With the holidays now behind us, we are left only with fond memories of over-indulgence and our consequently flabbier forms. However, that’s what New Year’s resolutions are for. Vv Magazine has found five top fitness programs in Toronto to help you get back into fighting weight.
Depending on what your goals are, living in Toronto is great because of the variety of programs available — some promise rock hard abs, some a long dancer’s body, some a sexy body. But at the end of the day, exercise is a necessity to lead a healthy life so do yourself a favour and get to one of these fun classes ASAP.
These are our top picks for challenging new exercise programs in 2016. Surfing in the winter anyone? Yes, please!
Surfset
Missing the sunshine and waves? Well, Surfset won’t necessarily give you that, but it will give you a surfboard workout that will burn every part of your body. Let’s not forget that surfer chicks have the best bods, so this workout will get you the results you’re looking for if you commit. Surfset is a full-body workout that works your core and balance so extremely, sweating sets in quickly and every body part is working. The surfboard is balanced on three stability balls so staying on the board is a workout in itself. Then add burpees, plank holds, and push ups and you’re just fighting to stay on the board. But the result is a strong, lean body and who doesn’t want that? The cost is $22.00 per class (they have packages if you’re willing to commit) and their studio is up at Yonge and Eglinton.
Barre3
Opened last year on King Street close to the TIFF Lightbox, Barre3 is a combination of ballet, yoga, and Pilates. Aimed at creating a long, lean ballerina like body, this class is very similar to Barreworks (which is also awesome). Barre3 combines strength training through isometric holds and small, one-inch movements followed by seamless recovery stretches. It also incorporates larger, functional movements with low-impact cardio to jumpstart the metabolism, which remains effective but easy on the body. A single class is $20.00, but like most studios, packages can be purchased if you commit.
Power Plate
Have you heard of this machine? The Power Plate studio in Toronto has given many people huge results with minimal time spent – which is key for anyone who works a busy job. The classes are all one-on-one and each is tailored to attain results the client wants. Exercises are done on the Power Plate, which is a precisely-engineered machine that uses a consistent, safe, and controlled level of vibration that moves in three directions (up and down, front and back, and side to side) making it very good for the older demographic. The intensity level is customized, therefore you can go as soft or hard as you want. Results are a stronger, more toned body. The studio offers three different session lengths (30, 45, and 60 minutes) and prices vary from $35.00 to $100.00 per session depending on the session length and the size of the package.
NTC at Academy of Lions
The Nike Training Club at the Academy of Lyons on Ossington – the title alone is intimidating and tells us that this is a workout for people who want to get their asses kicked. Like Vv Mag’s Libby Roach… who loves it a lot. For the person that enjoys CrossFit-style workouts, this place offers the mother load. Lead by Eva Redpath, the studio’s energetic owner, workouts are no joke as she speeds through drills of jump squats, planks, and her famous signature move, the toy soldier. According to Libby, NTC is not just about the workout though. The social aspect makes joining this club even more special as motivation is key and this community won’t let you slack off and go for a burger after. Prices vary and highly recommended are the packages, which will really lower the cost per class.
Studio Lagree
This workout is no joke but results are fantastic. Toronto has two locations, one in Forest Hill and one on King West, and both include the megaformers, which are like Pilates reformer machines on crack. Like Pilates, Lagree is core-based and levels of intensity can be manually adjusted. However, even the easiest level is killer and after a 50-minute class you feel like you just worked out for two hours. Most teachers yell that if you’re not shaking, you’re not working hard enough so it is a very intense experience. However, results are amazing and happen quickly. Prices are $25.00 per class and packages are available for the die-hards out there!
What are some of your favourite exercise programs in Toronto? Let Vv Magazine know your thoughts on “New Year, New You: 5 Great Fitness Programs in Toronto” in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
