The VIBE inside One Academy, an insane training class in Leslieville

How One Academy trains warriors in their badass facility

At first sight, one academy is sort of true to its name, when I think of One Academy it sounds a bit like a group of soldiers all marching in unison, building and learning together. There’s a few reasons why this description is spot on for One Academy. For one the location is super intimidating – but in a good way, like a warehouse full of committed fitness folks, blasting music and pumping metal. That was my first impression anyway. Everyone there looked like they were pros and like they’d just finished their 3rd workout of the day. The rough-around-the-edges kind of vibe gets you in the right mindset too, I was ready to put in work!

The space was like a large industrial garage, it was nice and spacious with an entire stretching area, and the circuits laid out perfectly, plus a modern paint job and all the aesthetic touches. There was even a nice breeze coming in from the opened garage door at the side of the unit. After speaking to the pleasant receptionists, I realized there’s way more than what meets the eye, that intimidation quickly turned to motivation. So let’s take a look at the VIBE inside One Academy and how Jenan and I held up at this insane HIIT training in Leslieville.

The Prep

Change Rooms + Amenities

The change rooms were clean and spacious with towel service and an in-house full-service chiropractor and physical therapists. It’s a one stop shop for gym junkies!  And did I mention the protein shakes here? Super affordable and off the chain. I didn’t really like the showers because they’re the type you press, and water is dispensed for a short period of time. You can’t control the temperature so the water was warm and I prefer an ice cold shower after a workout. Jenan liked the idea that the water cut off after a while, it’s not like you couldn’t press for more water, but it allowed you to be efficient in your cleanse and deters you from taking your sweet lazy time, that we all feel like doing after a workout. The environmental benefits are great and all on a timed shower, but would be nice to control temperature.

The Workout

The workout we did at One Academy was called fortitude, it was a full body workout and it was hard, my legs felt like jelly after I was done the multiple circuits. Fortitude is exactly like it sounds, its mentally and physically demanding. As described on the website; your strength, cardio, agility, power, speed, and above all, your tenacity will all be tested. They call their members warriors for a reason.

Instructor(s)

The instructor Jesse was the true definition of a warrior leader. Skilled and knowledgeable he walked us through each circuit station with detail. Throughout the workout, Jesse was motivating us and watching us like a hawk. The team spirit in that place is inimitable, one look to your left or right will give you the drive you need to continue your demanding workout. You’re a team and you finish together.

The Intensity, Quality + Difficulty

The fortitude workout was high intensity with each circuit tailored to your personal ability. At each station there were multiple weights, giving everyone something to do, and if you prefer no weight – that’s an option too. The point is to challenge yourself and each workout is made to give you a full body pump. Definitely one of the more difficult and challenging workouts we did.

Squat wracks, ropes, and rowing machines were all incorporated in this work out, the amount of equipment was pretty impressive and pretty unique to this location. Here, you have it all.

The VIBE

Music blasting, and energy high – I couldn’t help but feel like it was in a music video while working out. The circuits gave my joints a break in between, and the one academy community was super kind and helpful. Some helpful guys showed me the way when I got lost in between circuits a few times. Once again I was surprised by the bond these people built, most left their bags and personal belongings on bleachers outside the workout area instead of locked away in lockers – goes to show the trust that is built in these communities.

The Aftermath

After our shower and protein shake we talked to the staff who seemed super involved in the brand and what it stood for. My glutes were on fire the next few days and I felt tighter all around, even the bit of weight that I added to my work out really went along way. This was, by far, one of the hardest workouts we did.

Location: 858 Eastern Ave, Toronto, ON
Contact:647.245.8544, Website 
Neighbourhood:  Leslieville
Type of Workout: Group fitness, full-body strength, HIIT
Booking: Website

Have you been? Let us know what you think below, and tag us in your photos using #TorontoVIBE or shoot me a DM on Instagram.