The top 10 unconventional fitness facilities in Toronto

Instead of accepting that we'll probably end up putting on an extra layer this winter (and I don't mean clothes), how about trying out an off-the-wall fitness class? Some of these Toronto gyms will push you to your fitness limits, while the others will have you channeling your carefree 7-year-old self - you know, the days when diet and exercise weren't even in your vocabulary yet. Hop off that treadmill (or couch) and start thinking outside the box.

Here are the top 10 unconventional fitness facilities in Toronto.

Afterburn Fitness

If the thought of stowing away your boat and paddles for the winter has you booking a flight to somewhere tropical, you may want to save your dough and head over to Scarborough's Afterburn Fitness instead. This facility is the only one in Toronto to house an actual indoor pool specifically for paddling. While the 'boat' is stationary, paddles still meet water to give you the most legit paddling workout all year long.

Sky Zone

Are you working out or just having the best time ever? It'll be hard to tell if you hit up Sky Zone's trampoline park (or should I say heaven?) located near Leaside. With wall-to-wall trampolines and a giant pit filled with foam cubes, you won't even notice that you're getting your fitness on. You can join in on free jump (though if you want to avoid screaming children, that may not be for you) or they offer a more adult friendly SkyRobics class if you truly want to focus on burning those calories and gaining strength.

Outrigger Performance Advantage

Another facility that will make you water ready once the ice melts is Etobicoke's Outrigger Performance Advantage Training Centre. If you're really looking to sculpt those guns, paddling is a great way to do it. Their indoor facility offers 12 Kayak Pro paddling ergs as well as weight lifting equipment to keep you in tip-top canoe shape. Come the warm weather, they also offer outdoor water based training sessions, but for now you can simply close your eyes and pretend you feel a warm breeze and cool mist as you paddle away on your machine.

Monkey Vault

Just when you thought 'monkeying' around was cause to be punished as a kid, these days it's very much encouraged (sorry mom). Monkey Vault, located in an abandoned refinery in the Stockyards district, isn't really your standard 'gym' and doesn't really deal with 'fitness'. It's all about getting moving and having a whole lotta fun. With 10,000 sq. ft. of space filled with bars and walls at various heights, you'll be able to practice parkour (obstacle style training), gymnastics, stunt training, and much more.

Alpha Fitness

For those who could never bear the thought of running a monotonous marathon (does running that far really make you happy?), then maybe taking on an obstacle course is more your speed. Alpha Obstacle Training Centre located at Polson Pier is dedicated to making you obstacle course ready all year round. Even if you're not looking to compete, the classes will still work you out with their high intensity circuits and hardcore, certifiable trainers. One of their trainers, Jesse Bruce, is a 19-time obstacle course race winner - if that doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will.

Cirque-Ability

If you never fulfilled your dreams of running away and joining the circus, then you can at least pretend by heading to Cirque-Ability in Bloordale Village. The coaches have backgrounds in dance, circus arts and gymnastics and with small class sizes you'll be able to get more personalized training. Whether you choose to work on silks, trapeze, hoops, or just want to soar through the air in their acrobat classes, this facility offers fun and fitness for the whole family.

Lift Fitness Wall

When you look around at Lift Fitness, located in Leaside, you'll probably be wondering what you're supposed to do with the funny walls - do you climb them? Stack books on them? These unusual walls are actually for helping you get fit by using your entire body strength to remain vertical (i.e., not fall flat on the floor). The classes, which utilizes different fitness elements like Pilates and kettle bells, are only 30 minutes in length so you'll be able to pop in, hop on the wall and get an effective yet unique workout in in no time at all.

Barreworks

Barre fitness is quickly becoming the fashionable, popular workout that Pilates was several years ago. Ironically, Barreworks is located in the Fashion District (with another location Midtown), so all you fashion people, this one's for you. Barreworks will turn you into the ballerina you never were - or atleast give you the body of one. Their workouts burn fat and reshape muscles by combining fitness training, core conditioning, yoga and Pilates while employing the barre - no tutu required.

Hercinia Arts

If the thought of trying out new activities in front of a large group of strangers makes you break out into a sweat all on its own, then Hercinia Arts in Liberty Village is the place to go. With small class sizes of a mere 4 people, you'll be guaranteed to get a ton of time flying through the air on their silks, ropes or hoops. The intimate studio will make you feel like your hanging out (or upside down) at your friend's house, as opposed to working on your core.

Big Hit Studio

Big Hit Studio provides just what the name suggests: big hits. For those of us who like the punching part of boxing, but not getting punched bit that inevitably follows, then this studio located on Sudbury Street just south of Queen, will help you save face (literally). Partner up with one of their body opponent bags (BOBs) and try to keep up with one of their fun cardio based kickboxing classes like Zumbox - a mix of Zumba and boxing. Feel free to change Bob's name accordingly.

Did I miss any? Leave your favourite unconventional fitness facility in the comments.

Writing by Chynna Wilson. Photo of Monkey Vault by Jesse Milns.

by Staff via blogTO