If you’ve exited the subway from Bay Station into 110 Bloor Street lately, you may have noticed there’s something a little different. The somewhat nondescript, once-sleepy corridor in the lower level is now a hub of activity: seriously sweaty, heart-pounding, jump-up-and-down kind of activity set to an energetic soundtrack.
The second Toronto outpost of F45 Training (the first is in Liberty Village) has arrived in the heart of Yorkville, and it’s a great destination for people who are committed to getting fit but don’t have a ton of time to spend at the gym — in others words: most of us.
F45 Training has been a phenomenon in Australia for some time now, drawing celebrity attention from Hugh Jackman (hence, the Wolverine reference) and Nicole Kidman, plus Nicole Ritchie and Joel Madden stateside.
(IMAGE: F45 Training)
In the end though, celebrity endorsements don’t matter, results do. It was the profound results achieved through this program that led husband and wife team John Ledbrook and Elizabeth Brum to open this latest outpost in Yorkville. Both have solid backgrounds in fitness – Elizabeth is a Phys Ed teacher, while John has been an elite track athlete that competed for Australia in the World Junior Championships, a rehab specialist, and a Clearance Diver and trainer for the Royal Australian Navy.
John credits F45 for helping him get back on track after a few years being more devoted to raising a family in his new home of Toronto: “I’m confident when I say I’ve tried almost every training system around the world, and F45 was the first I could really stand behind and promote. It is the best system available to a mass audience that will guarantee fast effective results in all physiological systems.”
A different 45-minute workout program is available at F45 each day, and never repeated during the same week. This is a “team” exercise environment – up to 27 students are able to sign up for a given class. With names like Quarterbacks, Hollywood, and Firestorm, each workout is a blend of strength, agility, endurance, and flexibility. Programs are designed to keep you moving and mentally engaged. This ensures that gym-goers will get the variety and the challenge they need. Each class features a number of stations that students rotate through. If there is a strength component involved, say kettlebells or dumbbells, a range of weights will be available to suit the individual. Exercises are performed in intervals with rest in between, and demonstrated via videos on screens at one end of the room. Two instructors circulate to correct form and offer help with modifications to ensure that participants get the best experience out of each class.
(IMAGE: F45 Training)
Be prepared to work hard at F45 Training. If you don’t like to sweat, this probably isn’t your thing. Personally, I have ended each workout that I have done there soaked with sweat, and I’m fine with that. The team environment keeps things fun and moving fast.
Variety really is one of the keys to fitness, and with the number of programs and exercises in rotation at F45, it will be a very long time before you could possibly repeat a combination, or get bored.
There is even a nutrition component included in membership because the right fuel is key to fitness.
F45 Training Yorkville, 110 Bloor St., lower level. Various membership options available, including: Drop-in class $30, 10-class pack $250, weekly price with 6 month commitment, $59.
