The summer Olympics are well underway with athletes from all over the world showing off their skills! Bloor-Yorkville is the perfect place to be if you’re feeling particularly inspired to reach new fitness heights. There are so many different types of studios and workouts in our neighbourhood, so why not channel your inner Olympian and take on some new fitness challenges? You can find sport specific training, HIIT workouts, mobility specialists, and of course, places to prioritize recovery and wellness.
Personal Training, HIIT, Pilates and More
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) at Barry’s
Critchley Lane, 100 Bloor St W
(647) 631-2287
A classic in the fitness world, Barry’s is a no-nonsense HIIT-style workout. The classes take place in their darkened “red room” and transition between the treadmill for sprints and the floor for strength training. Classes focus on specific muscle groups depending on the day of the week, such as Monday being “arms and abs” day, ensuring that as you cycle through the week, you’ll target all the major muscle groups. The combination of targeted strength training and intense running intervals guarantees you’ll be pushed to your fitness limits, but have no fear: the hands-on instructors and fellow classmates create a sense of community within the class. Downstairs, you’ll find the Fuel Bar, featuring a variety of smoothies that can serve as post-workout fuel or meal replacements, perfect if you’re on the move.
Sport specific training in Bloor-Yorkville
Sport-Specific Training at Innovative Fitness:
33 Bloor Street East
bloorst@innovativefitness.com
Innovative Fitness, located at 33 Bloor Street, offers a variety of personal training services, including their unique sport-specific training! Whatever your hobby (or aspiration), they’ll help take your training to the next level, improving strength and endurance while helping reduce the risk of injury. Whether you’re hoping to train for your first marathon, improve your golf swing, or gain more strength on the ski hill, the team will create a custom training plan specific to your sport, regardless of age and athletic background. Another unique offering are their Active Rehabilitation services. If you’re working through previous injuries, their team of kinesiologists will work one-on-one to restore mobility and strength to those suffering from joint injuries, soft tissue ailments, and post-surgical or post-concussion care.
Summer Sport Training at Mindful Movement Centre
68 Scollard Street
(647) 250-7205
Pilates is the perfect complement to any type of training, using slow, controlled movements to build overall strength (with an emphasis on core strength), flexibility, and mobility. Classes at Mindful Movement Centre can be taken either one-on-one or in a small group format on the mat, the reformer machine, or the tower. If you’re brand new to Pilates and “reformer” and “tower” don’t mean much, don’t fret! The “Awaken” classes are designed for those just starting out or for those who want to fine-tune what they know.
This summer, Mindful Movement Centre has launched their Summer Sport Workshop Series! Focusing on tennis, golf, and pickleball, these workshops explore the muscles used in racket and golf swings, teaching students how to target and strengthen those areas and avoid common injuries. Classes will focus on core stabilization, strength, flexibility, balance and proper alignment – all aimed at improving one’s game!
Mobility & More at Jaybird
110 Bloor St W Lower Concourse
(416) 922-9481
Jaybird has become known for its intense reformer-style workouts, but they also offer several mobility-focusses classes. Their “Build” classes are described as a “feel-good flow,” opening with slow stretches focusing on alignment, eventually building up to a sweatier pace and finishing with two minutes of free-style dancing.
They also offer their “Balance” class, where students are guided through yoga-inspired stretching, along with spinal mobility, fascial release, breath work, and self massage. This class also includes a relaxing sound bath. Both the Build and Balance classes are are done in a candlelit studio with infrared heat.
Recover at Othership
110 Bloor St W, Toronto
(416) 922-2547
An important part of any athletic training is recovery! Lucky for us, Bloor-Yorkville is home to the newest Othership location. Housed right beside Jaybird, Othership is “social self-care in the city,” featuring infrared saunas and ice baths. During “Free Flow” classes, guests can move between the sauna and ice baths, with Guides on-hand for those who’d like support or coaching while working through the elements.
There are also a variety of guided group classes, which feature group meditation, breathwork, aromatherapy, and sound healing instruments. Whichever option you choose, you’ll experience a totally unique wellness experience and leave feeling rejuvenated and ready for your next adventure.