I have been working out with Scott for the past year and have been loving it! I can't say I was one…read morethat stuck to any particular workout routine for very long but have found that I am able to at OBFT. I have really enjoyed the combination of strength training and boxing within one session - keeping it fun while also being a great workout. Scott is great at motivating you to push harder without being too intimidating! I have noticed great improvements in my strength and endurance. Scott pays particular attention to form during the workout which I appreciate as I know so many that have injured themselves through inappropriate training. I can't speak highly enough of Scott and OBFT and would highly recommend them!

Obft is a hidden gem. It's located inside national fitness and they also have a new location at…read morelakeshore. The classes are great and definitely make you work a sweat. I recently tried their 30mins class and I found it great especially after getting back into working out. Would definitely recommend for people to try it out.

I signed up for one month of Bang's hybrid training program. Overall, a highly recommended…read moreexperience! The context: I was super active in my 20's - crossfit, MMA gyms, and at-home training. I've since become quite a couch potato in recent years, and wanted to get back into training in a safe and sustainable way. I've had too many false starts where I would hop back into a strenuous regime and skip gym days because of extreme soreness or disappointment. The owner, Geoff, convinced me this was the right place. The good: A training paradise. Tons of the best gear, including hard-to-find things like battle ropes and a sled. Never having to fight for space to train. Super knowledgable staff that are just fun to be around. Fun and varied routines that got me back on track and feeling confident by the end of the month. Everything is clean, tidy, odour free. The bad: I can see cost being an issue for some people. I'd suggest talking to the staff to see what works best for your fitness goals.

In a downtown Toronto gym long, long, long ago...(a year and a half to be exact)…read more A not so young gym jedi (me), fought to free her republic from the criminal gang known as FAC. (Fats, Alcohol and Carbohydrates) Pursued across the GTA restaurant scene by the Imperial forces, she fought valiantly to resist the dark side (inactivity). Using the teachings (workouts) of her Jedi master; Obi Wan 'G' (Geoff) Kenobi, she was able to build strength and improve her mobility. Together with her devoted and wise side master Kazim and her foam roller, she battled and battled....Then finally decided she needed a change of scenery and moved to another galaxy. May the force (i.e. Protein) be with you.... Whether you're a budding star athlete or a joe schmoe looking to improve your body composition, Bang Fitness can help you with physical development needs. I've had the privilege of training with Geoff and his great staff at Bang during my time in Toronto and I've definitely noticed some changes in my physical form, energy and mentality. While it wasn't all roses all of the way, they made some great strides over the past year in their staff, facilities and programming. Seriously these guys are ready to rock. I'm happy with the changes I've seen in myself and I'm keen to continue my progress even though sadly I'll be leaving these good people behind. Whereas before I used to bellyache about lifting heavy weights or pushing massive objects I now find myself relishing round after round of sweaty punishment! What makes Bang awesome: 1. People come here to work. There's two main options for gym-goers here: semi-private training under the guidance of several coaches or regularly scheduled classes such as kettle bells or metabolic circuits. Each visit, I see gym goers of all ages strutting their stuff and pushing their limits. Vanity gym bunnies: check your egos at the door. 2. Old school programming. Prowlers, bumper plates, kettlebells...all the good stuff is here. You worried about form? They'll show you the basics and graduate you on to harder exercises along your journey. Long term success is not compromised for short term results. 3. Passionate and down to earth staff. They'll let you know if you can perform that set with a heavier weight. They're concerned about your movement but they also want to see you working to your fullest potential as well. Caveats? There are a couple. The shower and change rooms are small and merely ordinary. In fact, the whole space will come as a let down to anyone used to training in a boutique gym environment. Substance and functionality before style. And yes, it's expensive. Bang is by no means cheap but the prices are reasonable for what you get in return. You could bang it out (no pun intended) on the machines at your local Goodlife but you would not get nearly the amount of personalized attention and advice at this independent outfit. If you're serious about making some gains in your physical fitness, check these guys out!

"I've been training with DJ and have had a positive experience. He is knowledgeable, pushes me…read moreappropriately during sessions, and tailors workouts based on my goals and fitness level. I've definitely seen progress in strength and consistency. If you're looking for a trainer who can help keep you accountable and challenge you, I'd recommend him."

Instructor: The instructors all have really good energy…read morelevels. Rami is by far the 11/10 best trainer I have ever had at any fitness studio including F45 and Orange Theory locations throughout the GTA and Toronto. I would really recommend his classes. He is really knowledgeable about form and correcting you and has the perfect balance of pushing you when needed and also knowing when to lay off if you are struggling or at your limit. There is one personal trainers during the class that go around and motivate you, correct your form, ensure you are pushing yourself while being safe and enjoying the class. Class and Atmosphere: The intensity is quite good with 500-600 calories burned on average. The class is usually divided into 60 mins: 20 mins treadmill, 20 mins weights, 20 mins rowing. The one instructor is shared amongst all areas of the class. The instructor will call out instructors for all 3 sections. There is TV screens to provide video examples of how to perform the weight-based exercises. The classes get booked VERY FAST and it is hard to get a time slot that is popular such as 12PM on a Saturday unless you book it in advance. Cost/Benefit: I found that the sharing of the instructor was a bit less interactive, than other studios like F45 where you get more attention from the instructor and do not have to rely on a TV screen or peers as much. I also found the cost of the class to be a bit high considering you are more self directed on the treadmill and the rowing machines, so 2/3 of the class cost is really to do things without alot of attention or instruction. Fitness Level: The demographic is truly a range at this location from 20s-50s. I would say this is the "fittest" group of participants I have ever seen in the GTA. If you get motivated by watching other people absolutely CRUSH the workout, this location is for you. Lots of highly motivated and fit individuals. It can be a bit intimidating, but everyone is lovely and supportive. I would say there are certain injuries that would be hard to do in this class. If you have a leg or back injury this would be difficult with lots of burpees, running, rowing. Those are common exercises that would be difficult to modify. Amenities: There is a water bottle station. There are areas to place your belongings but they are not locked. The stations are well cleaned, and instructors provide cleansing wipes for the equipment as you switch to different parts of the class.

My health is worth more than the membership…read more Those that don't like the price should jog outdoors and stop complaining. Save the membership fees and also not gain the benefits of the scientifically designed exercises that do much more than develop muscle groups. It's a family/team environment, membership has many more rewards than the those found in other fitness facilities. I'm a tough sell and bought into the theory.

Blast offers classes, private training, and open gym facilities for its members. I mainly did the…read moreclasses and open gym, although I lucked out when I first showed up by being the only person to attend a free barbell training clinic Marv (the owner) was running. I learned a lot in the session and signed up that night. If you want to get strong, this is the place for you. Ditto if you want to get in shape, and if you want classes that are both challenging, interesting, and varied. On the other hand, if you care more about the amenities in your gym's change room than the equipment in the workout area, you are better off going somewhere else. Likewise, if you all you want to do is use cardio machines, I would encourage you to try one of Blast's classes with an open mind, and failing that, go somewhere else. One example of what I like about Blast is how it is perfectly acceptable at Blast to drop your barbell if you are doing deadlifts or olympic lifts. They have bumper plates (i.e. plastic coated weighted plates) and understand that when you lift heavy it's not reasonable (or even safe) to gently put the barbell down. Sadly many other gyms forbid dropping weights. Another great thing about this place is the sense of community fostered amongst the members, and how people are happy to spot you on the bench press, let you work in a set on the squat rack or lifting platform, etc. In terms of the equipment my favourite thing is the strongman type stuff they have. Specifically the giant tires you can flip, and the prowler/weight sleds you can pull with a rope and then push back to the start. There are also Kettlebells all the way up to 70 lbs, which is a heavier weight than most gyms carry. Lastly, the trainers are a great group of people. The owner and head coach Marv practices what he preaches, and he has a dynamic mix of trainers, some that work for Blast and others that rent out space for their own classes. They all work together and cooperate though. I'm leaving the country for work soon, and other than my siblings Blast is what I'll miss most about Toronto!

Really good place to get a intense workout, and I agree with everything Rachel said. The only…read morething I'd add is while the atmosphere is definitely friendly, I'd suggest that having some type of experience in these classes is helpful before getting to Marv.

Nisker Fitness is a personal training business owned by Dan Nisker, a personal trainer I've been…read moreworking with for nearly a year now. Dan is a great personal trainer, he is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, dependable and flexible too (time & location is no issue) I've got quite an experience with personal trainers through the years. Some were just flaky, not showing up on time, had me drive around town to meet at their gym or maybe were just boring the heck out of me just standing there giving me orders + all they cared about was getting you to sign up for more and more lessons. Dan Nisker (Nisker Fitness) is different. he meets me at my gym at the time most comfortable to me, he is never late, he has new stuff up his sleeve every week and he works out with me, kicking my ass in the process. Bottom line, I would have given Nisker Fitness 6 stars if I could. I highly recommend his services.

Any place that can get me to enjoy exercising deserves a medal. I knew my 100th review had to go…read moreto something special, so after a mere moment's consideration, I decided it would have to be Cirque Ability. I signed up for Beginner's Acrobatics with about 6 weeks left in the session, and from the first class I loved it. Each class has a maximum of six students per instructor, which is a great ratio. And for something so specialized and with such small classes, the price is great - only about $15 per class. The main draw for me though is that it's fun, and it's a great workout that's over before you know it. The hour goes by so quickly, because you enjoy what you're doing, rather than running on a treadmill watching the minutes tick by. It's also rewarding because you can easily measure the difference between where you were at the beginning and where you are now. The first time I felt like my cartwheel didn't look like a drunken four year old was an amazing feeling. As was the first time I managed to balance on just my head and my hands. Heather is a great instructor and she really helps by breaking down each move. Sure, I can't do a handstand yet, but I'm working on building the muscle, balance and confidence to ensure that I'll probably be able to in the winter session. All in all, they're a great workout class that I just love and I can't wait for the winter session to begin!

I love Cirque-ability! Cirque-ability is an amazing fitness studio focusing on circus training,…read moreacrobatics, and gymnastics. All ages are welcome and there are various skill level classes. The group classes are very small and one on one personal coaching is always provided. The environment and atmosphere is very welcoming and friendly. There is a strong sense of community in this west end studio. The converted loft space is awesome. Heather is a wonderful coach. She is friendly, patience, driven and is an excellent motivator. Circus class involves training on one of the following appartuses: hoop, silks or trapeze. These classes are so much fun and offer a great alternative to the same old work out routine at the gym. They are very fun, challenging, help to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance. Drop in for a break dance class or for partner acro, or a silks lesson=), or have a birthday party there! I am so thankful that this studio exists! fly through the air with the greatest of ease! But make um understand its westside foe life Thanks so much for your time, Cheers, Jenna

I love this gym. I have been attending the classes for a few weeks and have really enjoyed them…read more Getting up at 5:30am to make it to a 6 am class with excitement says a lot. The trainers are excellent and know when to push you. The vibe is welcoming and the facility itself is a great functional training setup! I love it here.

I have been coming to Apex for 6 weeks now and the progress I have made in that time has been…read moremind-blowing. Alex and D, the two main trainers, know their stuff inside and out and have helped me make serious gains in a very short time. On top of that, the vibe at this place is awesome. It's a very friendly group of people who are also serious about strength training.