OAMA abruptly cancelled the Taekwondo program at the beginning of June. They failed to let anyone…read moreknow that it was shut down and why. They are refusing to refunding the unused portion of the year long membership stating that they are losing money if they provide refunds (YES REALLY!). This is in violation of the Ontario Consumer Protection Act. If you do decide to sign up, do month to month, and make sure you get the cancellation policy in writing. I will never trust these guys. There are many in the same situation.

If you want to train in martial arts this is the place. They run it as a full-time business so…read morethere are classes as early at 7 AM to accommodate all sorts of schedules. Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai are what you get. Instructors are top notch and they have a fighter in the UFC. Lots of opportunity to travel and compete in New York, Hollywood, Brazil to name a few. But if you're not interested in competing that's not a problem. They have kids classes and some for those who are just interested in getting in shape. Students are great and a very friendly atmosphere

My happy place! I have been a member for over 4 years and am addicted. In-and out in 30 minutes…read morewith a workout that makes you feel like a champion . The trainers are absolutely amazing, they are dedicated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The atmosphere is so welcoming, and I love that all fitness levels and ages are represented and everyone supports one another - such a great vibe. Come and check it out - I promise you won't be disappointed.

LOVE this place and highly recommend!! It's diverse, accessible AND inclusive. You might think…read more. oh, I could never do that, or oh, I won't fit in, or I have a disability.. or oh, another gym is cheaper, I get it, but you will be pleasantly surprised when you walk or roll through the door. Everyone is friendly, members encourage each other and, there is a true sense of belonging. The trainers modify the workout to fit your ability and check in, and if you don't like one of the rounds... no problem! It's over in 3 min. After 9 rounds you feel empowered and strong- physically and mentally. You really do. The hardest part is convincing yourself that you've got this... and you do. So happy I joined.

The gym is a new thing for me and I'm not one for treadmills. That said, I've been working from…read morehome a lot recently and felt I needed something to help me get moving even when the weather is yucky outside. Elgin Fitness was a great choice for me because I don't feel any pressure from staff or members and there isn't a big financial strain. I was given a day pass to try out the gym before committing to a membership. There were no sign up fees and there isn't a contract (if you sign up for automatic payments, they want you to stay around for at least 5 months though) and no penalty for cancelling (just a 30 day notice). The rates are really reasonable--we got a couple's plan for $80 and you can't really beat that anywhere else. I really like that the membership includes access to yoga classes. I went to one today, my first ever, and found it to be a relaxing and invigorating experience. The instructor wasn't overly serious and she was open and made the environment feel safe. When I couldn't hold a pose for as long, or had to modify a pose, there was no judgement and I felt positive about my body. The change rooms have been clean and well kept every time I've gone. They even have hair dryers! There are showers, bathrooms, lockers, and a space for beautifying oneself. The change rooms have never been crowded and I've never had a problem getting a locker (free, just bring your own lock). The gym itself is everything that I need and nothing more. There are a variety of cardio machines--treadmills, stair climbers, ellipticals, upright bikes, recumbent bikes. I've never had to wait for a machine and everyone I've seen use them remembers to wipe them down after use. There is also a good assortment of weight training equipment and a stretching room. The stretching room has swiss balls and mats and the yoga classes are held here--which means the room isn't open to everyone when a class is in session. So if you're within walking distance of this gym, I would recommend trying it out.

a NO for me. It was…read morevery confusing for me to find their entrance. The doors are located right next to the garbage bins, so the smell will be "pleasant". The receptionist was really nice to me. Their freaking toilets are dirty, nasty and smelly. The equipment is very old and there is only one cable machine which sucks. The smell inside the gym itself is really bad, so I suggest they would turn on the fans. Overall, I was disappointed because their reviews were mostly 5 star. Maybe they were just friends with the owner, Idk. P.S. The prices are great though $49 for students and $59 for regulars, but they do not even have a normal water fountain for reusable bottles.

It may seem odd that a college has one of the most amazing gyms in the city, but I promise you if…read moreyou check out Algonquin's Fitness Zone, you will not be disappointed. I came here as a student, then as a staff member and still work out there as an alumnus. The front desk staff are always helpful, attentive and friendly and the change rooms are super clean and really spacious. And they have steam showers...NICE. The equipment and atmosphere is awesome. All of the cardio machines were changed out about 8 months ago so they're all in great shape and top of the line. For those of you who need to catch your shows but still want to work out - GOOD NEWS: each cardio machine has its own screen. Amazing.The strength training equipment is also quite good, and they have some cool machines like the rope pull and some super cool zero gravity thing (note my intense knowledge of the fitness industry...) and the staff are all super helpful and friendly. There are trainers on staff as well as group fitness classes that you can attend. Algonquin also has an add-on called the Impact Zone. The Impact Zone is right across the hall from the Fitness Zone and is a state of the art martial arts training facility. They specialize in Thai boxing, boxing, kickboxing, MMA, Krav Maga, wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and every time I walk by it's always being used. In order to get access to the Impact Zone you have to add $50 to your membership...which is a bit pricey for my taste. The only reason I'm not giving this fantastic gym five stars is because of the aforementioned price. For a community member (yes, anyone can join - it's not just for college peeps) it's $65 a month or $10/visit. If you're an Algonquin student, alumni or staff you can only get a four month membership or a one year membership, which can be an issue for people that want to join a month-to-month gym. Students are looking at $130/4 months or $260 for the year. Alumni prices are $160/4 months or $350/year. Staff are charged $180/4 months or $380 for the year. Despite the seemingly expensive prices, the one awesome deal that I come back to every year is their $35/month during the summer. Remember, the summer goes from May-August in the post-secondary world so this can save you a ton.

This gym is for weight lifting, with a few cardio machines. they don't have any cross fit equipment…read moreand room for interval training. The staff are protein shake pushers and have no knowledge of fight training or diet. The staff has poor cardio and the actual MMA or boxing classes are not enough to get fit and not recommended for intermediate fighters. I do recommend this gym for beginner body lifters but nothing more.

It's not very often that you can find a gym that doesn't try to shove unnecessary promotions down…read moreyour throat. This place is family owned by two amazing individuals who truly care about their members. All of the staff are all natural and vey knowledgable. The facilities are clean, organized and are filled with brand new equipment. Every employee is supportive and the trainers answer any questions you have whether it be about form, programs, or general inquires without pushing themselves on you to hire them for personal training sessions. My only complaint is that the change rooms are relatively small but that being said, the gym is rarely busy so it being crowds in there isn't a common occurrence. Definitely recommend this gym 100% over any GoodLife, Anytime fitness, Movati, etc. Check this place out for sure.

Disappointed in the lack of procedural knowledge of the staff and very poor customer service. I…read morecalled to see how to end my daughter's membership and they said not to worry it would happen automatically and in the event that an extra payment was taken, they would happily refund it. NOT THE CASE. The membership did not stop automatically and the payment was not refunded. They inferred that I was making it all up!! Moving to Movati

Movati's management is only interested in your money ; they have no consideration if you're sick,…read morethey don't even freeze your membership when you have a broken leg or arm, they don't care at all when you're unwell. Their goal is money, money and more money. There are no reasonable accommodations in certain circumstances as stipulated in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the staff is unprofessional, and the list goes on. For those who give 5 stars and criticize the lower ratings, please understand that everyone has had their own experience with Movati and is giving their opinion. Therefore, you don't need to comment on that opinion.

It's not cheap as others will tell you but why not scrimp on something else? Like... Ex. I make my…read moreown coffee daily. I love this gym... I prefer being outside hiking my dog but when I do go here.. I enjoy it. Get a buddy to come too.. accountability Lots of classes... Included in cost Quality equipment Decent staff Women's area if that's your thing with your own pool and hot tub Main pool. Hot tub. So... 2 pool areas. Clean washrooms and locker rooms. Bring your own lock. Winter... Boots get taken off up front Smoothie area. Place for you to relax with your laptop if needed over a snack. But I get in.. and out. 1 hour 15 min. So that makes me more consistent. Large space with different floors Filter attached to the water stations. Yes!!! Love the bikes Pay a bit less $ if you commit to just the one gym ex Kanata Signing up was easy. Great tour. Training session included but the trainers move on... They don't stay long here Lots of parking but... It's right across from Costco (danger !!!!) so, the area is beyond busy. If there is a hockey game in season that night... Forget it Best qualities for me re a gym Close to home Clean Safe Good equipment Parking This place checks my boxes. It's higher class without the snootiness. But.. I've only been to the Kanata location It pays back to invest in yourself

I trained at N1 for nearly a year before having to stop and it was a great experience. I walked…read moreinto the facility with no background in Muay Thai, or any other martial art experience except for a few karate lessons as a kid. By the time I left I'd learned a lot, met some great people, and found a new sport I love. The building is located in Little Italy and parking is limited to street parking or a large private lot that is right next door. The private lot charges $3 while street parking is free after 5:30. I found if I'd get there early I could get a spot on the street the majority of the time. The facility itself is very nice with two large rooms for classes, male and female locker rooms, showers, and a full size ring. For beginners they provide all equipment you need including gloves and pads but it might be worth buying a pair of wrist wraps when you sign up. The sign up procedure is very straight forward. Your first lesson is $20 and includes 20-30 minute one-on-one period with an instructor so you know the basics and can follow along with other level 1 students. After your first class, if you enjoyed it, you can pay month to month, or sign a six to twelve month contract. The longer contracts are cheaper on a per month basis and you get an additional discount if you prepay 6-12 months upfront. Plan on spending between $75 - $150 a month for unlimited Muay Thai, Boxing and BJJ classes depending on your contract length and any promotions they might have going on. All new students (that haven't studied Muay Thai elsewhere) start in level 1 and remain there for about 2-3 months until they have the fundamentals down and pass a proficiency check with the owner of the school. The classes themselves follow a basic pattern. You start off by skipping rope and doing situps for about 5-10 minutes followed by 5 minutes of shadow boxing. You shadow box in both a western and thai boxing stance and the Kru (instructor) will go around making corrections to your stance, punches, kicks, knees etc during this time. After the warm up is finish you'll pair up and do some various drills. Different instructors like to focus on different aspects which works great since you get to work on a variety of things on different days of the week. You general work in pairs doing various drills with thai and focus pads for 30 minutes. After that for the remaining 15 minutes you either do conditioning drills or maybe touch sparring. By the time class is over you'll be dripping with sweat and have a smile on your face. Class size varies widely and I couldn't figure out why. Some nights there might be 6 people others there might be 16. The instructors do a good job of keeping an eye on everyone regardless of size and they make sure to check in with you on just about every drill. When you're done level 1 classes you move on two level 2. Level 2 starts off the same way, skipping rope and occasionally shadow boxing but after that things start to change up. You are more likely to rotate partners throughout class and spar, or do complex drills. Everyone is expected to have a mouth guard, shin pads, and groin protector on for class as there is more contact between students than in the level 1 classes. While the level 1 classes were fun and did a great job of teaching the basic it was level 2 that i really loved. All of the instructors and fellow students are very helpful. There are no attitudes and everyone really wants everyone else to succeed and have fun. The instructors were all very approachable and willing to stay with students after class if you have any questions or need some help. They also offer private training, something I wish I'd taken advantage of when I was there. They also have Brazilian Ju Jiujitsu classes (gi and nogi) and western boxing. The BJJ classes were really fun but my enjoyment was hindered by my lack of flexibility. I'm sure it would have gotten easier had i gone to more than 10 classes but I was enjoying Muay Thai so much I always want to do that instead. The instructor, Pat, was really helpful in explaining the basics and since I was the only one in class with no previous grappling experience would often partner with me to help explain things better. Each class would include warm up, drills, and sparring and were always a good workout. They also have "competitive" muay thai classes specifically for people who want to enter amateur fights around Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto etc. I never attended any but from talking to people who did they focus much more on ring technique, and what to do in a bout. Most people who attend these classes also go to the level 2 or level 3 Muay Thai classes. Overall, I really enjoyed my time at N1, the instructors and fellow students were awesome and the quality of instruction was great. If I wasn't in and out of town so often these days I'd still be a member.

I keep finding myself back at N1 throughout the years, The staff has always been great, the…read moreinstructors will go over the drills in detail and will go around the class to point out and go over the specifics of the drill with you. I love the set up there, they have heavy bags through out the gym, there's a section of the gym where you can lift weights and a BJJ room. Been going there for years and there's a reason. The staff is fantastic and I have learned a lot there, the staff has been supportive in helping me reach my goals.

I never in my life would have thought I would be a butt-kicking, fierce lady who actually enjoys…read moreworking out, but this place, and my instructor Nick Denis, have actually changed my life. I started taking classes here a few months ago and have gone from a complete novice in Muay Thai Kickboxing to feeling confident, healthy, and able to defend myself. I take classes two times a week, and different packages are available. In addition to the MTKB class I also attend Nick's Fire and Ice class, which combines a half hour of intense conditioning work with 30 minutes of stretching/cool down poses. Nick is a retired UFC fighter and is fantastic at providing encouragement, support and pushing you to your limit. The classes are challenging, but many techniques can be done at your own pace and skill level. No matter what your level of fitness, you will feel welcomed and supported in this studio. Lal, the owner and traditional martial arts instructor is also a welcoming and encouraging instructor, and their energy really makes this place a great spot to work out. There are adult and children's classes (there's a summer class for kids going on right now!), and they currently have a beginners trial for $20. If you're looking for a fun and challenging workout, or have always wanted to try martial arts, I highly recommend this new studio.

The pros: - Good technique explanations…read more- Good studio - Great atmosphere - Less expensive than other martial art schools The cons: - Poor technique practice (most people in the gym are afraid of touching each other) - Classes are very short - (some) Black-belts have superiority complex, and treat newcomers disrespectfully. I've been told multiple times "don't stand there" or "got sit over there". This was done *during* class and no beforehand. - "McDojo" when it comes to belts. You have pay to get a belt with a stripe, belt with two stripes etc...