I've been a member here for a few months now and so far it's the best gym I've ever visited. I think the difference is that it's locally owned - not a huge chain. The staff are great. Very helpful. The other patrons are friendly and welcoming. The class sizes are small and I really feel like I'm getting the most out of every session that I can. It's got a great location and the class schedule works really well for people who work 9-5 - lots of early morning and evening options to choose from as well as daytime classes. read more

An affordable gym for people in the area that has plenty of weights, machines and a big room for classes. It helps that they keep the room open all the time, so you can go in and use the exercise balls, jump ropes, mats, etc., when there aren't any classes. If you're looking for some five-star gym, this isn't it. If you're looking for a place that has super buff people who love looking at themselves as they become even buffer, this isn't the spot either. What you will find are people of all ages and body types. You won't feel intimidated or out of place. It does get hot easily because it's underground, but hey, just think that you're sweating faster. read more

I went to this gym for a couple of years. However, I found the managers and staff me of the owners very disregarding and egocentric. Before Covid-19 the gym was packed at full capacity and it was very hard to access a machine. I stopped going there. It was useless to make the effort to get there when there was not even space to do my workouts. read more

Underrated facility. Welcoming. Great, clean equipment. Energetic atmosphere. All types of training accepted.

One of the only fitness centres along The Drive, Spartacus is the most low-key, affordable and comfortable fitness centres I have ever had the pleasure of sweating in. The staff is friendly and the classes are taught by knowledgable, skilled and lovely instructors who only want to see you do your best (not to see you in your short shorts...ladies, you know what I'm talking about) or see you suffer. The owners are vivacious and clearly love life, with a no-nonsense attitude to fitness that has served them well. Did I mention the affordability of Spartacus? Impressively low prices that make working out easy on you and your budget. read more

Great place. I've been working out here for little over a year now. I find the gym etiquette of the members is excellent and the staff are fantastic. That is something I noticed after I had been to a couple of other gyms by chance or circumstance a handful of times since signing up here. Regardless of how nice a gym a place is, it is the people who use it that make it a good or bad place in my estimation. This place has all the good people and is a real central hub to the community overall. It is very welcoming with a good mixture of ages, body-types, and is an LBGT friendly environment from my experience. You don't need to worry about feeling out of place no matter how old or out of shape you may be. Definitely worthy of your consideration if you are looking for a gym in this neighborhood. read more

I've been a member at Spartacus for about four years. I recently moved away from Commercial Drive but I just can't bear to give up my $30/month membership because I love this gym! It's in a basement on Commercial Drive- there are no panoramic views or high ceilings. The current owner has done a lot to upgrade the facility, and it shows. The upgraded lighting and ventilation systems have really improved the gym without compromising the character. Fresh paint and new equipment have made the space even better. The upgrades to the women's change room were long overdue. Thanks for that, Roy! I've been here every day of the week from early mornings, to mid-day to late evenings. It gets a bit busy during peak periods, but I've never had to wait long to use a machine or get into a particular area. Equipment is well-maintained, but the staff members aren't nearly as attentive as they used to be. Under the old owners, staff were all friendly and pleasant. Paper towels were always stocked and employees were frequently seen cleaning equipment. That's not the case anymore. I don't particularly care if someone greets me when I walk through the door, but when 2/3 of the paper towels are empty and employees are sitting behind the desk eating or chatting with friends, it doesn't project a professional image. This is the main reason for my 4-star rating. Spartacus attracts a diverse clientele and seems LGBT-friendly, which is a plus in East Van. There's definitely no need to feel self-conscious here. Most members are friendly and respectful (although some seem totally oblivious about basic gym etiquette). There are some super fit long-term members who will inspire you to step up your workout- enjoy! read more

I love Spartacus gym, its not pretentious and it's very welcoming. They also give you the best deal in town when it comes to taking the classes they offer. You can either pay for a monthly membership or a 10-time (which has no expiry date) pass for $60 and take any of their classes. Since my schedule changes weekly, I go for the pass instead of the membership. I love the Pilates, yoga, and yogalates classes in particular. The instructors vary in level and it's good to know who's who before you take a class. In terms of Pilates Pam is more beginner/intermediate and Herb is definitely more advanced. If you are just starting pilates do not take Herb's class, build yourself up by going to Pam's class at least 10 times before even thinking about moving up. Mark, who teaches the Yoga classes is excellent! His level is a pretty solid intermediate but he always gives you beginner and advanced options as well. Go onto their website to check out their class schedule and you can also see the instructor bio's so you can check out everyone before you go. In terms of price and quality, I believes Spartacus's classes are as good as it gets! read more

Spartacus Gym - Front of the gym right off of Commercial drive - Gyms Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I signed up for a membership here a few years ago with my sisters. The idea was that we would go together and support each other. Well it ended up that I was the only one that actually went regularly. I would have kept going here, but I don't actually live in this neighborhood. I had to drive in order to make it on time to some of the classes I liked. The one bonus was they do have underground parking for members. Upon signing up I found out they even offer one free session with a personal trainer which is a great introduction to the gym. The classes are all really good, but get there early to get a spot. They are first come first serve. After a while I started only going to the unpopular classes as the room just isn't big enough to fit everyone. Plus the busy classes get really hot as there isn't enough air flow. It got to the point that I would arrive for a class, not get it and spend my time on the machines. Especially after New Years when everyone gets back on the treadmill. As the gym is so popular there are some waits for they gym equipment during peak times, but not too bad. Everything is clean, orderly and safe so no complaints here. The owners and staff are all amazing. I really liked their energy. I felt that for the popularity of the gym they need to expand. They also need to upgrade the washrooms/shower/change rooms. read more

Best. Gym. Ever. Where else in this city can you get unlimited access to equipment AND classes (yoga, pilates, spinning, bootcamp, zumba, and more!) for $30 per month? Sure, it's not super glamorous, but they have a good amount of new equipment and the staff are awesome. Yes, the gym can get a little busy at times, but I've never had a problem getting into a class or getting the equipment I want to use. One of my favourite things about this gym is that the people who work out there are from all walks of life. It is truly a community gym, with young, old, fit, and (currently) unfit alike. Maybe I'm easily impressed, but I also love how the treadmills have built-in fans. (This *might* be common, but they certainly didn't have those at my old gym!) The one irritating thing with many gyms is that it's a major hassle when you want to cancel. I have heard SO many horror stories on this topic, but I have never heard anything like this about Spartacus. If you live in the Drive area, there's simply no reason to go anywhere else. read more

Here I am, a new mom, finally finding a time to hit the gym and have the energy to boot and I show up at Spartacus for a drop in, which is listed on their site as $9. Got myself rallied early and walked in. Place looks decent, plenty of equipment, but the guy won't let me do a drop in because I don't have ID. So I left...and I'm still dumbfounded.... a) it's not listed on their website where the fees are that IS is required b) you want to put more roadblocks up for potential customers coming to the gym? Bad business practices.... read more

This is the best fitness centre ever! I have been many times there over the years. Good, well maintained equipment, clean and comfortable environment to exercise in. No pretentiousness or competition with other fitness go-ers, people are respectful and have the best thing in common; FITNESS! The staff, trainers and class instructors are awsome! Very little staff turn-over! The two owners Doug and Herb, are very hard working and usually one or both of them are there at the fitness centre teaching a class or just working-out. They get to know their members by name and it feels like a big happy family there. They offer a wide variety of fitness classes and at various times of the day so it is convenient with work schedules etc. You must try Herb's Pilates and Yoga-lates classes! Twice a week in 3 weeks and you'll see what I mean! Oh ya, don't forget to go to boot camp class saturday at 9am! I love daydreaming and watching the many TVs while I work out. They also have tanning beds. And minutes are cheap! Sometimes during the colder months, it is nice to warm up and get some vitamin D. LOL, a little reward after my hard work-out! The only problem is I now live in Surrey/Delta and I don't have Spartacus out here! Tho, I still go there time to time when I am passing thru East Van! Thanks guys, you guys rock! read more

Spartacus Gym is Vancouver's best kept secret, especially considering that the city's as health-conscious, gym/yoga-obsessed as they get. But here's this old little gym tucked away underneath Caffé Roma on Commercial Drive, charging less than $40 per month (which includes access to almost all their classes: yoga, spin, pilates, zumba, etc.)... but the place is absolutely unpretentious and all-inclusive, plus the staff are amazing. Roy and Nelson, in particular, are inspirational - if you get a chance to take a class or training session with them, do so! While not the fanciest gym in terms of infrastructure, all the equipment is in excellent shape, and there's obviously a lot of love that goes into running the place. They'd probably hate me for saying this, but Spartacus reminds me a little of my high school gym; something I find completely endearing. There are several TVs and the music's often a good mix (ie: Thievery Corporation, Metric, Depeche Mode, etc.). As for the equipment, they have pretty much everything you'd need: free weights, weight machines, elliptical machines, bikes, etc. plus one classroom not unlike a dance studio. But what I really love about this gym is that it's home to a diverse community; many people who live on Commercial Drive come here and have been coming here for ages. But people of all ages, all races, all genders, all shapes - everyone is welcome. And when you're a tad self-conscious, or you're not a gym regular, or even if you're a fitness guru - coming here, you'll feel welcomed, and I love it for that. read more

Finally! I have hit 5 weeks straight of gyming it up! It was a necessary part of my decision to quit smoking and I have to say I really enjoy this particular gym. It's been many years since I've been to any other gym but I remember paying the same amount for a memebership in the '90's which means this place is VERY affordable. I got a one hour session with a trainer included when I started as well. All classes are free with membership although I've yet to try one (I'm shy???) and the machines are new and plentiful. It's a small space for all that equipment but it works and I'm going to try and keep UP the good work... read more

I have been a member of Spartacus gym, on and off, for about ten years now. Some people love this place, and some hate it.. depends what you are looking for. I like this place because it is an affordable, no nonsense, straight up gym. The only thing you can do here is get fit. There is no steam room to go hide in, no tea lounge... just a big room full of fitness equipment. What they do offer, which makes it more than just a small neighborhood gym, is classes. Right in the middle of this big room full of sweaty, grunting weight-lifters is an enclosed studio space. They offer yoga, spinning, aerobics, Zumba.. you name it. And it's all included in the membership! THAT is what keeps me coming back here. At a lot of gyms you pay more to get the spa treatment. But does that really help you get fit faster? I don't think so. Spartacus is a good old-school gym run by good people. read more

My partner live in Vancouver bc So I got to go to this gym few times. Mix feeling. It's definitely not those big gyms like you have in San Francisco. How ever. I like that gym a lot. They have many things in a small place. Cool people. Clean. Fell like a private gym. Overall. I love it Just a note. There is some new stuff I think they should add. And the bad ones to fix read more

I did a drop in. Friendly service, clean and pretty good machines. Has good vibe to it.

I'm really enjoying being a member of Spartacus gym. I love the old school vibe of the space. The staff are awesome. Always super friendly even at 5:30 am ! It's not a huge gym but for me it's got more then enough equipment. Lot's of different cardio options as well. I also like the fact that there are members of all ages and fitness levels who use this place. It's not an intimidating gym if you're just starting out. read more

Low key but great. The staff are super helpful and friendly and good vibes. Not too busy and has everything you need.

Great gym for a serious bodybuilders/powerlifters as well as the average trainee. I was seeking a good iron gym where I could work out during a visit to Van and found this on Yelp so I popped in for a very reasonably priced $10 day pass. Nothing fancy but they have all the essentials. 2 power racks and tons of barbells, dumbbells and plates. read more

I love these types of gyms. Nothing fancy about it but down right amazing. It's in the basement and it gives you the feeling of the gyms Arnold used to work out at. I love it. read more

Decent gym, free parking, very tight small space though. I found the staff very arrogant and not welcoming.

I've been a regular at Spartacus for over a year now and was at Steve Nash for years before that. They are very different experiences so I can't say one is better than the other. However, I can say without a doubt that I'm really enjoying my down-to-business, inner city, no nonsense, Spartacus gym. I like to get in and get out and don't need fancy cucumber water or tvs in the change rooms. Although it is very busy right after work I can't fault the gym for that. The staff are friendly and the clientele are perfect. Friendly and non-judgemental, with good weight room etiquette. Most importantly it is great for compound lifting with 3 squat racks, 2 deadlift pads, and 2 benchpresses with safety bars. There are any barbells and dumbells and benches you need. read more

Spartacus is like a community. Being a gym regular I am there at least 4-5 times a week for an hour or two, and all the staff are awesome and know me right off the bat. The equipment isnt overly fancy, but it is all well taken care of. I also love that the classroom space is open to members when there are no classes, so you have room and privacy! overall love it. read more

This gym has been here for a very very long time it has all of what you need for your strength and cardio training. It is in the heart of the Drive and has reasonable drop in rates. read more

i love the unpretentiousness of the staff at this gym. the equipment is well maintained, up to date and always clean. most of the classes fill up pretty well. they are all full of good vibes too; with the exception of the step classes; there was one catty snotty woman that took it upon herself to shove my step out of the way. that doesnt reflect the gym or staff; just a negative person, they are everywhere unfortunately. i think the fact that the classes come included in the membership is awesome! i have not seen that offered with any other gym in vancouver. its also fairly affordable. i definitely agree with the woman who reviewed the gym and said that the wash/change room needs to be expanded. there is one toilet!! and one shower! i think thats a bit ridiculous, but i cant have it all! and i do want the membership rates to stay affordable; so if i had to pay extra for the upgrades, id probably go without. in a nutshell, its a great gym, needs a little expanding, great staff, most gym goers are respectful, but there are always a few bad apples. thumbs up. read more

"friendly staff and members they have lots of varied equipment to work out on. i have been coming to this gym for 17yrs!" recommend it, located vibrant commercial drive. read more

There are obviously some great reviews on here, and I think everyone is different so Im not on here trying to drag Spartacus' name through the mud, but I had a really bad experience there. Basically one of the instructors made fun of me 3 or 4 seperate times in different classes. He pointed out in front of everyone how I needed a sports bra. It was humiliating. He is also one of the owners. None of the staff got to know me on a first name basis ever. I really feel like they take their clientelle for granted. I didnt have any point of reference, but after I switched to a gym that has far more clientelle, and saw they were remembering my first name after only meeting with me once, tried some other classes out and now get to work out in a gym thats not in a basement, I realized how Spartacus was not the right fit for me. Its affordable, however, and if you arent a particularly sensitive person and live in the area, you might want to give it a try. I would suggest trying it out on a trial basis only for starters. I know everyone has different goals and tastes and incomes, but there are Definitely cleaner, bigger, friendlier gyms out there in the city of Vancouver. read more

I have been a member at Spartacus Gym for almost 5 years and I love it. The staff is great. Very friendly and helpful all the time. They go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. All of the gym members are great too. Overall, it's an excellent place to train. Very good environment. Since the new owner took over, the gym has improved 1000%. He installed a new sound system and drinking fountain that gives filtered water. It will even fill up your water bottle for you. All of the lighting has been replaced with full-spectrum lighting. It looks so much better in here. And there is a new air ventilation system so the air is very fresh. The gym used to be messy all the time before the new owner but now it is very clean and organized. Lots of free weights and the machines are good too. They are planning on redoing the change rooms. That is the only problem with this gym. Once that happens, I think this will be the perfect gym! read more

The thing I like most about Spartacus is that I don't feel intimidated or self-conscious about my body or my fitness level when I'm there. People of all shapes, sizes, ages, etc. are to be found here. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line gym with the newest machines and freshly decorated, this is not the place for you. BUT, I rarely have to wait for a machine to become available and they provide a great change room with showers and lockers. It is underground, so no windows, and overall looks a bit dated. The front-desk staff is always very friendly, which I like, but the trainers don't go out of their way to even say hello. Roy (owner and senior trainer) doesn't seem to interact with any members that aren't either a) paying him as a personal trainer, or b) attend his classes and are in athletic shape. So overall, decent value for money, not a huge fan of any of the classes (studio is quite small), but it's got the basics that I need and it's close to home. read more

they recently changed ownership, which means all the old instructors (who were mostly excellent) are out. They added a bunch of new classes which is exciting. they still have spinning but now classes are shorter and easier. the new owner basically brought in his own posse and cleared everyone out. seems like the guy that will have his own brand of protein powder soon. read more

Great gym. Good classes great instructors. Do kick boxing with Roy. He's very patient and really reiterates technique. Definitely focuses on quality over numbers read more

I have been training with Christie Stoll now for over a year. She is a wonderful trainer. I would strongly recommend her. I carry a couple of her cards in my wallet just in case anyone is looking for a recommendation .She is creative and is constantly changing my workout routine, keeping it fresh and challenging. Her routines are carefully planned to avoid injury. I also attend her Body Sculpt, Ball Pilates, and Power Pilates classes and they are wonderful. She brings the same energy and creativity to keep the classes inspiring. She is professional, courteous, and open to any suggestions. I love coming to my neighborhood gym. I love the mix of members, all ages and all levels. Thank you Roy for paining over the mural in the entrance staircase and all of the other improvements you have made. Thank you Tania for your bright smile whenever I enter the gym. read more

Great gym love it here!! Very friendly staff and has all the equipment you need. Excellent personal trainers too:)

I have been to/worked in a lot of gyms and I have never been in one as dirty as this. There's salt stains and rust on all the cardio equipment, constant sweat streaks on the machines, piles of hair and dirt on the bottoms of the ellipticals and the lone hand sanitizer dispenser has been empty for a year. The employees are really nice, but spend the majority of their time sitting behind the counter on the computer. I wish I could like it more, but I can't get over the lack of basic cleanliness. read more

Great place to train! Very nice atmosphere. People mind their own business, no one is checking you out. Welcoming and friendly place to train. No pressure from anyone there. read more

I just paid 33.5 for one month, pre-authorized on mastercard, one month cancellation. i was resistant to preauthorized for a long time. down the street from spartacus is another gym, they were kinda scammer like, so i was really nervous about doing preauthorized payments. but with one month cancellation policy notice, like mobile phones and pretty much everything else in society, i said sure. so far so good. cheapest rate for commercial drive area. also, these guys have been around for a long, long time. at the community centre, i am paying 40 a month ish, and i have to wait around for a treadmill. here, it is cheaper and i have not have to wait even once yet. very very very happy with the price and the ability to cancel with one months writen notice (email counts as such). read more

Sadly this this gym has gone down hill since being sold. They no longer offer any step classes and the muscle tone classes are very very weak. The owner does not listen to any feed back from his members, which is opposite of the previous owners. The bootcamps are very easy more of a beginner class. Don't waist your time. All the best instructors have left- end of story! It's a sad day for east Vancouver . read more

A pretty affordable and community based gym. I always feel welcome here as a casual gym person, lots of familiar faces when I go. I love how the classes are inclusive of the price. Will be returning soon, but not part of the neighborhood anymore, so it might be a while. read more