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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ClassPass is one of the best ways to stay active and fit in Toronto. Partnered with tons of fitness studios, you can buy a ClassPass membership with 3, 5 or 10 classes per month and use it at whatever fitness studio you’d like. The clever system allows you to choose from thousands of fitness classes, get recommendations based on your fitness goals, and find and book classes in as little as one minute.

Whether you want to get your zen on with a yoga class, use the Megaformer at Studio Lagree, or whip your body into shape with a killer boot camp class, here are 6 of the best workout studios on ClassPass.

Yoga Tree

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With 5 studios to choose from in the Toronto area, Yoga Tree offers a multitude of classes to help you relax, tone and strengthen. The studio caters to different levels of yoga enthusiasts, whether you’re a beginner or a hardcore yoga fanatic. Warm up this winter with one of their Hot Yoga classes, practice yin and yang with Flow and Let Go, or go deep into postures with Ashtanga. Namaste.

Studio Lagree

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If you want to work your core, endurance, cardio, balance, strength and flexibility, head to Studio Lagree to get sweaty on the Megaformer. The Megaformer is a machine featuring various handles, straps and accessories that uses resistance and counter resistance to place your muscles under constant tension. The Lagree fitness method mixed with the Megaformer works muscles to failure and eliminates rest periods to burn the maximum number of calories and develop muscle tone and strength. You’re in for a killer workout every time you visit.

Barreworks

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Barreworks specializes in ballet barre-inspired fitness classes. Think: A class designed for maximum sculpting and chiseling with a sequence of stretches leaving you leaner, longer and stronger (bAAArre); A class featuring intensity cardio intervals to burn maximum calories and boost your metabolism (DripBarre); And a 1-hour workout balancing muscle sculpting and cardio (Mixed Level).

The Underground Dance Centre

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Whether you’re an avid dancer, or have always wanted to step inside a dance studio, The Underground is the perfect spot to use your ClassPass. The studio offers drop-in classes for levels ranging from beginner to intermediate to advance. You can try the classics like hip-hop, and contemporary, but they also offer fun twists like K Pop and Beyoncé classes.

Fit Factory

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If you want to whip your body into shape with a military-style boot camp, use your ClassPass membership at Fit Factory. With unique and dynamic fitness classes like Abs Assault, Lower Combat and Boot Camp, be prepared to sweat like you’ve never sweat before. Fit Factory’s renowned boot camp class includes interval drills, strength training, plyometric, bodyweight exercises and more, so if you’re looking for a well-rounded class, this would be it.

CYKL

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If you love to cycle, and spin classes are your favourite way to stay in shape, you’re going to love CYKL, a studio dedicated to cycling workouts only. You can choose from a range of classes including everything from CyklClimb, a 45 minute hills and mountain series, to CyklInterval, a class that involves bursts of high intensity work at maximum exertion alternated with periods of rest at lower exertion, to Cykl75 Mo Disco Ride, where you ride along to all the disco classics.

What is your favourite workout studios in Toronto? Share with us in the comments!

Featured image: Instagram/ @yogatreestudios

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