The start of a new year tends to flood gyms with sweat-seeking individuals hoping to achieve new fitness goals and fulfill resolutions made on January 1st. And in recent years, the desire for mindful movement has slowly taken precedence over intense workout routines—with an army of ‘pilates princesses’ (see: the Alo yoga-wearing, Stanley cup-carrying group of individuals on TikTok) leading the pack. In 2024, we’re looking for carefully curated, aesthetically pleasing spaces that encourage a mindful mood before the class even begins. After all, if you’re going to purchase pricey workout gear, you might as well find somewhere beautiful to wear it.

These new-to-Toronto fitness boutiques are providing a much-needed respite from the intimidating and anxiety-inducing atmosphere of the average gym. Gone are the days of workouts solely designed for the aesthetics of our bodies—it’s time to immerse ourselves in spaces that make us feel as good as we look. Ahead, the coolest new fitness studios to check out in the city.

Sweat and Tonic

 

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The details: Sweat and Tonic is a state-of-the-art fitness boutique where gym-goers can get their heart racing during a HIIT class, then follow up the workout with a refreshing beverage courtesy of the Tonic Bar, or wind down with an infrared sauna session—all under one roof. The first studio opened up in the heart of the city at Yonge and Shuter in 2019, and in the fall of 2023, the second Sweat and Tonic location opened its doors in The Well—a buzzy new hub in the King West area.

The vibe: Spread across 25,000 square feet, Sweat and Tonic at The Well feels like a fitness studio you’d spot on a TV series like The White Lotus with its top-of-the-line finishings and fitness equipment. The overall mood is sleek, chic, and modern with spa-like spaces bathed in natural light. Inside the classrooms, however, each respective studio has its own vibe going on. For example, the infrared-heated Yoga Studio with floor-to-ceiling views of the CN Tower feels worlds away from the Ride Studio studio powered by Technogym with custom lighting that feels like a nightclub in all the best ways.

The classes: Here, you can sweat to your heart’s content with classes led by world-class instructors that range from HIIT workouts to yoga and pilates to cycling sessions. You can book a single drop-in class for $32, commit to up to 15 classes for $375, or seal the deal with memberships that range from $180 to $1250 a month with unlimited access to classes—plus, spa privileges you won’t want to miss out on.

486 Front Street West, https://sweatandtonic.com

Jaybird

 

 

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The details: Hailing from the West Coast, contemporary movement and fitness studio Jaybird has just opened up its newest location in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood. Co-founded by Barbie Bent and Ariel Swan, Jaybird seeks to provide workouts formed at the intersection of mindfulness and fitness in spaces curated to fully immerse participants in each class.

The vibe: Designed by Future Studios, Jaybird’s Yorkville studio is a futuristic-feeling pink palace. Inside the infrared-heated classrooms, each session is carried out with candle-light only lighting and follows a “nothing to see, everything to feel” mantra with an absence of mirrors. This way, participants are encouraged to hone in on their movements and let go of self-consciousness.

The classes: With six aptly named mat-based offerings —The Bird, The Build, The Burn, The Booty, The Balance and The Base—there is truly a class ($32 for a single drop-in class) here for everyone. Exclusive to Jaybird Yorkville, you can also sign up for reformer classes ($42 for a single drop-in class) made to make you feel the burn. A monthly mat membership will run you anywhere from $108 to $320, while monthly reformer memberships go from $148 to up to $399.

110 Bloor Street West, https://www.jaybirdjaybird.com

Altea Active

The details: Altea Active is a wellness and social club that boasts a blood-pumping range of classes, and is also home to a selection of soothing spas and saunas. Not to mention there’s a real sense of community here, where socializing is encouraged and group classes or co-working spaces are the perfect place to catch up with friends. An Active Kids Club program is also offered to help everyone in the family get moving (or to keep an eye on the kiddies while you work towards those fitness goals!)

The vibe: The Altea Active atmosphere encourages a better lifestyle as a whole, not just better results from gruelling workouts. From barre to boxing and hot yoga to pilates, walls are lined with modern equipment to help promote optimal workout results. Plus, a serene spa, a Himalayan salt lounge and a selection of dry saunas and steam cabins allow you to slip into a state of pure zen.

The classes: Altea Active’s membership makes it easy to take advantage of everything this fitness club has to offer. Depending on your needs, you can choose to register for a  Gold ($94.95 bi-weekly), Platinum, ($102.95 bi-weekly), or Diamond ($134.95) membership. From personal training to amenity access, it’s all included!

25 Ordnance Street, https://alteaactive.com/toronto/

STRONG Pilates

The details: Located in Toronto’s Little Italy borough, Strong Pilates is the newest addition to this list. This “pilates-inspired, cardio-infused” studio has finally made its way up North from down under in Australia, where it’s known for its innovative Rowformer and Bike Reformer classes.

The vibe: With its black-and-white toned minimalist aesthetic, STRONG’s space gets your head in the game from the moment you walk in its doors. Inside the studio, mirrors line the walls so that you can keep an eye on your form.

The classes: At STRONG, you’ll be able to take four different class types titled STRONG Loaded, STRONG Body, STRONG Sweat or Pilates Only. Each 45-minute class focuses on a different training goal, from full-body, low-impact sessions with an emphasis on strength and mobility, to high-sweat, high-intensity classes that hone in on cardio. Once you’ve completed the form on the studio’s site, they’ll be in touch with class offers and studio updates.

533 College Street, Lower Level, https://strongpilates.ca

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