I don’t know if it’s because I’ve taken a renewed interest in my own well-being, but this spring there’s seems to be a lot to choose from when it comes to fitness classes in Toronto. New spots crop up weekly and no matter where you are in the city, you’ll find a location to get your sweat on. The good news is, even though some of these workouts are pretty trendy (a couple found their starts in LA), they all manage to give you a great workout. From spinning and rowing to cycling and weights, there’s something for everyone at every level. (Trust. I am a new convert to fitness classes and I was able to make it through all of these. Though some with more sweat and cursing than others.)
Here are five fitness spots that we’ve tried”and loved”in the last little while.
The spot: OrangeTheory Fitness
The workout: Maintain your heart rate in the target zone to stimulate metabolism and increase energy for up to 36 hours post workout. The target rate? The orange zone, duh. (Where your heart is working at 85 per cent.)
The lowdown: There are many great things about this workout”the small classes and experienced and attentive instructors are definitely at the top of that list. But it’s also the variety. No two classes are the same, but you know you’re guaranteed a great workout. Expect to find a mix of rowing, running or power walking, weights and floor work. Although I was initially intimidated by the “scoreboard” I quickly realized that you won’t ever really measure yourself against anyone else”but you will begin to notice patterns, strengths and milestones in your own numbers when you decide to come back.
The cost: Each 60-minute class is $33 or get 20 classes for $500
