Canada’s leading boutique fitness and wellness studio, Sweat and Tonic, is opening its third location in Toronto!
Sweat and Tonic has announced that its next location will be in Toronto’s prestigious Yorkville neighbourhood – Known for its luxury shopping and dining districts.
The fitness studio has seen immense success in its two existing locations, at Yonge Street and The Well. We can only expect its newest location to be just as big of a hit!
“Sweat and Tonic was conceptualized in 2017 to bring the highest quality of group fitness to Canada with Yorkville as the preferred location. We have looked at many spaces over the ensuing years as we maintained a discipline to be selective…” shared David Ingram, Founder of Sweat and Tonic.
It will occupy an entire floor of the 11 Yorkville tower (11YV), featuring 18,000 square feet of fitness and lifestyle amenities, including 200 classes led weekly by Toronto’s top trainers, as well as social spaces for guests to utilize.
S&T fans will find the same studio offerings they’ve come to know and love while also experiencing a neighbourhood-specific elevated experience!
“Drawing from the distinct characteristics and history of the Yorkville neighbourhood, the design will be classically inspired with modern, energizing, and playful reflections throughout, offering a curated, luxury aesthetic with guest experience at the forefront,” said Morgan Thomas, Chief Brand Officer of Sweat and Tonic.
Stay tuned for an opening date!
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As much as an at-home workout can help you reach your fitness goals, there’s nothing like getting out and embarking on a fitness journey alongside like-minded people in the city. Toronto is the home to some of the best gyms and fitness studios out there; from full-on wellness clubs to equipment-based gyms, there is no shortage of options to choose from!
Here are some of the best gyms and fitness studios Toronto has to offer!
Altea Active
Altea Active is a whole lot more than just a gym. It’s a wellness club featuring everything any fitness enthusiast could ever desire, all under one roof. A membership at the luxe ‘adult playground’ includes access to 6 boutique fitness studios, fitness classes, saunas, steam cabins, a pool, a hot tub, and so much more. Memberships start at $94.95 bi-weekly.
Sweat & Tonic
The popular wellness studio Sweat & Tonic now has 2 locations in Toronto! With the largest variety of group fitness classes in Canada, Sweat and Tonic has something for everyone and every fitness level, with both locations offering three unique studios: Ride, HIIT, and Yoga/Pilates. That’s not all, though! Members can recharge and recover with premium spa facilities, café, and bar offerings. Psst. From now until January 15th, Sweat and Tonic is offering 20% off the first month of a 9 to 5 Sweat or Unlimited membership.
Fit Factory
With locations in Downtown and Midtown Toronto, Fit Factory offers premium group and personal training that combines functional, HIIT, strength, circuit, boxing, and more. All fitness levels are welcome; check out its various classes here!
F45
If you’re not familiar with F45, the concept is essentially a 45-minute interval-based workout that incorporates cardio, resistance-based strength training, or a hybrid of both. You can burn up to 750 calories per session! There are various F45 locations throughout Toronto. You can opt to buy class-by-class, bundle a number of classes, or obtain a membership for a specific amount of time.
416 Fitness Club
416 Fitness Club offers personal training, group fitness classes, and even nutrition coaching to help you reach your wellness and fitness goals. If you don’t know where to start on your fitness journey, its expert coaches can create a custom training program catered specifically for you!
Barry’s
Once you enter Barry’s iconic Red Room, you’ll be welcomed with a HIIT class sure to make you work up a sweat. Barry’s started in 1998, and its game-changing fitness classes quickly became world-known. Toronto has 2 Barry’s locations, Richmond and Yorkville, with classes running multiple times a day!
MOVE Fitness Club
MOVE is a boutique fitness club exclusively for women in Toronto’s Eastside neighbourhood. The fitness club offers a results-driven 360-degree experience, including small group training, personal training, expert coaching, nutritional guidance, and great amenities for moms. What’s not to love?
Fit4Less
As much as we all love a luxury fitness studio experience, you can still get your sweat on at the gym without emptying your wallet. Fit4Less offers memberships for only $7.99 bi-weekly! It really doesn’t get better than that. With its most basic membership, you get unlimited access to the gym and its equipment, and you can upgrade for class access and more.
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As the weather gets colder, the will to actually go outside and be active decreases just as fast as the temperature does. You can still be active in the winter, it just requires a little extra discipline and a few go-to (preferably indoor) places to get your sweat on. It’s not just about staying fit, it’s about creating healthy habits, both mentally and physically so we can exit the colder months as the best version of ourselves! Toronto is the home of plenty of cool exercise classes and fitness studios to help you stay active during the treacherous cold months this year!
Stay active this winter at these 7 places!
Barry’s Canada
Get your sweat on at Barry’s Yorkville or Barry’s Richmond! Once you enter Barry’s infamous “Red Room”, you can expect a strength and cardio interval fitness experience that is both effective and fun. You can opt for class packages or you can sign-up for 30-day memberships.
Sky Zone
Who says trampoline parks are reserved just for children to have fun? Grab a friend and head over to Sky Zone trampoline park to jump around, shoot some hoops, and get your heart rate up!
United Boxing Club
Exercise your body and your mind at United Boxing Club! It doesn’t matter if you’re starting out with no experience, as they have classes for all levels of experience from technical to fitness boxing. You can choose to buy class passes or a monthly membership.
F45
Over the years F45 has been gaining immense popularity. If you’re looking for a “quick”, effective workout – this might be the class for you! The ‘F’ stands for Functional training, the class includes a mix of circuit and HIIT-style workouts geared towards everyday movement. 45 stands for is for the length of the workout, and there you have it. F45.
Boulderz Centre
Head over to Boulderz Centre on your next day off and climb away! Indoor rock climbing has to be one of the most fun ways to stay active during the colder months! They offer both roped climbing and bouldering for all experience levels.
The Pink Studio
Get your dance on at The Pink Studio! The classes are geared for beginners to intermediate level and all shapes and sizes are welcome! They offer various different dance class types including Zumba, Contemporary, Barre, Hip Hop, and more. Some classes are in the studio and some are even offered online.
Sweat and Tonic
Just as much as we need to stay active throughout the winter, we need to be social! During the colder months, it can get all too easy to be a bit of a hermit. Enter Sweat and Tonic! Break out of a boring workout routine and enjoy a drink after you exercise at Sweat and Tonic’s bar, cafe, or in one of their lounge spaces!
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Love running, but not so crazy about doing it alone? Get you a running club. Whether you’re seeking motivation to get active outdoors, or you’re training for a specific goal, there’s a club in the city to meet your needs. From the east to the west end, the following clubs gather rain or shine, year-round, and welcome runners of all types of levels and abilities. Cue up your alarm. It’s time to get back in the habit.
Here are a few of the top running clubs to join this fall in Toronto.
Longboat Roadrunners
Longboat Runners is one of the GTAs oldest clubs, which has roots that extend back to 1980. All running levels are welcome, but being able to run at least 10km continuously is recommended. Tailored coaching is on offer for members, as well as a group dynamic that makes each member a better, faster, smarter runner. Commit to beating your personal best and get your membership for $60. Students and seniors get a half-off reduced rate.
Running Rats Running Club
The goal is to have fun and stay active, with Running Rats, an inclusive club founded in 2022 that welcomes runners of all levels. As long as you can complete the recommended 7km comfortably, you’ll fit right in. Runs happen every Tuesday, year-round, and range from 7km to 10km and 13km routes in the downtown core. Newbies can join the crew for their first run at their meet point, TD Centre Plaza near Wellington and York Streets, at 6:15 AM any Tuesday. It’s free to join.
Parkdale Roadrunners
Since 2010, this crew has been running every Tuesday, rain or shine, at 7:00 p.m., starting in Parkdale. Runs are hosted in two distances every week, 7-10km and 4-6km. Runners of all abilities are welcome, and there are always designated runners leading the back of the group, and front, for each route. Routes get posted every Monday evening to their online Strava page. The group is free to join – just show up and introduce yourself.
RunTOBeer
If you need a little more than the prospect of a cool glass of water to pull you through a run, RunTOBeer is the club for you. Join for a 3-10 km run that ends in a (free) beer at a partner brewery or bar. Runs are free, and take off from various locations downtown. The only goal here is to enjoy a brew post-run, no matter when you get there. Runs are posted on their site and registration is done through Eventbrite for each event.
High Park Rogue Runners
Every Wednesday and Friday runs take off at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday morning at 8:30 Runs range from 6-12km and 16-32km. No pre-registration is required, drop-ins are welcome, and it’s totally free. Just meet at the North High Park gates (Bloor & High Park Ave). As long as you can run a continuous 6km, you’re ready to run with this crew.
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Even though select retail businesses have just opened their doors and no guidelines have been shared regarding other businesses like hair salons, fitness studios, and gyms, that doesn’t mean folks can’t start preparing. One Canadian fitness studio, SPINCO has just shared its reopening plan so that whenever these businesses get the green light, they’ll be ready.
SPINCO’s Return to Ride plan outlines all of the safety measures it’ll take once the studio is allowed to reopen.
The spin studio has locations across Canada and three locations in Toronto: one in Summerhill, one near Yonge & Eglinton, and one near Richmond & Spadina. In an email sent to riders, the studio shares the steps it’ll put into action when its doors can open.
“While We’re So Excited For The Opportunity To See You In Studio Again, The Health Of Our Team And Our Community Will Continue To Be Our Number One Priority,” Reads An Email Sent By SPINCO.
These safety measures are:
- Before and after each class, the entire studio, shoes, equipment and waiting area will be thoroughly sanitized using Benefect, a hospital-grade cleaning solution proven to kill infectious bacteria, like COVID-19
- Nanotechnology will be placed on many of our handles and surfaces, a self-cleaning technology clinically tested to kill bacteria and viruses
- Hospital-grade wipes and hand sanitizer will be available to riders both within the studio, and at the front desk to wipe your own bikes / personal belongings if you feel more comfortable doing so
- All staff will be required to wear face masks and gloves in studio, and additional mandatory training will be held for all staff and instructors on health & safety procedures
- Shower amenities will not be available for use in the interim
- The water fountain will be available for emergency-use only, with water available for purchase
- Hair-ties and other complementary supplies normally at the front-desk and in washrooms will be kept behind the desk, available on-request only to avoid multi-touch
In addition to the extensive sanitation and rigorous cleaning that will take place, SPINCO has also shared its physical distancing practices that will be implemented.
- Once we open the studio doors, we’ll safely guide you into the studio and onto the bike. We’ve uploaded a “how-to” video on bike set-up on our spincoondemand.ca site, to avoid instructors touching your bike, and we will only be supporting from a safe distance
- We’ll be placing 2 and 3-pound weights on the back of all bikes, to prevent multi-touch of weights. If it’s not your ‘go-to’ weight, not to worry! You can always drop ‘em and go Hands-Free during the weight track, or use both!
- Our instructors will be teaching the entire class from either on the bike, or on the podium. While we love encouraging you from the floor, we want your space to feel safe for the entire ride
- There will be a 0-minute policy for late entries. Once the class has started, no one will be permitted inside the studio
- “Cheers” of water bottles, hugs, and high-fives will not be permitted – we wish we could, but it’s for the safety of all of us
Because SPINCO takes this so seriously, as we all should, all staff and instructors will have their temperatures taken before coming to the studio. Guests will also be pre-screened as well for maximum safety.
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Going to the gym isn’t what it used to be. At least, not in some of the world’s most vibrant cities it isn’t. Providing more than a sweat session, a growing number of fitness venues offer a well-curated lifestyle and a distinct brand. No longer a space to solely work out solo or take a fitness class, the gym has become a place to socialize, shop, and sip even cocktails (or smoothies and green juice, naturally).
A prime example is Toronto’s newly opened – and much anticipated – Sweat and Tonic, which offers more of a social club vibe than that of a fitness club.
Housed in a historic three-story building, you’ll find a state-of-the-art fitness facility, spa, café, and bar where members can chat with others in creative and comfy lounge spaces. Further uniting its members, Sweat and Tonic also hosts weekly speaker series, corporate retreats, social events, demos, screenings, and pop-ups. For those also there for, um, the fitness, the gym offers more than 150 yoga, HIIT, and spin classes weekly.
Across the pond in London, those with pockets deep enough not only get a five-star workout at luxury fitness chain Third Space, but their own concierge, a spa, and the option of private massage chairs. and laundered gym kits. The brand also offers luxury fitness-filled escapes for its members.
In response to the persistent retail apocalypse, gyms and smoothie bars are teaming up throughout North America, as smoothie brands move away from being solely mall staples.
As Business Insider highlights, smoothie chains have historically relied on foot traffic in malls. With the move away from the mall by shoppers, relocating to share real estate with gyms makes sense when it comes to sales.
Pricey and popular fitness institutions like Equinox and SoulCycle have partnered with retailers and restaurant chains for years. In cities with sky-high commercial real estate costs, partnering with a gym may offer a less risky way for smaller businesses like local green juice or food companies to enter the market.
Aside from making strategic financial sense, the changing face of the gym marks a shift from a functional space to a lifestyle in itself.
At a time when new boutique fitness facilities – complete with their drop-in rates – seem to open practically weekly, gyms need to set themselves apart in the overall experience to build brand loyalty.
A growing number of fitness facilities organize social events for their members like at Planet Fitness, this means weekly pizza nights (right?) At some gyms, the culture is even comparable to a nightclub – if that’s your vibe.
In the past few years, some fitness facilities have also become spaces to both work out and work.
As GQ highlighted last year, the latest trend reflects the ever-growing gig economy with gym-co-working hybrids, as fitness facilities are now introducing the concept of co-working office space. Back in 2013, Brooklyn Boulders rock-climbing gym first launched the concept at its Somerville, Massachusetts location. Equinox then introduced its first co-working space back in 2016 and now features six of their Sports Club locations worldwide, sleekly redefining the concept of work/life balance.
The hotel gym is even getting a makeover, as wellness increasingly becomes a priority for travellers.
At Archetype in the newly opened JW Marriott Edmonton, the sprawling gym is reason enough to book a stay. The space features cutting edge brands, offering things like Sorinex rig systems, Keiser compressed air technology, Woodway, ICG 7 spin bikes, and even a Somadome meditation pod. Hotel guests also have access to four custom curated group studios, with yoga, boxing, spin, and HIIT-style classes. Membership options are available here to non-hotel guests.
The bottom line is that the gym now provides more than just a toned body.
It offers a community of like-minded people, a strong sense of culture, and a bubble to escape the outside chaos for an all-encompassing mind and body experience – whether you come for an hour or stay all day.
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From top-of-the-line boxing and spinning gyms, to shiny new yoga studios, fitness facilities with all the frills have taken over Toronto, offering no shortage of options for energetic group sessions.
While the options are now abundant, that doesn’t mean your dollars are – and the problem for many young professionals is that fitness classes can make a major dent in the wallet at a time when surviving (let alone living) in Toronto isn’t exactly a breezy walk in the park. Group classes – whether yoga, pilates, boxing, or spinning – can set you back $20-$35 a pop, putting them out of the budget for many.
Why exactly are fitness classes so expensive? I asked some Toronto fitness facility owners to weigh in.
Joanna Magik, Co-founder of UNDRCARD:
“The boutique studio pricing model reflects the investment in the facilities, the program, and the people to create that exhilarating, highly addictive fitness experience. The entertainment-based studio design and amenities are beautiful to make our guests feel well cared for. The sound system and light show are comparable to a mid-sized nightclub. Lastly, and most importantly, our instructors deliver fresh weekly programming (new music and new movements) to continually elevate and motivate our guests.”
Amber Joliat, Creator of MISFITSTUDIO:
“We recently raised our prices, which was a huge decision to make, especially since we hadn’t had a price increase in ten years – the entire time the studio has been open. We have the best of the best teachers in the city of Toronto; each one completes our unique MISFITMETHOD movement teacher training that sets them up to be teachers. We constantly create and develop new classes to offer a wide variety of movement for our community, which requires updated equipment – new reformers, trampolines, bosu balls, and weights. Then, there’s the therapy offered. A class at MISFITSTUDIO is truly an experience and nourishment for your mind, body, and soul. I believe a MISFIT class is therapy for most, and where can you get a therapy session for under $25?”
Julie Harrish, Co-Founder of 6IX Cycle:
“Group fitness classes are offered at a higher price point than your average gym because they are exactly that…not your average box gym. At 6IX Cycle, we create a community for each one of our members that aims to go above and beyond offering ‘just’ a spin class. From top-notch, well-trained instructors, to towel service and amenities, community partnerships, complimentary run and outdoor cycle clubs, post-spin coffee and donuts (and even Friday night social events), we make sure our members come with a sweat, but they leave with much more.”
Founders of Loft Cycle Club:
“The price of a fitness class is based on the overall experience. The experience is a combination of very qualified instructors, the highest quality equipment, fresh and modern facilities, easy-to-use software and more. If any of these elements is missing, the entire experience changes. Studio owners invest heavily in training teams and quality control over everything from front desk staff to the facilities. Many users of boutique fitness choose to take fitness classes 3-4 times per week. Group fitness is the next best thing to personal training and the quality of instructors exceeds those at a big box gym. Participants receive instruction, training, corrections, and direction to ensure a safe and effective workout comparable to a personal trainer, but at a fraction of the cost. Working out in a group setting has been proven to promote motivation and commitment to physical fitness. Group classes also push people beyond what they would do on their own. We see the joy people feel when they finish a spin class or a body sculpting class; which is something very valuable.”
While Toronto’s boutique studios may be pricey, so is the cost to operate them, especially if a five-star experience is what they are offering. Savvy users of boutique fitness should take advantage of buying large packages at studios that they love and frequent; the larger the packages, the better the savings. Most studios also offer specials or savings on occasion – watch for them.
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If you’re looking to get into better shape this season, or want to get in some movement, why run laps around the block or put in steps on the oh-so-boring elliptical? Working out doesn’t have to be a snore — it should be fun, but definitely still effective. Toronto is a HUGE city and as so, there’s an abundance of amazing fitness studios that offer exciting and exhilarating classes that will have you feeling the burn big time.
I think it’s also important to note that working out doesn’t have to be (and shouldn’t be) all about getting thinner. Moving and getting in a good sweat does SO much good for your mind and soul, too.
The following 6 workouts are sure to have you feeling fired up as they’re effective but super fun!
MISFITSTUDIO – Get High
Instagram/@theamberj
If you thought your days of jumping on a trampoline were over, think again! MISFITSTUDIO’s Get High class is exactly that. This high intensity cardio workout centres around jumping on a trampoline in a step class-style and clears the body of toxins, too. This nostalgic class is now back at MISFITSTUDIO’s new pop-up at 96 Ossington from May 15 – July 15 along with the super popular (and fun) Reformer classes!
BOLO – Bolo Boxing
Instagram/@boloinc
You don’t have to be a fighter to love this class. For anyone who wants to learn how to throw a mean 1-2 punch, head on over to BOLO for the studio’s legendary BOLO Boxing class. No matter your skill level, it’s an intense class that will leave you exhausted yet feeling empowered. Always with a fun playlist blasting, this is the class to check out if you’re looking to mix up your fitness routine!
Spinco – Spinning
Instagram/@spincotoronto
Time to clip in and ride to the beat of the music. At Spinco, you start and finish as a team and it’s that motivation that’ll help get you through. With loud beats and low lights, every class feels like a transcending experience. The instructors are so inspirational that you’ll feel like you can do anything when you’re on the bike!
Scullhouse Rowing – Classic Rowing
Instagram/@erinnicoledavis
If you’re looking for a unique fitness studio, congratulations — you’ve found it. Scullhouse Rowing is centred around, you guessed it, rowing. This 55-minute rowing class will have you doing interval training on the rowing machine and also alternating with mat work. The mat work intervals focus on body weight and small dumbbell exercises so it’s not just the upper body you’ll be working, either!
BeHot Yoga – Hot HIIT Pilates
Instagram/@behotyogatoronto
Perhaps one of Toronto’s more hidden gems is BeHot Yoga and it’s there that you can indulge in one of the best sweats of your life. The studio’s Hot HIIT Pilates class takes you through a journey of movement like no other. This class consists of classic pilates moves like glute bridges but also incorporates burpees, squats, and more all in a room that’s heated to approx. 35°C.
Barry’s Bootcamp
Instagram/@barryscanada
Known as the world’s greatest workout for a reason, Barry’s Bootcamp is a fave among celebrities and fitness influencers. All the classes happen in the infamous ‘ Red Room’ but it’s not as scary as it sounds, I promise. There’s something being in the dimly-lit space that somehow pushes you further than you ever thought possible. Any class you choose is sure to be top-of-the-line and they all incorporate the use of the treadmill to really get your heart rate up!
Featured Image: Instagram/@boloinc
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