The thought of summer slowly approaching has some excited with the warm weather and some scared of dreaded bikini season. While I'm both excited and scared, my gut from the holidays has been telling me to shape up.
Now, when I mean shape up I don't mean lose weight to look "good" in a bikini, I mean working out to feel more confident. Because nothing makes me feel more liberated than kicking butt at a gym for an hour and walking out like I just demolished a treadmill and a huge stack of weights!!
However, although I love my gym I find doing the same thing over and over again or standing on an eliptical for an hour isn't so motivating or fun - which can really put a damper on my desire to workout. So every now and then when I need that extra "oompf" I hit up my favourite classes here in Toronto that get me energized and excited to sweat.
Toronto is the best place to stay and shape and feel more liberated because it has no shortage of fun and out of the box classes. From boxing to axe throwing, you'll leave these classes feeling like there's nothing you can't do.
If you are looking to get into shape or if you're just looking to feel more bad ass (me), here are our 6 MUST TRY classes to try in the big city:
Boxing
Boxing is a great way to shred pounds and strengthen your core, it combines high intensity cardio with strength training to make you feel like you can take on the world. If your new to the boxing world, Jacquie - one of our feature writers - wrote an entire article about it, a must read for anyone wanting to try it for the first time.
Our top boxing destinations:
United Athletics Centre: 1034 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 3C1
Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club: 388 Carlaw Ave #108, Toronto, ON M4M 2T4
Spin Class
Spin class is my favourite way to stay in shape in the city. Just from one ride you can burn up to 622 calories! Not to mention it's loud upbeat music and eccentric lighting make it so motivating and FUN, I'm always drenched in sweat when I leave and planning my next visit, it's that good.
Our top spin class destinations:
Soul Cycle: 435 King Street West Toronto ON M5V 1K4 OR 55 Avenue Road Toronto ON M5R 3L2
Spokehaüs: 70 Dan Leckie Way, Toronto, ON M5V 2V6
Rocket Cycle: 688 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1B1
Hot Yoga
Hot Yoga is great for rocking that Alicia Vikander “Tomb Raider” core that I dream of. It's a practice of flow and stretching in a heated room usually about 95 to 100 degrees F, it's slow movements can be better suited for those who dread high intensity because everyone in hot yoga works at their own pace - when I first started I sat in child's pose for 90% of the class.
Our top hot pilates destinations:
Yoga Tree: 140 Spadina Ave Unit 201, Toronto, ON M5V 2L4
Moksha Yoga: 577 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1G3 OR 934 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1C8
Obstacle Courses
I’m really a 5 year old at heart so this option is what my dreams are made of. Obstacle courses are great example of burning those calories and having fun while doing so. From climbing ropes to dodging hurdles to hanging from rings, obstacle courses are the best way to get into shape without feeling like you are working out.
Our top obstacle course destinations:
Pursuit OCR: 444 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6K 2A3
One Academy: 858 Eastern Ave, Toronto, ON M4L 1A1 Canada
Pole Dancing
Pole dancing is a great way to strengthen every part of your body from your core to your arms to your legs - it's probably the hardest thing my noodle arms have ever been put through. This form of exercise also brings out the sultry and sexy side of you - one that I didn't know I had!! - so you'll leave feeling more confident than ever.
Our top pole dancing destinations:
Ultra Violet Pole Fitness: 801 Eglinton Avenue WToronto, ON M5N 1E3
Brass Vixens: 577 Yonge StreetToronto, ON M4Y 1Z2 OR 721 Queen Street W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E6
Axe Throwing
This is probably the most unique thing I have ever heard of. When I found out axe throwing was a sport I was in awe and immediately wanted to chuck an axe at a wooden wall. Axe throwing is a great way to get rid of built up aggression, tone those arms, and improves your aim.
Our top axe throwing destinations:
BATL | The Backyard Axe Throwing League: 33 Villiers St, Toronto, ON M5A 1A9
Bad Axe Throwing: 346 Ryding Ave #201, Toronto, ON M6N 1H5
