Keep fit – and have fun – in Toronto this summer with these cool fitness classes that will have you doing everything from trampoline-jumping to mermaid-style synchronized swimming!
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1 / 10
If you’re looking to sweat it out in a big way
The place: Barry’s Bootcamp (2 Toronto locations: 310 Richmond St. West Unit 1 and 100 Bloor St. W) – check them out on Instagram @barryscanada
The workout: A high-intensity workout that has amassed a cult-like following all over the U.S. and beyond, the first Canadian locations for Barry’s Bootcamp deliver on pushing you to your limits and burning those calories with a blend of skilled instructors, killer beats and a community-first vibe to support and motivate. Check out their Run the Red Room class, which will have your crew working it from beginner to advanced levels on their top-of-the-line Woodway treadmills.
Best for: With classes that promise to help you burn 1,000 calories, this one’s for the go-getter’s who like to get their sweat on. If you’re prepared to feel that burn in a big way, this one’s for you.
Worst for: Anyone who isn’t into a high-energy, frenzied group sweat session
Before and after: check out these celebrities’ fitness transformations.
The workout: A high-intensity workout that has amassed a cult-like following all over the U.S. and beyond, the first Canadian locations for Barry’s Bootcamp deliver on pushing you to your limits and burning those calories with a blend of skilled instructors, killer beats and a community-first vibe to support and motivate. Check out their Run the Red Room class, which will have your crew working it from beginner to advanced levels on their top-of-the-line Woodway treadmills.
Best for: With classes that promise to help you burn 1,000 calories, this one’s for the go-getter’s who like to get their sweat on. If you’re prepared to feel that burn in a big way, this one’s for you.
Worst for: Anyone who isn’t into a high-energy, frenzied group sweat session
Before and after: check out these celebrities’ fitness transformations.
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2 / 10
If you’re looking to push your limits
The place: Auxiliary Crossfit located at 213 Sterling Rd #109 — check them out on Instagram @auxiliarycrossfit
The workout: With classes offered at every level and capped at groups of 12, you’ll get all the energy and motivation of a group setting with the opportunity for any individual attention you might need. Auxiliary Crossfit is all about the body — and mind — so be open to the possibilities that lie just beyond your limits and the results will speak for themselves. Ease into it with your squad in their Skills45 class — a 45-minute, low-intensity technical class that spotlights everything from breathing techniques to rope climbs.
Best for: Anyone looking to make a positive and lasting change with both physical and mental results will appreciate the motivation from skilled trainers and the inclusive and welcoming community-focused setting at Auxiliary Crossfit.
Worst for: No pain, no gain is the motto with crossfit — so if you’re not looking to push your limits for sustainable results, this might not be the one for you.
The workout: With classes offered at every level and capped at groups of 12, you’ll get all the energy and motivation of a group setting with the opportunity for any individual attention you might need. Auxiliary Crossfit is all about the body — and mind — so be open to the possibilities that lie just beyond your limits and the results will speak for themselves. Ease into it with your squad in their Skills45 class — a 45-minute, low-intensity technical class that spotlights everything from breathing techniques to rope climbs.
Best for: Anyone looking to make a positive and lasting change with both physical and mental results will appreciate the motivation from skilled trainers and the inclusive and welcoming community-focused setting at Auxiliary Crossfit.
Worst for: No pain, no gain is the motto with crossfit — so if you’re not looking to push your limits for sustainable results, this might not be the one for you.
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3 / 10
If you’ve always wanted to join the circus
The place: Toronto School of Circus Arts located at 75 Carl Hall Road, Unit 8 — check them out on Instagram @torontocircus
The workout: Channel your inner child and get circus-fit with classes that cover everything from aerial arts to flying trapeze. Guided classes at every level ensure you’ll feel safe and supported as you get fit with friends in a fun and unique atmosphere.
Best for: Anyone looking to mix up their workout routine and inject a little fun into their fitness – this one’s a guaranteed laugh for you and your squad!
Worst for: Anyone who prefers a more traditional workout — or has a fear of heights… and maybe clowns?
RELATED: 11 signs that you’re not that great at working out.
The workout: Channel your inner child and get circus-fit with classes that cover everything from aerial arts to flying trapeze. Guided classes at every level ensure you’ll feel safe and supported as you get fit with friends in a fun and unique atmosphere.
Best for: Anyone looking to mix up their workout routine and inject a little fun into their fitness – this one’s a guaranteed laugh for you and your squad!
Worst for: Anyone who prefers a more traditional workout — or has a fear of heights… and maybe clowns?
RELATED: 11 signs that you’re not that great at working out.
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4 / 10
If you’re looking for a fun and flirty way to get fit
The place: The Toronto School of Burlesque, located at 160 Spadina Avenue
The workout: Get your sexy on with your crew at The Toronto School of Burlesque, where you can enjoy a variety of fun classes, ranging from all skill levels and designed to make you feel like your best self. We suggest dropping in on the Beyonce and Heels class, where you’ll learn some Beyonce-inspired moves and the only prerequisite is that you bring a pair of heels — and some sass!
Best for: Everyone — either show up and showcase your moves at their Sexy Salsa class, or get your flirty feet wet in their beginner-level Burlesque Teaser class.
Worst for: If you’re the shy type, this one might take some warming up to, but we recommend leaning on your squad for support and giving it a try!
The workout: Get your sexy on with your crew at The Toronto School of Burlesque, where you can enjoy a variety of fun classes, ranging from all skill levels and designed to make you feel like your best self. We suggest dropping in on the Beyonce and Heels class, where you’ll learn some Beyonce-inspired moves and the only prerequisite is that you bring a pair of heels — and some sass!
Best for: Everyone — either show up and showcase your moves at their Sexy Salsa class, or get your flirty feet wet in their beginner-level Burlesque Teaser class.
Worst for: If you’re the shy type, this one might take some warming up to, but we recommend leaning on your squad for support and giving it a try!
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5 / 10
If you’re feeling whimsical
The place: Aqua Mermaid, located at North Toronto Memorial Center, 200 Eglinton Ave W
The workout: There’s no denying the benefits to water-based workouts, but at Aqua Mermaid, the fitness aspect of their classes gives way to the fun as teens and adults taking part in their Mermaid Class don mermaid fish tails and partake in synchronized swimming lessons and games.
Best for: Anyone with a basic level of swimming ability and a love of the water
Worst for: If you have zero swim skills, you may want to brush up before suiting up in your mermaid gear
RELATED: Affordable Canadian workout wear brands.
The workout: There’s no denying the benefits to water-based workouts, but at Aqua Mermaid, the fitness aspect of their classes gives way to the fun as teens and adults taking part in their Mermaid Class don mermaid fish tails and partake in synchronized swimming lessons and games.
Best for: Anyone with a basic level of swimming ability and a love of the water
Worst for: If you have zero swim skills, you may want to brush up before suiting up in your mermaid gear
RELATED: Affordable Canadian workout wear brands.
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6 / 10
If you’re looking to get outdoors
The place: SUPGirlz Stand Up Paddle and Surf School, located at Kew Balmy Beach (18 Maclean Avenue) — check them out on Instagram @supgirlzto
The workout: SUPGirlz paddle and surf school is a unique way to meet other surf-savvy people in the community while establishing new and fun water skills that will work to get you in shape, and leave you feeling invigorated. From stand-up paddle boarding to surfing – and even surf-yoga! - find your fitness on the water and get refreshed this summer. Check out the SUP Social class for a group session with friends, or as a way to meet some new people out on the surf.
Best for: Anyone who’s ever wanted to experience that Hawaii surf-vibe — minus the flight.
Worst for: Non-swimmers, this one may require you to get some basic water skills down before signing up
The workout: SUPGirlz paddle and surf school is a unique way to meet other surf-savvy people in the community while establishing new and fun water skills that will work to get you in shape, and leave you feeling invigorated. From stand-up paddle boarding to surfing – and even surf-yoga! - find your fitness on the water and get refreshed this summer. Check out the SUP Social class for a group session with friends, or as a way to meet some new people out on the surf.
Best for: Anyone who’s ever wanted to experience that Hawaii surf-vibe — minus the flight.
Worst for: Non-swimmers, this one may require you to get some basic water skills down before signing up
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7 / 10
If you’re a unique and challenging experience
The place: Afterburn Fitness, located at 230 Nantucket Avenue Unit 1 — check them out on Instagram @afterburnto
The workout: Boasting Toronto’s only indoor dragonboat paddling pool, Afterburn Fitness offers challenging paddling clinics that allow you to get your fix without any team commitment and connect with other paddle enthusiasts in a “friendly but intense environment”.
Best for: Anyone with an interest in paddling (or rowing), looking to improve stamina and skills
Worst for: Beginners, beware — paddle clinics are friendly to first-timers, but an established endurance and basic skill set would help!
Love yourself! This is how to be body-positive in the modern age.
The workout: Boasting Toronto’s only indoor dragonboat paddling pool, Afterburn Fitness offers challenging paddling clinics that allow you to get your fix without any team commitment and connect with other paddle enthusiasts in a “friendly but intense environment”.
Best for: Anyone with an interest in paddling (or rowing), looking to improve stamina and skills
Worst for: Beginners, beware — paddle clinics are friendly to first-timers, but an established endurance and basic skill set would help!
Love yourself! This is how to be body-positive in the modern age.
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8 / 10
If you’re looking to work it – and twerk it
The place: Brass Vixens Studios, located at 721 Queen Street West, Suite 202 — check them out on Instagram @brassvixens
The workout: Brass Vixens offers aerial, pole-dancing, burlesque, specialty pole dance styles, barre and twerk classes — just to name a few. With so many fun options, you and your crew can check out a new class each week. Classes are offered at ever level of experience and Brass Vixens is happy to welcome new comer’s to their friendly and inclusive studios. We suggest working up a sweat in their TwerkOut class!
Best for: Fun, outgoing types who are looking to boost their body confidence and channel their inner vixen
Worst for: This is such an inclusive space with so many class offerings that there really is something for everyone — the only prerequisite here would be an open mind, but shy wallflower types may need to ease in with a few drop-in classes before they find the right class style for them.
The workout: Brass Vixens offers aerial, pole-dancing, burlesque, specialty pole dance styles, barre and twerk classes — just to name a few. With so many fun options, you and your crew can check out a new class each week. Classes are offered at ever level of experience and Brass Vixens is happy to welcome new comer’s to their friendly and inclusive studios. We suggest working up a sweat in their TwerkOut class!
Best for: Fun, outgoing types who are looking to boost their body confidence and channel their inner vixen
Worst for: This is such an inclusive space with so many class offerings that there really is something for everyone — the only prerequisite here would be an open mind, but shy wallflower types may need to ease in with a few drop-in classes before they find the right class style for them.
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9 / 10
If you’re in the mood to channel your inner child
The place: Misfit Studio, located at 88 Ossington Ave 2nd floor and 96 Ossington Ave
The workout: A studio that focuses on conscious movement, we’d love to try their Get High class, an intense cardio experience that focuses on lymphatic drainage, stamina and pelvic floor strength — all with the help of fun mini trampolines!
Best for: With such a variety of class styles, there’s something for everyone here!
We’re loving the honesty from these celebrity quotes about body image issues.
The workout: A studio that focuses on conscious movement, we’d love to try their Get High class, an intense cardio experience that focuses on lymphatic drainage, stamina and pelvic floor strength — all with the help of fun mini trampolines!
Best for: With such a variety of class styles, there’s something for everyone here!
We’re loving the honesty from these celebrity quotes about body image issues.
SPINCO
10 / 10
If you’re looking for the ultimate group fitness experience
The place: SPINCO, with 3 Toronto locations: 129 Spadina Avenue, 2577 Yonge Street and 1220 Yonge Street — check them out on Instagram @spincotoronto
The workout: The spinning fitness craze is showing no signs of slowing down, as more and more people get on board with the intense cardio trend. Enter SPINCO, whose Toronto studio offers full-bodied, guided spin classes designed to get you in the zone and closer to your fitness goals then ever before.
Best for: High-energy, intense-cardio lovers who can appreciate a structured approach to their workout routine
Worst for: If you prefer to go at your own pace, these guided group-focused classes might not be a good fit
The workout: The spinning fitness craze is showing no signs of slowing down, as more and more people get on board with the intense cardio trend. Enter SPINCO, whose Toronto studio offers full-bodied, guided spin classes designed to get you in the zone and closer to your fitness goals then ever before.
Best for: High-energy, intense-cardio lovers who can appreciate a structured approach to their workout routine
Worst for: If you prefer to go at your own pace, these guided group-focused classes might not be a good fit
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