The Best Fitness Studios in Canada According to ClassPass

Photograph courtesy of ClassPass

Here’s where you should go in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.

If staying active and exercising is one of your 2020 goals but you’re just not feeling 100 per cent satisfied with the classes you’re currently attending, you’ve found yourself in the right place. Earlier this month, fitness booking app ClassPass released its Best of 2019 report, which highlights the highest-rated studios and instructors in North America, Canada included. Below, a list of the best fitness studios in Canada according to ClassPass, which you should probably check out STAT.

MONTREAL: B.cycle

ClassPass Rating: 4.9
Type of Workout: Indoor cycling, barre, pilates, bootcamp
Locations: 3 – Centre Ville, 2000 McGill College Avenue. #140, Montreal, QC., (514) 379-6649; Westmount, 1500 Atwater Avenue, Montreal, QC., (514) 379-4331; Vieux-Port,
601 de la Gauchetière West, Montreal, QC., (514) 393-1001

Don’t let the name of this studio fool you. In addition to its assortment of spin classes, B.cycle also offers various “body”-based classes, which range from sweaty HIIT (high-intensity interval training) pilates to gruelling bootcamps. If you’re feeling a little bored with your basic barre workouts, check out B.cycle’s Barre TRX class, which incorporates suspension training to ensure you’re exercising all of your muscle groups. And if you’re a first timer, know that you’re in good hands: new ClassPass users have reported feeling at ease at B.cycle’s three locations thanks to the studios’ knowledgeable and approachable instructors.

Book your class here.

TORONTO: Elle Fitness and Social

ClassPass Rating: 4.7
Type of Workout: Strength training, bootcamp, HIIT, dance cardio
Locations: 1 – 580 King Street W, Toronto, ON., (416) 920-1400

This King West establishment is known for its upbeat and challenging 55-minute group sessions, suitable for all fitness levels. Favourites include the HIIT-based Bodies by Elle class, which features a combination of bootcamp drills and treadmill work. Looking to get stronger? Check out Jacked, which is all about lifting heavy weights. As per the ClassPass reviews, instructors are attentive and will help correct your form to prevent injury. A water station, towels, private bathrooms, showers and lockers (bring your own lock!) are available. Hot tip: The studio facing King St. gets the most heavenly natural light in the A.M. which makes for a prime photo opp spot to track your progress.

Book your class here.

CALGARY: HotShop

ClassPass Rating: 4.7
Type of Workout: Indoor cycling and hot yoga
Locations: 3 – Victoria Park (hot yoga only), 132 13th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB., (403) 452-4118; Silverado, 19369 Sheriff King Street SW #918, Calgary, AB., (403) 454-0405; North West University, 4625 Varsity Drive NW #208, Calgary, AB., (403) 457-4711

What makes this Alberta franchise unique is not that it offers two different types of workouts (indoor cycling and hot yoga), but that you can take classes that focus on spinning for one half, with the remainder of your session dedicated to hot yoga. According to ClassPass users, instructors are humble and knowledgeable, and you’ll most likely leave feeling energized and inspired. New to yoga? HotShop recommends the Yin, Yin/Yang or Hot Hips class, the latter of which is great for runners in pursuit of loosening up tight hip flexors.

Book your class here.

VANCOUVER: Spin Society

ClassPass Rating: 4.7
Type of Workout: Indoor cycling
Locations: 3 – Downtown, 1332 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC. (604) 558-4509; North Vancouver, 924 16th Street W., North Vancouver, BC., (604) 770-3477; Mount Pleasant, 229 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC., (604) 423-4004

Of all of the Vancouver spin classes offered on ClassPass, Spin Society tops the list as the best in the city. The app’s users describe the studio as boasting a “super fun and great atmosphere for newcomers,” adding that the helpful and accommodating front desk staff contribute to making it a fuss-free experience. Spin Society offers a number of classes, from its signature 50-minute rhythm-based ride complete with choreography to the 35-minute Sprint session rooted in interval training. For expecting moms, the SCTY Baby class is similar to the studio’s 50-minute ride, albeit less intense and with the music turned down a notch.