I have been going to BYC for many years. The quality of instruction is fantastic. All of the…read moreinstructors are very experienced and knowledgeable. The mysore program run by David G will take your practice to the next level. After every class I feel renewed and recharged. It's a small studio with small class sizes so the the classes are tailored to the students. If you are looking for a genuine and supportive studio to practice yoga this is the place. A real gem.

I am so glad to be back at the Beach Yoga Centre post-pandemic. I have taken courses in many…read moredifferent styles of yoga, years before finding Mysore with David Gellineau at the Beach Yoga Centre and I have to say it's a transformative experience. David is patient and methodical in his approach and really tailors each pose to your stage of development. Even when I have been in classes that include very advanced practitioners I never felt "behind" or out of place - moving at your own pace is key. Over the years pre-pandemic I could really feel my body shifting out of long held bad posture, pronation, etc. -- into correct alignment. Each session leaves you refreshed with a new understanding of what you are capable of. David brings an extraordinary wealth of knowledge and commitment to the practice -- a great sense of humour! - I highly recommend it.

Spend enough time in this cult-like organization and you'll either become disenchanted and leave,…read morejoin the darkside and be a sleazebag, or be victimized yourself. During my ~6 years in the organization, I saw this pattern unfold time and again but I was too naive to recognize what I was seeing. Progressively as I was being pushed to do things I did not want to do, things felt all wrong. I started avoiding the place. Then I suddenly had clarity one day: my interests were not Sensei's interest any more, and probably never were. I cleaned out my locker and joined the ranks of the disenchanted. A weight was lifted. I am thankful for the personal growth that occurred through that experience, and for the fact that I did not suffer any negative consequences. I know of multiple people who got screwed by these guys, one example is below. All the parties mentioned I trained with. http://www.goldmanhine.com/2010/06/16/punitive-damages-rescission-and-damages-awarded-against-franchisor-and-franchisors-associate/ http://www.martialtalk.com/threads/cmac-took-my-dojo-and-my-money.2293/

I started training with Sensei Dixon over 20 years ago in a park in Pickering. I was his first…read morestudent and take great pride in being able to say that of such an amazing teacher. Sensei Dixon has an incredible ability to not only teach but also do. His honor and integrity has been a major influence on who I am today. The lessons he has shared with me in martial arts have saved my life many times from how to react instinctively in a motorcycle crash to avoiding dangerous situations. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Sensei Dixon and encourage anyone who wishes to learn invaluable lessons in Martial Arts and its true meanings to visit the CMAC Beaches Dojo.

I had the pleasure of belonging to Fitness Works while living in The Beach a few years ago! Ariella…read moreinspired me to learn to run and with her enthusiasm and encouragement I actually did my first 5 km race! The ladies at this gym are a warm inspiring group under Ariella's guidance.

Having the most shocking experience with Fitness Works for Women. My daughter signed up for a…read moremembership, was told that it was 'no problem to cancel' if she needed to and she could just 'let us know'. So, she sent an email to them to cancel and was continually harassed for payments. When this was addressed by myself that they were taking advantage of her and reporting to the BBB was assured, I received the following note. Am I crazy, or is this insanely unprofessional? Dear Trish, No one in our organization took advantage of your daughter. We are in the business of empowering women through healthy living and creating community. We work tirelessly supporting women of all ages to be strong. The terms of the membership were made clear to her when she decided to make fitness a priority in October 2017. What you are teaching your daughter by your threats does not make her stronger or healthier, nor does it help her understand her role in this transaction. Moreover, encouraging her to take the stance of victim is a weak and disempowering position for any person. Help her instead own up to her responsibilities of the agreement she signed and become a responsible member of the community. Maybe then you both could share a glass of champagne and enjoy the feeling of empowerment. In fitness and in health, Ariella Tsafatinos Certified Personal Trainer, PRO TRAINER canfitpro | CANADIAN FITNESS PROFESSIONALS Certified Fitness and Pilates Instructor, Resist-A-Ball Core Trainer II Pre & Post Natal Fitness Specialist Older Adult Fitness Specialist Weight Management Consultant and President, FitnessWorks For Women Creating Community Changing Lives 2171 Queen St. E., Second Floor www.fitnessworksforwomen.ca bfit@fitnessworksforwomen.ca (416) 691- BFIT (2348)

Lots of variety of classes, nice staff, great instructiors, super cute and clean space.read more

So happy to find Afterglow Studio in the Beaches! Having just moved to the neighbourhood a few…read moreweeks ago, finding a new yoga studio was on the top of my list of to-dos. Afterglow is exactly what I was looking for! The space is big and bright and crisp! Liz and Julie are friendly and welcoming. I went to Vinyasa 101 with Julie, despite being an avid Power Yoga yogi as I hadn't been to yoga in nearly 4 months and it was perfect to go back to the basics of the asanas before diving into repetitive motions in vinyasa. The class was challenging, perfect pace, and the right amount of yoga philosophy. If you're in the Beaches and like yoga, you should come to Afterglow. Join the #glowcrew :)

Thrive Fit is the best place that I have ever gone to for group personalized training. Each…read moreindividualized program is designed and well thought out to help you become a better you, physically, mentally, emotionally while being able to give you the support from fellow kettlebell lovers. One thing that I appreciate about Thrive Fit is the sense of community that comes along with the membership. We have various kettlebell challenges that we're all welcome to participate in, we participate in runs and other fitness events (CN Tower Climb, Scotiabank 5K run, etc.), have gym socials every so often as well, among others. Before Thrive Fit, I was a bit of a procrastinator in the fitness world, I always felt sluggish and never really had any motivation for going to the gym so I would fall off of the fitness band wagon more often than not. With the help and guidance of Brian (the owner), his amazing team and myself, I was able to push through whatever mental barriers I had and gained a true appreciation for getting fit and having fun as I did it! In the last year or so, I have become much stronger than I ever thought possible. I actually feel and see muscles forming! To the ladies reading this, you're not going to get big and bulky. It's pretty darn difficult for that to happen, if anything, you're going to start to lean out and look the best that you have ever been before! I'm incredibly grateful for the chance to have been able and continue to workout at Thrive Fit, it's actually the highlight of my week most times haha. No matter how rough my day might have been, after I workout with the kettelbells, I feel unbelievable - like I can take on the world.

From the owner: A different type of training facility. A different attitude. A different approach. And different…read moreresults. Lasting results. Without injury, without overdoing it, without getting stuck. It is training with intent. With smart goals like mobility, stability and strength that lead to those other goals like muscle mass, weight loss and positive self-image. We're about serious members who are committed to learning and changing the way they think about working out. Who realize flash doesn't make you fit. And that their best is the best there is. And when you've achieved your best- and you will - you're there.

I've had a few personal trainers in my lifetime, and this is the best, most qualified fitness…read moreinstitute, I have ever worked out at. You don't just walk in and have someone guide you through the exercises and cheer you on. It starts way before that. First of all THERE IS PARKING..FREE. Secondly, YOU are the focus. Its not your regular gym, full of others clamoring to get on the equipment. No line ups, no crowds, rather one on one focus and attention. Thirdly, the atmosphere is cheery, open, bright, professional and calming. More importantly, Alex (owner & trainer), really dissects everything about you before getting started on your first routine. He asks what your goals are, and also watchs how you carry yourself when you walk and initially perform the exercises. He understands body mechanics, and knows exactly how far to push you. He pointed out that when I walked, I leaned forward, and was not using my buttocks, putting undo pressure on my knees. Needless to say, I now have buns of steel, and my knees are thanking me. All my 61 years of life, I've been walking this way, and none of my past trainers pointed any of this out. Oh, and don't let me forget, Alex does not let you get away with wimping out or complaining. You always know where you stand with Alex. He has this honest, direct, open minded, educated, and has very motivating approach. Another important aspect that I like, is that Alex works with other professionals in the neighbourhood, and will recommend and work together with them, to provide total overall health assessments. The way I look at it, you have only one body...don't you think it deserves the best?

From the owner: We focus on private personal training and nutrition services. Customized to the individual based…read moreon their needs and goals. With 4 trainers to choose from we match you to a trainer that is best suited in personality and expertise to help you achieve your goal. Starting with an assessment session or a consultation. Whether you are a general exerciser or a have a sport specific focus we coach you through the process.

This place is amazing. I've never stick to any kind of gym before but 30 minutes Hit is so…read moreempowering! The 3 trainers are also fantastic and push you to go further, but always with the smile! I love the fact that it is 30 minutes, you can go whenever you want since it is a circuit and you also learn valuable self-defense tools. It is also not as expensive as many other places providing this kind of training, so it is worth giving it a try!

From the owner: A fast paced boxing/kickboxing circuit gym for all fitness levels. Come join our women's only…read moreleague!

I started taking the Body Blast and Boxfit classes at this studio back in September and I'm super…read morehappy with the experience. I've even signed up for their 6 Week Fitness Challenge that starts tomorrow. I'm pretty active on my own, but find it's easy as we head into winter to opt for the couch over the run outside. So, signing up for classes provides a little extra incentive for me to keep active. From my first visit at Cornerstone I felt comfortable, a key feeling for me when I'm working out. The owner, Lauren Cook, took time to explain pricing, the best deals, and introductory offers. Although I don't have kids, I noticed that the schedule's built to accommodate kids classes at the same time adults are working out. Supporting local community businesses is important to me and Lauren took the time to explain why she opened and what impact she hopes it has on the community. All a positive for me. I take body blast with Nick Robinson on Thursdays. It's a mix of functional exercises to build cardio and some strength training. The classes are small, so it's more like a personalized workout with a trainer rather than a class at say Goodlife. The max we've had so far in class is 4 people, so there's no hiding. The upside, is that after I injured myself running, he was able to give me modified exercises during the class at no additional cost and it didn't prevent me from going. This was awesome! The Boxfit class on Sundays is the best workout I've ever had. If you're looking for a cardio workout this is it. It's an hour and divided amongst skipping, jogging, aerobics, box jumping, and punching the bag so you never get bored. You work on 3 minute rounds with 30 second breaks the whole time. Jared is funny and makes sure everyone is working hard throughout the class. As for costs, I pay per session and find it reasonably priced. It's more expensive than Goodlife, but I feel more accountable given the smaller class sizes. And you can't beat the individual attention you're getting from a certified instructors/trainers without paying for one-on-one sessions. I've not taken any of the adult dance classes they offer, but I've ventured into both Yoga and Pilates now and continue to be impressed by the staff they have.

My kids have been taking dance classes at Cornerstone since shortly after it opened and I always…read morerecommend it to anyone looking for breakdancing, hip hop and contemporary/modern dance style classes, and it's also a great place for really little kids to get into dance for the first time. My daughter in particular has learned so much and been able to really explore her creativity, plus has boosted her self esteem. Wonderful staff, very caring and thoughtful, and overall a great vibe in the studio. Delighted to see how the studio has evolved and grown over the years.

I just did my first class at Beaches Hot Yoga and wow! That was incredible…read more I have a friend who has been going here for years, and I woke up today, and said hey, it's time I try it. I arrived 15 minutes before class. Enough time to get signed up for the class and pay. I got the 1 month unlimited which is a very good deal! I let Sarah know that I had low back soreness, and that was no problem at all. I did as much of the class as I could and simply lied in savasana for the poses I wanted to skip. I did the 90 minute hot yoga with Sarah - and she was incredible. Very detailed and consistant cueing. She also had a very lovely and motivating personality - good for Sunday morning! She did say before class that the back and front were the hottest - and I should have listened to her. I was dying as I sat at the back under the heater ... I had to leave the last 20 minutes out and just lay in savanasana. I got a great sweat - but try the middle row if you are beginner! Bring lots of water. I brought a 750ml water bottle. Next time I'll bring a couple bottles. My only reccomendation for them is would be to add some details about mat and towel rental in the FAQ section on their website. They do have mats, mat towels and shower towels for rent! I wasted a bit of time in the morning trying to figure out if they did. Most yoga studios do, so I went anyways! Ps They don't have lockers - I think you might be able to leave valuables at the front desk. Enjoy!