Pump it up: Calorie-burning cardio classes in Toronto
Who knew that a brass pole, an urban-inspired playground and a surfboard could be worthy alternatives to a conventional cardio workout? When your usual training regime begins to feel routine, it may be time for a refreshing switch. High-quality endurance training takes many forms at these Toronto fitness clubs. [Image credit: iStock.com/Leonardo Patrizi]
Crunch Fitness - College Park
382 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M5G 1S8At the Madonna-owned Hard Candy you can get your daily workout in with classes like Electric Yoga, Engine, Body Blast Boot Camp and Ripped Yoga. Pump it up in the 5-star gym where friendly staff will demonstrate the latest cardio and resistance equipment. The Material Girl herself has been rumoured to give an occasional class here. If you want her muscles, this is the spot to check out.
Brass Vixens
3-577 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z2Forego your sneakers and bring your stilettos. Yes, you heard us – your high heels. This is a cardio workout with serious sass and attitude. Twerkout, pole dancing, aerial fitness, cardio hula hooping and sultry burlesque dance classes combine fitness with fun at Brass Vixens. And once you’ve mastered the brass pole, you’ll be ready for the erotic chair dance class.
Quad
580 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M3If spinning class is your thing, head to Quad. They cater to all fitness levels with everything from beginner sessions to the 60-Minute Challenge (which yes, is as tough as it sounds). Join for as little as $10 for your first drop-in class and $33 for a two-week trial membership. Once you’re up to speed, join the live DJ spin class. Who needs Saturday night clubbing, anyway?
Totum Life Science Inc
101-445 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4Totum offers a full range of high-intensity classes from boxing boot camp to spinning, as well as a rugged kettle bell session if you’re seeking a more demanding resistance and cardio workout. Tailored advice from friendly staff is coupled with Pilates and yoga classes to make this a one-stop shop when it comes to fitness training that will suit whatever mood you find yourself in.
SURFSET Toronto
2481 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2H6The surf is always up in any weather at this midtown fitness centre. Your fat-burning, muscle-toning, non-stop workout takes place on a surfboard, specially designed on a flexible base to replicate the challenge of riding an ocean wave. Imagine you’re on a giant swell while engaging every muscle and torching flab, surfer-style.
The Monkey Vault
15-75 Carl Hall Rd, North York, ON M3K 2B9If you’re longing for a workout that’s as easy as running and jumping around the school playground was, you can take a trip down memory lane at The Monkey Vault. It’s an indoor playground hosting workout classes that are demanding but fun. You can do parkour and “free running” training as well as gymnastics, breakdancing and circus arts. It’s a joyous romp around an indoor park – buckled by discipline and expert instructors. Hot tip: ladies who are intrigued but feeling shy, note there’s a separate parkour class for women.
Blast Athletic
1-374 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V9If you want that outdoorsy feeling in the dead of winter, try Blast Athletic. It’s an airy space with artificial grass stations for hybrid track-and-field exercises alongside a kettle bell and weight training area. Plus, you can sign up for personal training sessions or join group cardio to boot! The programs are designed to raise your fitness level step by step, while always pushing you to the next level.
