This is as cheap as it gets. You want a gym with minimal costs on a monthly basis. This is it!
This is located in the Lawrence West Mall on the 2nd floor across from the Dollerama. It can be accessed through the mall by taking the escalator or through the commercial entrance using the elevator.
The gym is quite large considering the price and has an array of cardio equipment, free weights, weight machines and free weight power racks.
There is enough that everyone can do something comfortably and haven't noticed any lineups yet. I've been going for more than a month now, and while it is VERY frustrating that there is no water fountain, I've come to terms with it.
There are no classes, no bonuses, change rooms situated on the perimeter. Bathrooms are a joke too. One stall and one urinal in the mens bathroom. Given that a gym has more than 50 people there at any given time, this is really a problem. But at this pricepoint I guess I have no right to complain.
The equipment is about the same as you'd see in a Goodlife or YMCA so no issues of quality here. You will get a good workout in if you come in prepared to workout. There are some serious gymrats here too so it's a mix between newbies and gym regulars. The ages are spread too from young kids (16-19) to adults in their 40s and onwards.
The two price points are $10/monthly paid upfront on an annual basis + a $25 joining fee (this fee is ridiculous. Akin to a normal gym's admin fee). You can't share your pass with anyone at this level.
The next pricepoint is at $20/month and is month to month. This one you can share with family and friends (but only one person at a time). Good for families and couples that want to workout separately.
I should stress that they insist that they need your bank account. Don't fall for this scam. Insist on using a credit card. That way you're protected in case you have to cancel. The credit card companies will have your back on this. If they get your bank account, you'll be billed with erroneous charges and the bank will be able to do nothing.
Another thing that is a joke about this place is the insane prices for drinks. $1.00 - $4.00 for drinks when you can get them for 0.50 cents across the way at the dollar store. But they have to make money so I applaud them for attempting to.
The single most annoying thing about this place is entry/exit. Has to be done one member at a time. I hate having to line up to enter or leave this place. They need a better solution to this.
Despite all the negatives I posted, this sure as hell beats paying $60 to some other gym. Sure you get classes and a water fountain (unreal!) but who can resist a $10 membership.
I'm sure at some point they will raise the prices as there are only so many members they can sign up. But until then, this is the cheapest place for a regular basic gym.