classpass pt 2

I last wrote about ClassPass back in March, and I wanted to share a little more about my experience and to write a little about some of the amazing studios we have access to here in Toronto, since I have now taken over seventy classes. I try to test out a new spot once in a while (and always get the first-visit jitters!), but often find myself going back to my favourites. When I was in New York recently I wanted to take advantage of ClassPass Flex (that is, your ClassPass account entitles you to work out in any ClassPass studio in any city), but I was so overwhelmed by the sheer number of studios (I ended up going for a run along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, which of course was wonderful as well)! I thought maybe these posts with my faves could be helpful for anyone starting out in Toronto.

I had a few lazy weeks recently, and for a while I was running outside more thanks to a fun run club, but being a ClassPass member has helped keep me active in a way I have never been before. It’s gotten to the point where I feel off if I don’t do some form of exercise every day (even if that means squeezing in fifteen minutes of at-home yoga and some foam rolling). That’s not to say that I’m in the best physical shape of my life, because I’m not (yet!), but I am so happy to have renewed my love of exercise. I used to feel anxious and guilty when other people talked about exercising, but it’s become an essential part of my life. I never thought I would grow to love squats and lunges, but here we are!

THE EXTENSION ROOM

This was definitely one of my favourite discoveries via ClassPass. The studio is located in the east end and it is one of the most beautiful, light-filled spaces I’ve visited, and the workouts are challenging and, dare I say lovely? I particularly love the Allegro Ballet Bootcamp or the Allegro + Sculpt classes. The Allegro is a workout designed by owner and dancer Jenn Nichols that incorporates ballet movements to get the heart racing. It is a little challenging for the uncoordinated among us (in front of a mirror, no less), but I have found it addictive, and pick up more steps every time. I particularly like the Allegro + Sculpt because it incorporates hand weights in addition to the cardio movements and core exercises, making it a well-rounded workout. I haven’t been in a few weeks and I am itching to get back. Image via Fashion and Beauty Inc.

BARRE3

This is another workout that I find so pleasing that I’m almost surprised when the burn kicks in! This workout incorporates barre, pilates, and yoga (hence the “3”) and packs a good punch despite being low impact. Lots of modifications are given, making the classes accessible to any fitness level. The instructors are so friendly; the instructor who signed me in for my first class remembered my name every other time I came in, which I don’t think has ever happened before, especially as I am not one to chat and make myself known after a class. Image via Beauty Editor.

SURFSET

Surfset is a workout performed on a a type of surfboard that is balanced on three stability balls (to mimic ocean waves) for a very shaky 45 minutes. About ten minutes into my first Surfset workout, after being told to jump onto the board, squat, and jump back down, I laughed out loud and said “I can’t do this” seeing as I could barely walk up onto the board and hold myself steadily. But I did it, and I went back and saw improvements within three classes. Some classes are yoga-inspired, and some involve weights and circuit training. You have to approach it with a good sense of humour, because unless you have abs of steel already, you will feel like you’re going to fall off. And you probably will fall off, but the floor is padded so it’s all good. Embrace the wobble. Image via BlogTO.

UNION YOGA AND WELLNESS

I was familiar with this space because I attended classes there when it was a different studio, so I was happy to revisit this airy space on Bloor Street. Union offers a wide variety of yoga classes, some of them heated. I’ve enjoyed flow classes there, as well as flow + meditation. I took a 7am flow class there a few times with a teacher named Megan and she sang during savasana. It was utterly blissful. Image via BlogTO.

A few others:

HARMONY FITNESS: This facility is in a warehouse-like space by Wilson subway station. It’s got a bit of a harder feel than, say, a barre studio, but the workouts are amazing. I highly recommend the Treadsanity class, which combines running on a treadmill with high intensity training intervals. They also have a rowing class that is similar, which would be so amazing for the arms (I hope to try it soon!).

STUDIO LAGREE: A cult favourite, and the studio on King is usually fully booked way in advance.  Another very intense workout, one that left me sore for three days after the first time I tried it. This one is performed on a machine similar to a Pilates Reformer or a Gravity training system, is low impact, and gets the heart racing. You go hard and non-stop for 50 minutes.

KULA YOGA: Kula offers a very wide variety of yoga classes, and I particularly LOVE their Reiki Restorative. It’s delicious.

SPYNGA: I’ve only tried the spin classes here, but they offer yoga as well. I usually find spinning kind of boring, but have found the teachers here to be really encouraging and motivating, and they tend to play good music, whieh makes all the difference in a spin class.

If you have any recommendations for me or questions, please let me know! I love to talk about this!