If you're just looking to use cardio machines, then I think Goodlife is pretty good for that. The thing with Goodlife is you can use any of their gyms. They also have women's only gyms (although I'm not sure if there are any near you) that are good. I used to belong to Goodlife, but then I moved and now I go to the JCC at bloor/spadina. I like it there because lately I've been really into their classes and they have a fairly good selection. A friend of mine uses a gym at Lawrence and the Allen. I have no idea how good it is (I think she once said it was very "simple"), but I think it's cheaper than most.

As for monthly memberships, it depends on if you want towel service or if you can get a discount (ie. by being a student or a teacher with TDSB). I think I paid about $60 per month for Goodlife. That was with towel service, but my dad was also a member, so I was able to join as part of a family membership (I think in that case you either need to live at the same address or have the same last name). At the JCC I pay approximately $85 per month, but that includes towels and a student discount. There's also the U of T Athletic Centre at Harbord and Spadina. Someone once told me that they're the cheapest in the city, but I don't know any details. I guess none of this is directly in the Eglinton/Bathurst area... but I think there's a Goodlife location at Eglinton and Yonge.

I go to the Goodlife at Yonge and Eglinton.

Although its not a huge club they have lots of elipticals and treadmills, all the weights you need, and you can find their group fitness schedule here: http://www.goodlifefitness.com/GetSchedule.aspx?schedid=14385

I would not recommend going to extreme fitness i have heard horror stories about them.

People trying to get out of contracts having to go to court...
getting roped into ridiculous contracts..


If anyone else can comment on a good aspect of extreme fitness Im not sure.. just what I've heard.

At Goodlife you'll be paying between $50 and $60 a month (with your discount). You will almost definitely be forced to sign a 1 year contract. You will, however, have access to all of their locations and some spectacular classes.

I would not recommend going to extreme fitness i have heard horror stories about them.

People trying to get out of contracts having to go to court...
getting roped into ridiculous contracts..


If anyone else can comment on a good aspect of extreme fitness Im not sure.. just what I've heard.

Extreme’s sales tactics are more aggressive, I compare it to a time-share meeting but I like the challenge . I activated a 30 day free membership and they tried everything to get me to sign up to a contract right then and there, they failed, ha ha! Due to the convenient location of their Wellington gym to my office (a 2 min walk) I will most likely sign up if they have good Christmas-time deals. Their regular rate is $95 a month, corporate is $65 but I signed up for their emails and back in June they had a $399 a year deal ($549 for the location I want) so that's really great for the area. I pay $300 currently for 14 months in Markham at an incredible gym but that $549 would be super cheap in the downtown core.

I however intend on paying in full using a money order, I too have heard horror stories as well and will refuse to provide any banking or credit card information. If they refuse me as a result, that's fine by me, I love Turbo Jam and Turbo Fire workouts more - been doing that since 2007. Joining the Markham gym I did was a deal fluke (first year was $90 through Team Buy) and both years were paid for by my company so I’m not worried about the loss. I do get to spin on weekends and love that especially since I invested in cycle shoes about a month ago (saved $100 buying online vs Mountain Equipment Co-op, woo!)

Regarding Goodlife’s price, you do NOT automatically get access to all gyms, you have to chose, 1 gym membership (usually $20 bi-weekly) or all gyms $25 bi-weekly) – those are the corporate prices, non-corporate (if your company isn’t on some giant list they have) the price is about $5-7 more by-weekly. With Extreme you get access to ALL gyms automatically including 24-Fitness in the US and the Sheraton Hotel pool.

Hi shaynak112
I also live in the Bathurst/Eg area however, I go to Goodlife only because I work downtown and have an option of going to any Goodlife I want. This makes it super convenient when you don't always know where you're gonna be and want to squeeze in a workout. That being said, there are a couple "boutique-style" gyms in our area. they are small and fairly pricey I would imagine. One is called TRACK. It's in Forest Hill village.
What about the gym that's inside Yorkdale mall?

I live at Yonge & Eglinton and after being with Extreme Fitness for over a year I had to get out of there. The location just East of Yonge is TERRIBLE! Their trainers are even worse. If you want to get more insight about Extreme then feel free to shoot me a message. I'm at Goodlife again and actually quite like it. The trainers help you out if they see you aren't doing something right and you can approach them and ask them for some help too..they are all pretty willing. The cost of a membership is worth it. Otherwise there are some great at home workouts on youtube.com on the livestrong channel.

There is a pool at the North Toronto Community Centre on Eglinton between Oriole Parkway and Edith. Come to think of it they hve a little gym in there too. I wld go and check out there if I were you. They also have fitness classes and since it is city run they are fairly reasonable. There is also an indoor running track above the gymnasium.

YMCA doesn't have a contract, they have a one time (lifetime) joining fee then you can put your membership on hold whenever for however long (in whole month incriments). I love their West End gym, great equipment, classes, pool etc. Would highly recommend them.

I Just checked out the New Ryerson Fitness Centre at Maple Leaf Gardens!

Its quite good, they have much better and more equipment and more space than the goodlife at Y&E I used to go to, and the memberships are very reasonable.

http://www.rec.ryersonrams.ca/ViewArticle.dbml?&DB_OEM_ID=22310&ATCLID=204919872

To check it out a day pass is less than $10.00 - (its $15 at goodlife)

Gym memberships are only a waste of money if you don't actually use it. I use the weights and cardio equipment every single day at my gym, plus I go to at least 3 classes a week (if not more) on top of that. All classes are included in my membership and my gym has a fairly descent selection. With spin classes and yoga classes often being $15-$20 PER CLASS, it's simply cheaper for me to belong to my gym! So perhaps they're a waste of money for you, but you don't know how other people use them, so maybe you shouldn't be so judgmental.

Totum Life Science at King/Spadina.

Tried the gym out with a Groupon and knew from day one that this would be my new gym

Excellent selection of classes with teachers who work to ensure that everyone in the class is getting a good workout.

Excellent health care practitioners on site as well; RMT's, chiropractors etc.

Everyone is so friendly and welcoming

They have a one-week free trial that is definitely worth checking out!

HI MFP friends....I have been living in fitness gyms since I was 14 and still respect and value the fitness and gym industry.
I gyms never make their profit from guys like me since I visit the gym daily ..lol. but make it from the 80% that do not.
Presently using FIT$LESS and LA FITNESS in scarborough.
Anyone interested in a MFP MEETUP group in toronto,
Please let me if anyone is interested and feedback.