I have to confess... I AM ADDICTED TO ORANGETHEORY FITNESS!!…read more I first heard of OTF when I was living in the US, it was advertised as "the best one-hour workout." I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical... how could a one-hour workout be that amazing? After moving to Canada, I finally gave OTF a try earlier this year and I must admit, IT IS the best one-hour workout I've ever had. The name Orangetheory comes from their fitness philosophy that focuses solely on your heart rate. There are five heart rate zones: grey, blue, green, orange, and red. Grey is like your resting heart rate, blue is like a light walk from the bedroom to the kitchen, green is like a relaxing walk around a park, orange is like a jog, and red is like a sprint. At OTF, the goal is for you to spend 12 of the 60-minutes workout in the orange (and/or red) zone. For each minute you spend in the orange and red zone, you will get one "splat point." Their theory is if you have at least 12 splat points, you will experience the "afterburn," where your body will continue to burn calories up to 36-hours after the workout. Since OTF is all about the heart rate, it puts everyone--from professional athletes to your average mom--at an equal playing field, because it is not about how many miles you run, how much power is behind your row, or how many pounds you could lift but purely on how many splat points you're able to get at the end of class. The heart rate monitor shows you how much you need to push yourself (or hold back if you're in the red zone). It is hard to describe the workouts as it differs each day based on its focus: either on power, strength, or endurance; and of course, there are days with special themes like "Everest" and "3-Group." The anticipation of not knowing what your workout will be is actually quite exhilarating. If I knew ahead of time, I may avoid going. ;) Essentially, the workout comprises of three components: 1) treadmill, 2) rower, and 3) floor. You will need to purchase a OTF heart rate monitor to wear while you workout so it could track your progress. You could use the heart rate monitor to track your out of studio workouts too--which I absolutely looooovvveeee!! As much as OTF is great for helping you lose weight, I joined because I thought OTF can help me condition for my runs (I am training for a half-marathon next year). In just a few weeks, I noticed my speed per kilometre has increased. This is amazing and the reason why I am addicted to OTF--BECAUSE IT WORKS! Now onto the cost... I agree with other Yelpers that OTF is EXPENSIVE. A basic membership is $89 and you only have 4 classes per month, Elite membership gives you 8 classes per month at $129, and Premier gives you unlimited for $179 (by the way, these prices are BEFORE tax). So yes... it is on the pricier side but here's my question: how much are you willing to pay for better health? Something to consider but I will honestly say: OTF is YOUR best one-hour workout! :)

First off I would like to start off by saying that this review is not a reflection of the trainers…read moreat the gym. I think they are fantastic and enthusiastic and find that they really care. However, my problem is with management. Paul seems great at first when he is trying to sign you up for a membership, but in the end it's all about the $$$ for him and this studio. I pay $90 a month including taxes for 4 classes a month as I currently have memberships to 2 other dedicated sport fitness facilities and can not justify spending another $200+ on the premium plan. $22.50 for an hour of class is not cheap, but I do it because the trainers are great and I enjoy being there. Today I showed up 6 minutes late (this is my first time ever coming late for the past 7 months since they opened) due to major construction on my street and both sides of the road being blocked by construction vehicles, and I was denied entry into the class. And I was not given the opportunity to come at a different time and just lost hat class, so in other words I just lost $22.50. I understand that policy is policy, however, policy needs to be consistent amongst all members. I have seen other members who (spend more money than me at the gym) be allowed to enter the class 10 minutes late. This is not good business practice. I don't care that they don't try to get to know my name even though I'm there once a week, what I do care about is knowing that I am not getting the same membership experience than those who willing shell out more money. No where in the membership comparisons does is say Basic members get less customer service than a Premium member. If it weren't for the trainers, this review would be a 1 Star. Don't go to this gym unless you're ready to pay $200+ a month, otherwise, you will be shafted.

From the moment I stepped inside for the first time, Leah, Peter and the team have consistently…read moreexceeded my expectations with their knowledge and care for each and every one of their clients at Quantum CrossFit. Simply put, it is everything I want from a gym, without any of the stuff I have come to hate with gyms (insert pushy sales and diet lectures!). Not only have I made significant strides in my fitness level, I am also been addressing some nagging injuries with the help of the Team. The individual attention you get while you are working out and the tailored programs they provide you to attain your goals are amazing. The clients are pretty cool too!

Firstly, Crossfit rocks. A fitness routine that incorporates a dynamic range of movements from…read moreburpees to pull ups to olympic weightlifting movements to sprinting. It pretty much encapsulates various aspects of fitness and tightly packs it into 1 hr classes. If you're really looking to jump start your health, physique and overall athletic ability, you should look no further than Crossfit. Hmm I sound a little brainwashed don't I? Well try it and you'll get brainwashed too. Just to let you a bit of my background pertaining to this, fitness is an important part of my life. I make it mandatory to exercise frequently and a lot of my extra curricular activities are physical (volleyball, dragon boat, adventure racing). I've gone through a whole 90 days with P90X and saw some decent results but I want to push it further and Crossfit seemed like a perfect fit. Location: What attracted me most was the location of this gym. Most of the crossfit gyms are downtown but this one is the only one I've found that is more uptown. That alone, makes this gym a solid choice for those looking to try it out but don't live downtown Facilities: Like most Crossfit gyms, the main elements required empty spaces with pull up bars on the wall, rings hanging from the ceiling, olympic barbells/dumbells, and medicine balls. This gym is not fully equipped like a Goodlife with elliptical machines or exercise machines because that's not really what the sport entails. There is one washroom (no shower) and individual change room that are very well maintained. Overall, the gym is very clean despite having that garage gym feel which is super cool. You can tell how much a gym owner cares by how well they maintain the facilities and it's pristine(Yes, as a Crossfit tradition, you're supposed to collapse to the floor after workout and this floor is very clean). It's a bit small in comparison to the likes of CrossfitTO, but is okay for the average class size (5-8). Classes/Membership: This gym runs on the instructional class methodology with room for specialized programs once you've become familiar with proper form. Like any sport, there are skills that need to be taught properly to avoid injury and ensure proper muscle development. I can't count the number of times I've seen people in the gym lifting big weights but with really bad form. Sure, it's an ego thing and I was like that too but no more. Having instructional classes allow for injury prevention and proper muscle development. As classes are typically not that large (5-8 people per hour), the trainer is able to assist everyone. Classes usually are composed of a strength development component and a metabolic conditioning part (more cardio-esque but with weights sometimes) and last about an hour.(no more of that 2.5 hours at the gym nonsense) Everyone tries to motivate each other during the workouts and the trainers are always being vocal and pushing you along. These classes are ideal for those who don't have much time for the gym but want a workout that is short but high intensity. Trust me, you don't want to work out anymore after just 1 hr here...unless you're crazy. Trainers: Couldn't ask for better bunch of people. They pay attention to your specific needs and suggest things. They scale/modify workouts to your own abilities. They provide you with nutritional advice. They are constantly taking courses to better their understanding of fitness and mobility. They definitely challenge you but don't make you feel like you don't belong. The culture fostered in this gym is definitely one where you can make friends and have social gatherings if you feel so inclined. Overall: Just a great facility overall. As I'll update with a link in the future, this gym was voted best fitness gym in Toronto by the NOW magazine readers! Will post link when available. That alone is a statement in itself. Please don't be hesitant to try it out because you think you're not fit enough. Like I said before, the trainers pay specific attention to everyone and will appropriate workouts according to your own abilities so that you still feel challenged but not pushed over the edge. You have to start somewhere and when you do, this gym will help you see improvements like you've never imagined.

Amazing place to see immediate results! The trainers are super helpful and encouraging. The…read moreenvironment is positive and everyone is invested in seeing each other succeed. I lost over 40 lbs and gained muscle mass thanks to Elite Fit. Best bootcamp in Markham!

Located at NE corner of Highway 7 and McCowan Road, this new 9Round Fitness franchise has been…read moreopened for exactly a month now, and a lot of people have been raving about it (including myself... I've been seeing results!) It is a 30-minute circuit training with 9 stations, including a full body workout; you work with in-house personal trainers, and you get to punch and kick stuff #whynot lol. Another good thing is that you can drop in any time; the circuit starts every 3 minutes - just jump right in! The only time you need to book a time slot is when you sign up via website for a free trial session to see if you like it :) Please do take advantage of it if you're curious/interested and if you want to make a different in your overall health! Honestly, I have been such a long time yogi; I was a bit iffy about kickboxing/circuit training when my coworker asked me to join - it does sound a bit rough and I'm too fragile and delicate LMAO. I have decided to give 9Round a try; I go with my coworker at least 1-2 times a week after work. You can do the training stations by yourself, or work in pairs - which is what we did - it was more interactive, we had a lot more fun, and we push each other to work harder! After a month, I noticed that I have become stronger (now with muscles!), toner and my metabolism has surprisingly increased (aka, I eat a lot more now! Food fuels my hungry muscles lol). The owners, Joe and Irene, are very welcoming and passionate people, and they know your names by heart right when you walk in... okay maybe not Joe, he still mixes me and Julie up lol. The trainers at 9Round are friendly and encouraging, and always cheering us on... even though I know they are sweaty and tired. So, thank you :) Overall, I see potential that 9Round will do very well. I have already seen improvement - the way the manage the time, the flow of the stations, the adjustments and alterations for kickboxers of varioius levels. A quick shoutout to trainer, Ken - thank you for customizing my last workout, I really appreciate that. #girlWHOhasFATarms lol. Keep up the good work, 9Round :) P.S. Make sure you bring your indoor shoes! Owners pride on keeping their place clean at all times :)

I can't believe I've been to 9Round since September 2017!! During last summer, I was told I needed…read moreto workout more to balance my food blogging hobby (eating WAY too much) and at that time I was introduced to 9Round by my fellow yelper and friend Cherrie. I came in for a 30 minutes trial with Joe and immediately felt in love with in. Talk about a FULL body workout, I recall I was in pain for 3 days after my free trial! This wasn't the ONLY reason why I joined though, Joe, Irene and their trainers are all so devoted in ensuring you get a good workout everytime and slowly increases the difficulties as they assess your progression. I can't squat AT ALL back then and now I can say I can do a pretty good squat hold. 30 minutes workout, 9 stations, 3 minutes each station really doesn't take too much time at all and you feel GREAT after. I try my best to come here 3 times a week usually after work, see if you can catch me at 9Round one day throwing some punches and kicks! Special shoutouts to the great previous and current trainers here! Joe, Ken, Michael x 2, Steve, Jade, Peter and of course Irene for making a 30 minutes workout intense AND fun at the same time!

Absolutely the best thing that happened to me in Toronto and definitely one of the strongest…read morereasons i dont want to leave the city !! I am an IT consultant and my job comes with a lot of travelling and stress! I discovered Rob's bootcamp classes last year summer and he/and his team are definitely one of the best in their craft. Having lived in big cities like LA, DC, Chicago, New York, Mumbai and Amsterdam, i can vouch for the fact that Rob's bootcamp classes are of the highest standard & top notch!! Each class is well designed and researched. Rob/Tina/Brittany/Sarah are highly motivated individuals who makes sure that not just everyone feels comfortable, but also do these exercises correctly. Great importance is given to form and posture and most importantly everyone is treated equally here with lot of respect. A virtue that is rare to find these days!! The team here not just measures your vital stats, but tracks your progress/foodhabits and is there to help you 24*7 with any Qs, concerns,issues whatsoever! Its up to you as to how well you want to utilize their knowledge and help, however they are more than available to clear doubts/Qs etc. Its like having a personal coach in life which for me is a great motivational factor. Personally last summer i had great results just in a week after joining Rob. I could feel less stress at work and lot of energy. I would like to mention here that..i personally couldnt attend several months of my membership last year due to my travel schedule at work but Rob without asking a single Q, extended my membership for free for the months i couldnt attend. Now that's selflessness. I have never seen that anywhere else!! If you want results and great comradeship ..this is THE place to join!!

I signed up for the 6 wk boot camp challenge just over 6 wks ago and I couldn't be more…read moreimpressed/happy w/ my results so far! I've been so happy w/ the program I even committed to a yr long program/membership b/c I can see how well it works! In 6 wks my strength has doubled in a lot of areas and I took my plank from 2:35 to over 6 mins and I've lost 11.5 mm of fat from my stomach and arm area. I wasn't really out of shape/over weight when I joined so to see these kind of results already is pretty incredible! Can't wait to see what the next 6 wks brings! I especially love how hands on all the coaches are. The morning classes that I do are relatively small and the coaches are there to guide not only your training but also your meal plan which is really helpful. Plus you get lots of interesting articles/recipes/motivational material from Rob via email and you can sign up for classes through an online program which is great!

Very clean and well-equipped gym in the North York area. Equipment is new and well maintained…read more Owner is very professional. If you are looking for a new gym, here's a gem in the Victoria Park and Van Horne area. Plenty of parking too!