With New Year’s resolutions sending more people to the gym, it’s important to find the one that’s the right fit for you. As an employee of the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education under Sport & Rec and a student-athlete, I’ve visited my fair share of gyms near campus. Because of this, I can confidently say that each facility has notable differences and strengths. The type of workout you perform and your skill level will be the deciding factors in your gym selection.

 

Hart House Fitness Centre

While the Hart House gym has weight and utility rooms, the top floor is where it truly shines. Here, you’ll find a track and an extensive selection of cardio machines, including rowing machines, treadmills, stationary bikes, and more.

Address: 7 Hart House Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3

Suggested Experience: Beginner

Best Workout: Cardio

 

Athletic Centre Field House (ACFH) and gymnasiums

The ACFH is located on the third floor of the Athletic Centre (AC) and features divided spaces that house drop-in sports, all surrounded by a track. In the fieldhouse periphery, you’ll find cardio and weight machines in the back right corner, while free weights are located in the front left. Additionally, many of U of T’s fitness classes and workouts are held here, either in the divided spaces or the various AC gymnasiums — perfect if you need guidance from an instructor or extra motivation.

Address: Third floor, 55 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 2W6

Suggested Experience: Beginner/Intermediate

Best Workout: Drop-in Sports, Strength (Free Weights/Machines), Classes/Instructed Workouts

 

Strength and Conditioning Centre (SCC) and Weightlifting Zone (WLZ)

On the ground floor of the AC, you’ll find the SCC. This faculty offers Women’s Only Hours — a designated time for women-identifying participants to use the area exclusively. Additionally, the WLZ is one of the few places where you’re permitted to drop weights — gyms usually prohibit this as it may cause injuries or damage to equipment. As a result, it’s no surprise that the strength of these gyms lies in strength workouts with free weights and benches.

Address: First floor, 55 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 2W6

Suggested Experience: Intermediate/Advanced

Best Workout: Strength (Free Weights/Benches), Women’s Only Hours

 

Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport

The Goldring gym is located on the second and third floors of the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport. The top floor features squat racks, numerous benches, and weights, with additional space for weightlifting. The lower level provides space for yoga mats and callisthenics exercises. Throughout the rest of Goldring, you can find drop-in sports in the gymnasium and group classes held in the fitness studio. 

Address: 100 Devonshire Pl, Toronto, ON M5S 2C9

Suggested Experience: Intermediate/Advanced

Best Workout: Strength (Racks/Benches/Free Weights), Class/Instructed Workouts, Calisthenics

 

Planet Fitness College Park

Though the U of T gyms are comprehensive, the flexibility and diversity of commercial gyms can still be useful. Commercial gyms are able to offer a wide-range of equipment and a high number of machines in exchange for increased business. Each U of T gym has specific hours and limited opening times, with no gym open later than 7:00 pm, or earlier than 9:00 am on Saturdays or Sundays. So, if you’re looking to work out outside the hours, a 24/7 gym like Planet Fitness might be a budget-friendly option for you. 

Address: 444 Yonge St Units G1 And G4, Toronto, ON M5B 2H4

Suggested Experience: Any

Best Workout: Any

 

Joy of Dance Centre

Though the U of T fitness facilities offer many classes, the barre class — a toning, body-weight-lifting workout — is one I’ve found lacking. The classes tend to lean more toward pilates than ballet and often don’t even involve a barre. So if you’re looking to improve your flexibility and strength through dance, a great alternative just beside Broadview station, not far from campus, is the Joy of Dance Centre.

Address: 95 Danforth Ave #302, Toronto, ON M4K 1N2

Suggested Experience: Any

Best Workout: Barre/Dance Classes

 

Ultimately, the fitness facility you choose will play a significant role in helping you achieve your 2025 fitness goals. However, the most important part of reaching those goals is showing up — both at the gym and for yourself — no matter what facility you use.