Guys, THIS PLACE. I'm loving boutique fitness more and more, but this has to be one of the nicest…read moreand most welcoming studios I have been to. Hive is located on Jasper and 104 street, with access right beside Corso 32. We parked in an Impark lot one block south of Jasper on 104th, but street parking is also available. There's a nice sandwich board pointing you in the door and up the stairs. When I arrived with my friend (also a newbie), we did the usual waiver signing and got a tour of the studio. After we had changed, a staff member sat with us and showed us how to use the rowing machines, and brought us all the blocks and bands we would need for the class. There are change rooms with bathrooms and showers, a lounge area, and some complimentary valuable lockers (I had to wait for one to free up after a previous class finished to store my purse). Hive offers rowing classes, yoga, HIIT and spin, meaning you can get a great variety of classes for purchasing one subscription or set of passes. We tried a rowing class because we had never done one before, and we were pretty nervous about the unknown. The class was tough, but also so fun! In between rowing we did mat work beside the machines that included arm work, lunges, push-ups etc. We did the class on Tuesday and my legs didn't feel normal again until Friday evening (always a good sign!). Our instructor was awesome, so high energy and encouraging, and consistently checking with us to make sure we understood movements and that our form was correct. Everything about our visit was great. The effort the staff have made to create a trendy environment that is welcoming, inclusive and encouraging is apparent. Definitely check out Hive for a great workout!

This place gets a 5/5 for me. I felt very Real Housewives of Edmonton coming with my girls at 9:30…read moreAM for Spin while our men slave away at work ;). Just kidding, we're all baddies with careers. I miraculously made it to class today so that's also a plus for me, yay! Anyway, the esthetic is on point. I especially love the honeycomb decor with the plants - I might even buy something like that and put it up in my home, very cute. They have some nice inspirational messages around as well so you can attempt to pump yourself up to workout. I do not like working out and I don't like being up at this time of day, but the ambience of the place made it more bearable. We're greeted at the door by a friendly staff member who helped me find spin shoes that fit properly. Then we were introduced to Lauren, our spin instructor. Everyone was so nice, asking me if I needed water, taking me on a tour, helping me stick my shoes in the peddles, adjusting my seat etc. I was like wow, this is a lot of care! I'm super low maintenance when I work out so all this attention was definitely an experience. I loved the seats here. They didn't make my behind ache when class was over. I'm actually sitting right now and feeling pretty comfortable. Class itself was awesome. I haven't done a spin class with weights before, and this was by far the best part of the workout for me. I love the isometric movements and could feel the burn for sure! I also had to laugh because so many people were hootin' and hollerin' it was awesome! I love when people get into the workout because it helps pump up those of us who were dragged out of bed kicking and screaming (not me). My favourite part of the workout was when it was over. No joke, they come around with MINT COLD TOWELS for you to wipe your face with. I was like damn, I must have made it. This is truly the life. I would definitely come back to this studio. I know they have a rowing class that I might want to check out. I will say that they do charge a pretty penny for these luxury workouts. There is also a no-show fee that is a whopping $15! I've never seen a no-show fee that high before. If money is your motivator, this is the place for you.

It's always daunting to move gyms! I have been going to OTF since 2017 but always the downtown…read morelocation. The DT location was like a part of my family and you definitely get used to seeing the same friendly faces. But we moved to Meadowlark and this location is like 2 minutes from my house so it really didn't make sense for me to travel DT anymore. I have to say that they've cultivated the same type of friendly atmosphere and after being here for almost a year I am definitely feeling the same awesome vibe I did DT. These are fun workouts and it's always something different every time. I have seen substantial improvements in my strength from coming here. Staff are very friendly and helpful. I honestly have zero complaints about this location. They try to cultivate a fun culture by hosting "No Shower Happy Hours" and things like that as well. I'm not the type of person who likes to work out and never have been... but this I can tolerate. There are also "Lift" classes now that don't include the cardio portion. It's 45 minutes of lifting and I try to attend one or two of those a week. I think that's helped me a lot with my physique. One major negative is that the heart rate monitors you purchase never work! I would honestly recommend not buying them because I never wear mine since it is always off. I just wear my watch. As you all probably know, OTF is exorbitantly expensive - I believe I pay like $189 per month. I justify the cost because this is the ONLY form of exercise that I pay for. I no longer pay or go to the gym or any other type of group fitness. I do this 5-6x a week and that is it. I had a lot of sticker shock because the price really has gone up since I joined all those years ago, but this is the type of exercise that I need. I need a structured group class that is lead by a trainer, that I can just get in and get out in an hour. I know I get a good workout in these classes that I wouldn't get if I was doing it alone at a gym. This works for me and that is why I pay for it - but I won't pretend it is not expensive.

Liz is the BEST! Very mindful and thorough in her coaching style as well as super kind and caring…read more She's super funny as well and always has the best Dad jokes. Highly recommend her classes.

I came for a group trial class last month and loved it!…read more If I lived southside I would be looking at drop in passes or membership here no doubt! The owner, Shara, taught us a group class and I loved it! She asked us about any injuries and took the time to come around and check in with us during our circuits for any modifications required. You'd be surprised how 30 second stations can kick challenge you yet leave you with enough energy to keep going. The warm up with the bands around our ankels, knees, and thighs was super challenging but also somehow stabilizing and didn't both my knees or back one bit! I loved the teamwork and atmosphere. The location is a bit off the beaten track in an industrial area but not a big deal. The inside is absolutely gorgeous! I noticed a sign that they also have "cold baths" and a "sauna." Sounds like the perfect way to end a workout here! I would absolutely recommend SVPT to anyone looking to challenge their fitness routine!

The other morning after some local MMA fights (and maybe a bit of overindulgence in the Strongbow…read moredepartment) I dragged my face off my pillow and joined my partner and other local mma fighter at SVPT to see what the hype is all about. I train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Complete Martial Arts and Fitness alongside some of the best MMA fighters in the city, including a couple UFC fighters - they all do personal training at SVPT and only say the best things about owner Shara Vigeant and her facility. Upon my 9am arrival at the centre, I was greeted at the door by 2014 Global Women of Vision 2014 award recipient Shara herself. She was bright eyed and bushy tailed with a smile and showed me where to put my things. After taking a gander at the walls lined with signed glossies of winning athletes singing Shara and her trainers' praises, she had me sign a waiver and get right out on the turf. Our session started with a warmup. We did a bit of foam rolling, some stretches, box jumps, chucked a medicine ball around. I started breaking a sweat right away, but I wasnt uncomfortable. As we were working, Shara asked me about previous experience with working out, the gym, my jiu jitsu classes, etc. I am a complete beginner and have never experienced any form of serious gym workout or personal training. I was in for a treat! I had a great time sweating my ass of and hauling my weight around. I was amazed to see the strength and stamina of the athletes I was working alongside. The workout was quick paced and interesting. Absolutely challenging and even fun. I learned how to swing a kettle bell around, use some resistance bands, do squats with an elevated leg (tough one!) and even pushed a weighted sled back and forth - all the while thinking: My ass is gonna look great. The SVPT facility is incredible. Larger than I thought it would be and Immaculately clean. The air is fresh and moving, clean towels and access to water bottle refill station are available to clients. I'm no expert on what makes for up to date things at the gym, but the equipment seemed new, modern and well maintained. Half of the floor is green astroturf (all the better to push a sled across, i guess!) The garage style door at the back allows for natural light to come in as the sun comes up. After my session, I mopped the sweat from my head and headed towards the change room to shower and change. The beautiful modern change rooms were like walking into a washroom in a showhome - except times six! A line of sparkling showers with temperature controlled taps (not like the push-button, lukewarm and timed showers at gyms and pools) were closed in their own cubicles with private changing area. Clean sinks and well lit mirrors (even a little basket with some toiletries you may have forgotten) would make SVPT a great place to start your day and still be able to freshen up before work and taking on your day. (did I mention how clean it is? You know me... I like my public places clean!) All in all, I have to say I'm actually shocked that I appear to be the first review of this place! I had a great time, have nothing but great things to say about SVPT. Shara was an enormous help every step of the way, ensuring my posture was correct and pushing me to move forward. It was definitely a treat to see what all the fuss is about! I will make a habit out of this.

This studio is awesome! The care for every child that walks through the door is outstanding!…read more Overall organization, communication, price, and instruction is the best i have experienced not to mention the Owner/Director DreaLee is professional and top in the industry!

I LOVED the adult Full Body Fit class it was a great workout and the instructor was very good…read more(Megan I believe)! I enjoyed myself and would definitely consider coming again. I like the idea of a passcard idea that I can pick and choose when I can or want to come. There was another lady in the class who I knew, she also spoke highly of her experience at the studio, so that's always a good sign. I refer anyone to come and try a class, in particular a former dancer I think would really enjoy being in a studio again... But all skill levels could enjoy! Thanks so much for letting me try the studio! It was an awesome experience I'll be back!

I absolutely love Orangetheory and it's the only gym I consistently enjoy going to. I have been a…read moremember for 6 months and have had some GREAT results in terms of toning and overall improvement in endurance & strength. The classes are varied enough that you don't get bored, but very challenging! The instructors have all been great and are really good at modifying exercises if you need them to. THE ONLY THING I would change is their cancellation policy. I think it's kind of outrageous that they charge a no-show / short notice cancellation fee considering I pay $180 a month for a membership already. The membership is super pricey but worth it to me.

Went to one class. You can get one class for free so it's definitely worth giving it a shot. If you…read morelive in St. Albert it's in a fairly central location. If you don't you could likely find a OTF closer to you. I liked the way it was organized- half the class did intervals on the treadmills and half did stuff on rowing machines/ weights ect. They have three types of classes. I was in the endurance class. The instructor said they tell participants once the class starts what type of class it is so that people have to attend a variety of classes. Being new to the gym they require you to show up a few minutes early to sign forms and for them to give you the heart rate monitor. The instructor took myself and the other new person in to explain a few things before class begun. During the class our instructor, Rebecca, was pretty attentive and helpful with checking in and making any necessary recommendations. Afterwards Rebecca reviewed the graphs/results from workout with. Then the receptionist goes over membership information. I wasn't crazy about membership information, but it's pretty standard for gyms so it's to be expected. I didn't get the full information on cost as I wasn't looking for it. It's definitely not cheap though. A drop in class is $20. Staff was nice and facilities were decent too.

Coach Keenan was very passive aggressive, slightly rude and you could tell took every opportunity…read moreto do skills rather than actually teach. He was not encouraging and focused on the things that we could not do. A lot of the equipment was quite run down and taped together with duct tape, etc. Others coaches were fairly nice and encouraging. I definitely think Keenan and the other female coach took it way too seriously.

Fitset???!!! If you…read morehaven't tried it you must! Imagine yourself driving down your neighborhood think "hmm... I would love to try that Barre studio, or that yoga place... Wait crossfit what's that about? Well if you had a fitset membership you could go to all those places and more. I love my fitset membership because not only do you get to try new things, you have the opportunity to meet new people and get more involved in the community. The best part about Fitset is that they give you a free trial so you can experience it before you decide to commit yourself to a month or more. O did I mention no contract? The Fitset team are everywhere from hosting fun events to pop ups in Lululemon or special affairs like FitFest. If you need technical support involving your membership they are quick with resolve. Yes I highly recommend just trying the free trial, you never know you might get addicted to being healthy and having fun ;)

Fit & Feeling GR8 @ 58!…read more Yup, 58 years old, wow! Over the last six years or so I have started to pay more attention to my fitness, realizing that I have a lot of amazing years ahead and lots of things I want to experience. In my mind I feel I should be as fit as when I was a 25. That is hard to do at 58, especially without a plan. I also really love having a community of like-minded people to workout with and professional trainers to help me pick the right exercises that work best for me without getting injured. I do workouts at home as well as Strength and Cardio Classes at L2 Fitness. For me, a structured workout is best or I tend to get distracted and waste time thinking about other things I need to do. The programs that I participate in make it easy and actually fun to exercise. The L2 Fitness Team are not only great trainers, but really make it easy to keep going back. My overall fitness has really improved. Regardless of age, if we're not careful in our own exercise routines we may set ourselves up for further injury. From core and balance to lower and upper body workouts the philosophies @ L2 Fitness help you safely achieve your desired level of fitness - "the right way". In 2+ years exercising with L2 Fitness, no workout injuries, I am much stronger, more flexible, and my fitness level progressively improved. I just might be "the old guy" in the gym but I'm feeling GR8 @ 58. Maybe this year I will be ready to try a Spartan race.

From the owner: L2 Fitness is an Edmonton-based private personal training facility that is committed to teaching…read moreyou how to eat better, train smarter, embrace change, and make your goals feel achievable within the other demands of your life.

A couple of months later, I have to return to take off a star. If you'd like to see my thoughts on…read morethe workout experience at Orangetheory, please expand my previous review for more details. Since doing the single class in August, I've been bothered by weekly phone calls asking me to come back for more classes. The voicemails left have varying details, with some saying I can have more free classes, others saying I can access an introductory rate, and even others saying that I signed up as a lululemon practice member, but then didn't attend the class. Many other studios I have visited called or emailed with follow-up, but left it at a single call or message. Pro tip for management: if I didn't call you back after the first, second, third or fourth calls, then a fifth probably isn't necessary. I really hate high pressure sales tactics, and the predatory nature of some private gym chains. I'm pretty unimpressed with this business model, and won't be returning for more classes, free or otherwise.

The staff is super friendly at this location. I ended up forgetting my gym shoes here and…read morethankfully they don't throw anything out at the end of the night! This is an insanely busy location. I'm honestly not used to the sheer amount of people who go here. I thought downtown was busy but this is nothing. Almost every class is waitlisted! I think there are people here signing up months in advance which is totally admirable, but makes it hard to get in. The classes that I recommend are in the afternoon, and that works for me since I work from home. If you're trying to get in before work it'll be tough... not going to lie. The layout of this OTF is old-school. They have that back area where it just feels like there isn't enough room for the weight part of the classes. You feel very cramped when working out and the TRXs are not aligned with the benches, so you need to use them at an angle. There is, however, parking! Which I love! Can't hate on parking.