there to exploit you.
Mat / December 25, 2008 at 05:02 pm
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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.
Steve / December 30, 2008 at 07:20 pm
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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.
Steve (again!) / December 30, 2008 at 07:33 pm
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...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.
SteveW / January 1, 2009 at 05:34 pm
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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)
Michael / January 2, 2009 at 03:47 pm
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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!
Deb / January 5, 2009 at 12:00 am
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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...
rn / January 7, 2009 at 02:10 pm
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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.
dewey / January 7, 2009 at 03:35 pm
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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!
Misfitness / January 11, 2009 at 01:41 pm
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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!
Steve G / January 11, 2009 at 10:22 pm
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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...
Mike H replying to a comment from Leela / January 27, 2009 at 06:45 pm
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Yeah...you probably work there...I have been there...its okay...but a little bit pretentious. Not one of the best.

Mike
ViVa / January 31, 2009 at 08:56 pm
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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!
Shor T / February 11, 2009 at 02:16 pm
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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!
Ecofit replying to a comment from Steve G / March 8, 2009 at 01:23 pm
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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.
Dzovig / March 28, 2009 at 03:34 pm
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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.
Mary Donnery / March 30, 2009 at 12:36 pm
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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!
Guy McBee / April 2, 2009 at 10:11 pm
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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.
Adam / May 1, 2009 at 08:36 pm
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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.
Body Buster Fitness Bootcamp / May 17, 2009 at 10:28 pm
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ssa replying to a comment from Guy McBee / June 2, 2009 at 03:06 pm
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Body & Soul only has spinning and yoga and a small gym for C$87 a month.
Toronto Student / June 13, 2009 at 05:22 pm
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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).
JJ replying to a comment from Adam / June 22, 2009 at 10:30 pm
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Berkeley Gym my friend, Berkeley Gym.......nuff said..
louise / August 26, 2009 at 12:52 pm
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Stay well away from the Yorkville Club, super high pressure sales and no after care. What they want is your money and after that you're on your own
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youfuckinidiot / September 20, 2009 at 10:35 pm
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This is a bullshit list. Totum? Size of a shoe box. Revolution? absolute garbage for the money that they charge. Thanks for the piece of shit list, waste of fuckin time checking out your recommendations. Get off your fat ass, work out and then write a half decent article with great recommendations.
Jessica / September 20, 2009 at 10:47 pm
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Better Bodies Fitness at Thornhill Square Shopping Centre are scammers. Renews membership and charge credit cards without the consent of the member. Very unprofessional, scammers!
Sharon / September 23, 2009 at 11:16 am
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Snap Fitness in Richmond Hill is amazing! It's open 24/7 and has everything you'd need.
The staff is very helpful and doesn't pressure you. The club is also a comfortable environment for anyone.
Rachel / September 29, 2009 at 05:23 am
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I was a member of Fitness One for a long time. Monthly membership was $16. It was awesome. Only reason I had to stop was because I moved out of the city.
Lynda replying to a comment from Jessica / September 30, 2009 at 05:29 pm
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I have also experienced an unpleasant situation at Better Bodies.
I renewed my membership once and spent almost $2,000 in personal training that wasn't the greatest. Also, I found the sales tactics used by some employees to be overly agressive to the point of alienating members such as myself. As a result, I decided to cancel my membership.
Chris / October 18, 2009 at 02:45 pm
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Wow. You people really need to see more gyms than Toronto gyms. I am from Edmonton and only regularly only pay $40.00 a month an get awsome service,clean facilities, new equipment/Full cleanining and maintanince every year. I also know the facility is community run so people treat the equipment with care. Yes places charge outrageous prices because they know people don't take care of something that doesn't belong to them. I've been lifitn weights for over 10 years and see how people act and treat equipment. So remember when your looking for a gym it's not the price or the location its how other people are in the gym. Go somewhere small or big and you will see some people just don't care. Lifting more than they can handle, slamming weights on the floor(this damages both the floor and the weights). I have several friends in the fitness occupation even friends who compete and they all say the same. If you really want to save money BUY your weights and make a home gym to your needs. You will see how much it actually cost to purchase it all. Maintanince isn't much because YOU would treat it better. Thanks for the feed back on some of the gyms here though.
Erin / October 26, 2009 at 03:25 pm
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Watch out because you get what you pay for....

My partner and I have been members of Fitness Connection for over three months and in that time have encountered an upsetting lack of services that were advertised on their website and fliers but were never delivered. I have brought these issues to the attention on more than one occasion and was met with either resistance or empty promises to improve conditions.

I have repeatedly raised concerns about the following inadequacies:
Inoperative whirlpool;
Inadequate operating instructions for the steam room;
Inadequate lighting in the women's locker room;
Insufficient quantity and poor quality of hair dryers;
Inoperative shower in the men's locker room;
Cardio machines that have been out of order for weeks;
No towels available to customers (it happened again today!);
Insufficient level of cleanliness (the same hair and dust balls building up for days at a time).

We have patiently awaited a response to these issues without any noticeable improvement in the conditions. We met with an apathetic attitude as they appear to have toward their gym and customers.

I was a member of Good Life Fitness for several years and frequented numerous locations and have never encountered the level disservice that I have seen in the last three months. The facilities were always properly maintained, clean and staffed with courteous employees who all knew my name within a week. I still have to request a towel at Fitness Connection since not all the staff has bothered to remember whether or not I use the service.

I signed up with Fitness Connection because of the attractive price(Couple of hundred less a year then GL), but now I realize you get what you pay for. While Good Life is a bit more expensive, they run their facilities with a level of professionalism far beyond what I've seen at this gym.
Joe / October 28, 2009 at 11:11 am
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West Queen West has the best fitness area in toronto

Bang fitness

99 Sudburry

And much more
inga.M / October 28, 2009 at 11:25 am
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I Visited WestQueenWest.ca to find further information on our hot bodey Gyms in the gta. The enviornment is classy right in the heart of down town toronto and, a wide range of different atheletic activities.Would be a great idea to try out. I enjoy working out in comfortable enviornments and queen west is the best ive been to
holly replying to a comment from Lauren / October 31, 2009 at 12:25 am
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You sound like a goodlife sales rep; who are BTW comission based.. and THEY do make deals, "special pricing" and all the rest. I know... I was one of them
Marvin Mitchell / November 6, 2009 at 12:39 pm
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Hey people: Commercial BIG BOX gyms serve the needs of the average fitness enthusiast. It's like any other industry - each chain has elements that they use to distinguish themselves from the competition. Sales reps WILL pressure you to make the sale, and glossy flyers WILL misrepresent contractual details. This is an unfortunate part of the game in Toronto - one of the most competitive fitness markets in North America.

I just opened up a small facility in the Annex that offers Private and Group Fitness Programs. No memberships - just pay for the services you use. I'm the owner. I have no partners. I am not backed by any corporate entity. My classes have an 80% re-enrollment rate. It's $25/class, but if you're interested in having a high quality small group training experience - it might just be what you're looking for. Come by an try a class for free. I've got MENS, WOMENS, and COED classes. I'm also accepting Private Training clients. See you soon!
Lilia / November 18, 2009 at 03:22 pm
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I have been a client at GoodLife Fitness for a while. IMHO: the best club in the chain is at the Union station. It is spacious and very clean. Staff is always polite and very friendly. Unfortunately I changed my location and the closest club in the chain is Davisville club. It was recommended to me as a new spacious club. Well, it might be new but it is so darn busy and dirty all the time. There is sand on the floor: whenever you use a fitness ball exercising it is almost like you just had an exercise on a sandy beach. In a stretching area it is almost like club members are about to step on you – in a such a small proximity they pass you by. This is disgusting.

Also, there are no good words about Davisville club management. I accidently left a heart monitor transmitter in the change room. No one returned it to the reception desk. Being upset about this loss I contacted the club GM Rebecca to help me establish a dialog with the club members in a form of an informal ad. – a printed paper about my loss with my contact info. Rebecca sounded negative and confrontational suggesting that it is club policy not to allow ads. Well, after contacting GM I feel even more disgusted about the Davisville club and its members. I was just left with my problem paying around 100CAD for my membership so that some Rebecca’s can enjoy it.
In short: Good Life Davisville club and its management both SUCK big time.
Peter / January 1, 2010 at 01:25 am
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This is really nice article and very informative. I m glad to know about this Best Fitness Clubs in Toronto. That are really helpful for every fitness loving person. I do exercise daily and wants my body to be fit and perfect. Thanks to http://www.abworkouts.me that helps me to get six pack abs in less than 2 month.
Jeff / January 8, 2010 at 11:31 pm
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Goodlife Fitness has options to come into the gym as a non members and do Pilates with props, tai chi, circuit training combingin gyoga and pilates with weights and cardio, nutrional seminars, ballroom dancing, bollywood classes withought committing to a membership!

For info email me at sunkist154@hotmail.com :)
john replying to a comment from Jeff / January 15, 2010 at 12:52 pm
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try and walk into any Goodlife and try any class for free I tried it,and got bombarded by sales people at the club and at home they are just like Premier huge scammers
don replying to a comment from Lilia / January 16, 2010 at 09:57 pm
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it is not just this location - i go to manulife location - dirty, broken machines and ultra rude staff.
Muggeridge / January 20, 2010 at 04:58 pm
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Bang Fitness and Totum in the QW area.
Stacey / January 29, 2010 at 06:29 pm
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I belong to Body + Soul at Eglinton and Avenue, and yes, it costs alot, but everyone there is great, my trainer is so supportive and knowledgable. If you don't like this writer's list, go find another list. We all know YMCA's exist.
Jon / February 11, 2010 at 12:32 pm
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BlogTo should be sued for false advertising... This post isn't a review at all. Its missing the best gyms in the City. Whatabout Mayfair Clubs, The TAC or the TRC????
Anon replying to a comment from Shor T / February 21, 2010 at 12:50 pm
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Roland Semprie doesn't pay his employees, it's incredibly pretentious and $100 / hour minimum for a personal trainer; not to mention the fact that trainers are on their blackberries the whole time they are supposed to be training you.
jennfier / March 5, 2010 at 11:12 am
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Eclipse fitness is a terrible gym. Their cancellation policy is completely misleading. I ended up paying for two extra months for nothing. Be very careful before joining that gym.

Onna / March 5, 2010 at 03:39 pm
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Can anyone tell me which gym has a pool and not too $$ and not too busy??!!!

THANKS
mike replying to a comment from jennfier / March 15, 2010 at 05:16 pm
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Hey Jenn, do you want to go on a date?
K / April 10, 2010 at 11:55 am
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King West Club and King West Fitness are two different clubs and have nothing to do with each other. I go to King West Fitness and it is awesome. Lots of room and everyone is so friendly compared to the generic clubs. There is only two real choices in Liberty Village and having been at both, my choice is King West
Lifesport Conditioning / May 19, 2010 at 09:33 pm
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Come check out our Six Week Fitness Challenge at www.sixweekfitnesschallenge.com in Toronto and area. We offer a $1000 Cash Prize to the winner of our challenge at the end of Six Weeks. It is very tough and is operated by Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS).
sunshine / May 25, 2010 at 12:50 am
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I am looking for a gym near Bathurst and Eglinton... any ideas? How much is Body and soul? How much do they charge for personal training? What other gyms are in that area that are worth going to? This sucks!
Gordon Borges / June 13, 2010 at 02:09 pm
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Mike / June 23, 2010 at 08:26 pm
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I have been going to gyms for the past 25 years...i highly recommend Fitness Finatics in Mississauga. Great layout, well run, good trainers, freindly staff, equipment is all up to date and in great working order.

Check it out!
JC / July 5, 2010 at 03:28 pm
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Please post some good choices in East York...
SJ / September 6, 2010 at 06:29 pm
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Bang Fitness is by far the best gym in Toronto!

Having been a member of the King West Club, King West Fitness, Good Life Union station / Liberty village and Revolution Fitness, there is nothing that even comes close to Bang fitness!

If you want to see results, have fun and push yourself to a new level, then this is the place to do it.

Geoff and his crew are serious yet fun. There is a great atmosphere at the gym, and there are members with all types of abilities working together.

Take a look at the testimonials from Alwyn Cosgrove and Dr John Berardi: http://bangfitness.com/about/

Need I say more!
Chris / September 8, 2010 at 01:52 pm
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I recently went into a new studio on Danforth. It's called Elements of Fitness. It is a beautiful space with lots of equipment. It is only for personal training and Power Plate training. Not sure what Power Plate is but I will definitely have her work it into my next session. The size is fairly decent considering that you are the only person training during your session. I kind of felt like a celeb in this place with my private session. Prices really are decent and the trainer is amazing. Put it this way I've worked out at other dirty gyms in the city and this place is cheaper here and you get the VIP treatment. The kicker is that there are no membership fees. How could you go wrong.

They also have Massage but didn't look like it was up and running yet. The trainer said something about that they are still looking to hire someone. By the time you read this they should be up and running.

So if you are near the Danforth I highly recommend Elements of Fitness, you won't be disappointed. Check out the link below for their website and contact info if interested. As a point of reference I am a 32 year old male, but I could see anyone of any sex or age enjoying this place.

http://e-fit.ca
jenj / September 23, 2010 at 04:04 pm
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I've been going to a CrossFit Gym called CrossFit Academy Of Lions near Queen & Dufferin.

Been to lots of other gyms and had trainers before. Have had the best results doing the CrossFit stuff. It's not for faint of heart, I thought I was going to last about 2 days. But the coaching is exceptional and I've seen anyone from 17- 70 years old there learning how to do pull-ups, kettle bell swings. That gave me lots of encouragement. Price is so much less than personal training and I see better/quicker results.

I've heard good things about Bang. Not sure what their coaching is. All I can say is that I have been taught really good technique and the coaches are really particular about doing things right.

you can find them online and I was given a free trial, which any gym should offer if they are decent. www.crossfitacademyoflions.com

good thread. there are lots of choices so it's nice to hear what's out there. you can't always listen to the advertising, so real experience is what counts.
Stefan / October 29, 2010 at 11:31 pm
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If you are planning on giving your money to Premier Fitness google the CEO first.
Ricky / November 22, 2010 at 08:47 pm
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It's gotta be Harmony Fitness - I love that they have no contracts. Super nice staff, towel service, beautiful showers and bathrooms. Its only group fitness and personal training but their classes are probably the best in the city from what I have seen. Tons of cool programs that they mix, SpinBox etc..

Ron Dykstra / November 23, 2010 at 09:51 am
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Put my vote down for Bang Fitness, at Queen and Bathurst. This second floor walkup is really the king of the underground when it comes to a real world approach to fitness that has nothing to do with how many ellipticals and televisions you have.

I used to work at the YMCA, and train at the West End Y, and they have been upgraded to the point of uselessness. They are just stuffed full of gear that looks shiny to the novice, but really does nothing but crowd the place.

Bang on the other hand, is lean and mean. Astro turf on the floor, kettlebells lining the wall, a big tire, lots of specialty bars, GHR, Power Racks, TRX straps, AND an Olympic lifting platform, bumpers and high quality training bar.

Geoff will put you through a full Functional Movement Screen, and design programs of escalating difficulty for you, all of which are supervised by friendly and qualified staff.

Check it out.
EJ / November 23, 2010 at 10:25 am
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Bang Fitness in Queen West is the best! I was a member at the Goodlife for ten years and did not see the results there that I saw in 10 weeks at Bang Fitness. The staff really do care about the clients and they want the clients to see results. Their programs are innovative and will really get you fit fast.
Shelly replying to a comment from J / November 28, 2010 at 11:21 pm
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Re: a "Good" YMCA

Actually, I worked at the YMCA for 9 yrs (North York) and they "restructured". As it turns out it was because I am WHITE.

I wrote a letter to the Chairman stating facts about what I'd seen during and what I'd been told by others (members and staff) and they told me that suddenly alot of NON- Canadian/english speaking people where being hired. The GM is from Chilie. Horgay Rojas is his name.

The Chairman sided with Horgay 100% I quote "Oh he's doing a GREAT job. He's doing everything we want him to do!"

So, this means that the YMCA is Racist. They are also constantly hitting up the members for money for "donations".

Since I'd been there for 9yrs, I've seen how they are. The have PLENTY of $. but, they like to play the sympathy card and say "but, it's for THE CHILDREN.... Don't disapoint them... :(.".

DON'T put your money into any YMCA!
2010fashionshoes / December 7, 2010 at 03:35 am
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Bang Fitness in Queen West is the best! I was a member at the Goodlife for ten years and did not see the results there that I saw in 10 weeks at Bang Fitness. The staff really do care about the clients and they want the clients to see results. Their programs are innovative and will really get you fit fast.
fashionshoes2010 / December 7, 2010 at 03:37 am
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A revolt by liberal Democrats, particularly in the House, would imperil the chances for the plan to win approval before the end of the current lame-duck session of Congress. With the Bush-era tax cuts set to expire at the end of the year, Obama said it was more important to act now than to continue waging a political fight.

Obama on Monday announced the deal with Republican leaders. The deal would also extend unemployment benefits for 13 months while lowering the payroll tax by two percentage points for a year.

The compromise, worked out in negotiations involving the White House, the Treasury and congressional leaders from both parties, includes provisions that each side doesn't like, Obama said in a hastily arranged statement to reporters after discussing the proposed deal with Democratic leaders.

"It's not perfect," Obama said of the plan, which also would continue tax breaks for students and families contained in the 2009 stimulus bill and allow businesses to write off all investments they make next year. "We cannot play politics at a time when the American people are looking for us to solve problems."

As outlined by Obama and sources, the deal would add up to hundreds of billions of dollars in more federal spending or lower revenue in coming years at a time when the president, Republican leaders and a federal deficit commission appointed by the president all say that the growing federal debt must be brought under control.

House Democrats, who have approved a measure extending the Bush-era tax cuts for family incomes up to $250,000 a year, indicated earlier Monday they were unhappy with the negotiations that the White House was conducting with congressional Republicans.

"We won't rubber stamp a deal between the White House and (Senate Minority Leader) Mitch McConnell," one Democratic congressional source said. "We want to make it clear. Don't take our support for granted."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, were among Democratic leaders who attended a White House meeting with Obama and Biden to discuss the proposed deal.

According to the senior Democratic source, Obama and Biden told the congressional Democrats that the proposed deal was the best they could expect.

Democrats contend the nation must prevent working-class Americans from facing higher taxes, as promised by Obama in his 2008 election campaign, but can't afford the extra hundreds of billions of dollars it would cost to maintain the tax cuts for the wealthy. Republicans argue that the economy remains too weak to allow anyone's taxes to increase.
Amy / December 7, 2010 at 06:18 am
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I wish I could afford getting a membership at these gyms. As a university student i don't have the expendable income right now. I have tried Bang Fitness and absolutely loved it there. So many hot guys!!! :) lol
nora / December 12, 2010 at 09:44 pm
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Fitness One on the Danforth in Toronto has closed, without advising members. They have passed their database and client info. to Premier Health Club, at Shopper's World. They are taking pre authorized payments as well. I don't know if that's legal or not. They ahve spent a few months trying to get pppl to sign up for a year or $99-you can kiss that $$ good bye now. Apparently, more locations have closed as well.
Barb replying to a comment from Chris / January 20, 2011 at 01:48 pm
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I see people are having some problems with the Toronto gyms. I just wanted to share my wonder experience with Elements of Fitness. It's a personal training studio with your own private trainer. A lot of gyms charge $70 and up for something like this. Plus they charge you for a membership. At Elements of Fitness you just pay for your sessions, no membership required. They have a good promo going on right now for the new year. I paid $55 per session. The trainer I was given was fantastic too. She is better than any of the other trainers I've had at the other gyms, I won't name any names but anyone familiar with The Danforth knows what ones I am talking about. Here is the link to their website incase anyone is interested.

http://e-fit.ca
Essedgest / January 30, 2011 at 12:06 am
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“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Chicago Bears jerseys / February 13, 2011 at 09:32 pm
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soluzione per creare temi in flash utilizzabili su più cms quindi per avere un tema che sia slegato dalla piattaforma su cui lo si vuole utilizzare.
Jessica Bote0Oö / March 15, 2011 at 03:32 pm
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Hey everyone, just thought you would be interested in this book I found. I posted the link here for you. I am using it now with great results. The model who wrote it gives speedy feedback if you have any questions too!
Mark / May 20, 2011 at 01:44 pm
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worst choice ever was joining this gym. having more than 'trouble' leaving, and getting repeatably charged in my bank leading to overdraft charges when i have quit and had the manager Mike sign that i cancelled etc. then mysterously leave on a week trip while my bank gets destroyed by random charges. please consider this deeply, because i read a few similar stories but dismissed them in hopes that they were a few bad apples. i was wrong-
its just a bad gym.
jason / June 5, 2011 at 04:26 pm
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Eclipse at Yonge and Eglinton is great. They have month to month payment option. No contract needed. The gym itself is fantastic and it is never really busy.
NotPATHETIC / August 11, 2011 at 05:19 pm
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Wow! most of the comments are either from DESPERATE OWNERS & their EMPLOYEES or else just IDIOTS who complain about being POOR and abused by our TERRIBLE SOCIETY. IF it wasnt so PATHEIC, I'd be laughing rather than cryin! LOL ....
So listen up: EXPECT to pay $50-60 per month for your average decent membership. Wonder why Fitness One WENT OUT OF BUSINESS ($10 a month you IDIOTS!). If the gym has SLIMMEY sales people and managers...RUN you morons. If you cant figure that out, i sincerely hope they fleece you out of every dime. If the gym offers ridiculous promos and seems busy.... RUN! its about volume not service. If your expecting someone else to shed those FAT POUNDS that you have put on, GET A LIFE or PLASTIC Surgery you lazy fat pig! The only person resposible for your health is you. STOP BLAMING EVERYONE ELSE!!!

FAT LAZY PIGS are the norm. Whiners who want everything for free, and never willing to put in the effort.

ENJOY your UGLY FAT BODIES losers!
Glen / September 1, 2011 at 08:34 pm
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Come on folks, the YMCA is a ***thole. There are no good gyms or health clubs in Toronto, I have looked far and wide since I moved here a while ago. If I had the cash, I would start my own.
MG replying to a comment from Glen / November 14, 2011 at 07:37 pm
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I would not look at the Adelaide Club. They signed a contract agreeing to a price etc. Later that day they decided not to honor the contract.

Def not worth checking this place out!
Jilly / December 1, 2011 at 09:45 pm
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I got a cheap membership to christine's gym in Rosedale. Possibly one of the worst gyms I've been to. Looks like a set from Dynasty. I paid $98 for a year's membership and used it about 3 times. The staff tried to push $1200 personal training program on me, then physio sessions. Extremely pushy & unfriendly. Both YMCA gyms in the city are a much better bet
Xquisite Fitness / December 6, 2011 at 07:25 am
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I am so sorry to hear about all the bad experiences, people had.
Cindy / December 7, 2011 at 05:14 pm
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It's unfortunate that so many people have had bad experiences at those big gyms. I recently stumbled across this jewel just on the west side of the Junction. I'm not loaded so I was surprised after seeing how nice is was inside, how much it actually costs. They have a unique atmosphere there that makes me come 3-4 times a week to be a part of it. I have 2 kids and they have programs for them too. You guys need to check out The Motion Room. Just walk in. That's what I did.
Caroline / January 2, 2012 at 03:40 pm
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Extreme Fitness are the biggest bunch of scammers around. Credit card fraud, bank fraud, you name it. And most of their staff wouldn't know the truth if it bit them in the ass.

Don't go near Extreme Ripoff!!!
Jay / January 11, 2012 at 11:48 am
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To anyone cruising around this OLD THREAD. The majority of LEGITIMATE gyms/health clubs will give a free trial-sometimes a week sometimes more. Use it. Visit more than one gym. This should give u at least a month of free workouts at various locations. Then make ur choice. If pressured, come up with every excuse under the sun: lack of time, other commitments (ie. short term project/assignment), out of country, have to check with the spouse/GF, credit card problem, medical issue u have to check with ur doctor (this will usually do it as they're scared of liability)...etc. Sign up for the shortest amt of time they will give, barring a day drop in fee. Then if ur happy join up again & negotiate a better rate: now is when u come up with every possible complaint or issue abt the gym, threaten to leave. If not happy go to the next gym & so on.
Personal training is the biggest rip off out there. If u want a personal trainer negotiate for a deal outside the gym. Negotiate for a training buddy, not a trainer. Pay the trainer not the gym. If they won't do this, another person will. Realize that though many personal trainers are well intentioned it isn't a regulated industry (& CANFIT Pro doesn't count as assurance of education or ability, its a money scheme)
Look at ur potential trainer. Are they in shape, do they have the ideal body. If not pass. A gut on a personal trainer is a turnoff. So are overweight ones. If ur personal trainer looks like Arnold, expect that you'll do Arnold's workout, cause that what the PT knows. Watch them work out. See if they know what they're doing. Ask another gym member (preferably a gym rat) if the personal trainer is executing the exercises correctly. Ask the PT about THEIR personal fitness routine. If u never see them actually work out in the gym, forget them. If u only see them do weights & no cardio forget them. If u never see them stretch forget them. The prize is a PT who also instructs classes. From my experience, many of the PT's can't even make it thru a 1 hour cardio class. I've seen it. If they never say "hello", "how's your day/your training", or smile, even though you're NOT THEIR CLIENT, forget them. IMHO there's too many arrogant gloomy guses in the PT field. When u find a good one, keep them.
RN / February 9, 2012 at 01:08 pm
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Anyone been to either DENNIS R TIMBRELL RC or the Parkview Goodlife?

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