What happens when The Toronto Star's Gym Rat blogger pays an undercover visit to your gym?
Well, there's no telling. She calls 'em as she sees 'em -- and never minces words.
But for us, it's a case of all's well that ends well. We got the highest possible rating of A+.
Or snack on these tasty morsels:
The industrial-looking space near Yonge and Wellesley Sts. is packed with heavy ropes, kettlebells, medicine balls, weighted sleds, hurdles, a climbing wall and countless other contraptions that can whip you in shape without electricity or a motor.
The old-school methods seem fun, but let loose on my own, I wouldn’t know where to start. Hence the centre’s high-intensity conditioning class, one of a dozen or so classes available each week...
....It’s probably one of the most challenging — and one of the most satisfying — ones I’ve ever taken....
...The result is something a little bit boot camp and a little bit Crossfit, though without the latter’s cultlike aura....
...There’s something exciting about this kind of workout, as if the no-frills exercises kick-start our survival instincts. But it’s also a lot of fun, almost a grown-up version of recess. (The centre calls itself an “athletic playground.”)
Before I walk out the door, I’ve already talked a friend into coming back with me for another class.
VERDICT: An unusual and exciting class that definitely lives up to its high-intensity name.
Class: High-intensity Conditioning
Time: Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m.
Amenities: Fancy change rooms contrast with the gym’s industrial look. Two showers with assorted products and one hair dryer to share. Towels provided. Cubbies in the main room.
Ambience: “Athletic playground” is right. Sure, the toys are medicine balls and heavy ropes, but there’s an atmosphere of fun that can be lacking in other facilities...
...Who the class is for: Anyone bored with the usual workout machines and routines.
Grade: A+
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