Guide to Fitness in Kingston

There are a million ways to stay healthy and in shape. You don’t have to join a fancy gym to get a good workout. Just hitting up a park for a run, some planks, maybe a few step ups on a bench, can be an easy and totally free way of getting in a good workout. A bike ride or a long walk can have many benefits as well, not to mention the huge number of free fitness videos available online. For some of us though, the motivation that comes with spending a bit of money and having a place to go (where maybe they even know you and are expecting you) is the push you need to stay on top of your fitness goals. In this guide, we are taking a look at the wide variety of fitness options we have in Kingston. From chain gyms that can be found in multiple cities to locally owned, private facilities, we’ve done our best to explore them all. Some of us like to go to a place where we can have a bit of anonymity and just do our own thing, whereas others like the idea of being part of a community and working with others. Not sure what you’re looking for? Most of these places offer trial memberships for a minimal fee and some even give you the opportunity to try the place out for free for a period of time. Did we miss your favourite gym in ygk? Tell us about it and we’ll be sure to add it to the list.

Artillery Park (382 Bagot St.): This brand new city run facility has a full cardio and weight room and the option of group classes and personal training. There are two salt water pools on site: a warmer 15 metre leisure pool with ramped access and a 25 metre, 6 lane pool with diving blocks and ramped access, as well as an on-deck dry sauna. Rates vary depending on which amenities you choose. A yearly adult pass for cardio and weights is $208, as is a pool pass. For an additional $291, members get access to the pool as well and can use the pass at any city rec centre.

Compass Fitness Kingston (675 Arlington Park Pl.): Compass Fitness takes a “wholistic” approach to fitness of both the body and the mind through exercise, mentoring and meditation. 60 minute classes include physical conditioning, cool down, meditation and lifestyle group discussion. Only 3 classes are offered per week but Compass also offers a variety of retreats. No pricing information is available on their site.

Conquer Training (61 Yonge St.): This Portsmouth Village gym offers personal training and includes specialties such as kids and youth fitness, pre- and post-natal fitness and mature adult fitness. Members can choose 1 to 1, 1 to 2, 1 to 3 or 1 to 4 for their personal training, with the rates dropping based on how many people they choose. 1 to 1 sessions are $50 per hour but if you bring along 3 friends, the price drops to $40 per hour, per person. In addition to a variety of classes, Conquer also provides education and certification to fitness industry enthusiasts.

CrossFit Queen Street (221 Queen St.): CrossFit is a style of exercise that focuses on high intensity, functional exercise that is constantly varied. So, members can expect bursts of hardcore work that change up frequently and focus on movements that we make everyday such as running, jumping, lifting, throwing, pushing and pulling. All members must go through an intro program to ensure proper form and safety. Rates vary depending on your program choice, with monthly unlimited CrossFit memberships landing at $130 ($100 for students) and drop ins at $20 per class.

CrossFit Limestone (1121 John Counter blvd.): CrossFit Limestone prides itself on being an official CrossFit facility and boasts over 4700 square feet of space. CrossFit is all about short, intense intervals of exercise and CFLimestone offers a variety of classes that cater to this including endurance training and barbell training. All members must complete a foundations course to learn proper form to ensure safety. CFL also runs classes for children and teens. There is a variety of options for pricing. 6 months of unlimited sessions is $130 per month, drop ins are $15 per class and discounts are offered for students, first response workers, military and couples.

Curves (677 Innovation Dr., 745 Gardiners Rd.): This popular chain of fitness centres is for women only (sorry, guys) and is specifically focused on circuit training and getting and efficient workout in a short period of time. In addition to their 30 minute circuit, Curves also offers a number of classes, coaching, and guidance when it comes to nutrition. Unfortunately their site offers no information on pricing.

Fit4Less by GoodLife (1100 Princess St., inside Loblaws): This offshoot of GoodLife Fitness promises the best value in Canada and I think I have to agree looking at their prices. 4 Less members pay $4.99 every two weeks (plus a $44 joining fee) for a one year commitment and access to one location. $9.99 every two weeks will buy you a Black Card membership which gives you access to all locations, free tanning and massage chair and the ability to share your pass with friends and family.

Focus Personal Fitness Studio (4 Cataraqui St., Unit W22): This intimate gym has a focus on personal and group fitness and all around wellness. They take pride in their personal training programs that are created on an individual basis to suit the needs of each member. Focus offers a wide array of group classes from interval circuits and full body strength to pilates and yoga, and have registered massage therapists on site. Rates vary depending on which route you choose, with personal training sessions starting at $57 per hour and monthly cardio memberships running about $40.

GoodLife Fitness (64 Barrack St. and 824 Norwest Rd.): GoodLife is open 24 hours a day Mon-Thurs downtown and seven days a week in the west end. In addition to the large cardio and weight areas, this franchise has a wide variety of group classes to choose from. They also offer towel service, tanning, child care, a sauna and more. Memberships vary and so do the prices, which are not listed on the site. If you want to try it out, you can get a 14 day trial pass for $14.

Invista Fitness and Wellness Centre (1350 Gardiners Rd.): This city run gym gives members access to cardio, weights, a Kidz Fit Zone, group cycling, a youth training circuit and public skating. Memberships rates vary with yearly family memberships at $756. An additional $150 will get you access to all city run recreation centres for a year, which includes use of the pool as well.

Kingston Military Community Sports Centre (11 Navy Way): This military facility offers cardio, weights, a field house with a track, courts for badminton, basketball, soccer and more. There is also a pool that is only open to civilian members at certain times. Because this is a military gym, hours of operation are abundant (it’s only closed on Christmas, Boxing Day and New Years) but be prepared for the odd time that certain areas are off limits due to military events. Membership cost at this gym varies, with civilian adults paying $616 annually. Drops in are $9 per day.

Omega Fit Club (767 Bayridge Dr.): This west end facility offers cardio, weights, personal training, group classes, tanning, towel service, kinesis and a sauna. Prices are not listed on the site as they “tailor gym memberships to [their] members based on their needs and desires for a healthy future.” You can fill out a form on their site for a quote.

Planet Fitness (955 Futures Gate): This newest addition to the scene promises no “Gymtimidation”. Their biggest selling feature is their low, low rate of $10 per month. Members who go for the $19.99 per month rate enjoy perks such as tanning beds, massage chairs and discounts from affiliated businesses.  You probably remember them as the gym who’s grand opening special was free pizza. A bit of a weird combo, but hey, whatever works.

Queen’s Athletics and Recreation Centre (284 Earl St.): While this facility caters to the Queen’s crowd, community memberships are an option and run $46 per month on a yearly contract or $55 per month if you pay as you go. While there is no bulk pass for families, children and spouses can be added on for a reduced fee. Membership at the ARC gives you access to the gym, weight room, pool, squash and racquetball courts and more. Keep in mind, the ARC is a busy place so be prepared to wait for equipment.

Taylored Training (574 Princess St.): The owners of TT believe that exercise should be fun, accessible and educational with an atmosphere of community and belonging. There is a focus on training for life through interval workouts that are high intensity and functional. Be prepared to roll a giant tire or wield a sledge hammer. They offer a variety of both group class and personal training options. There are a number of coaches who deliver varied approaches to each class and there is also a physiotherapist on site. Rates vary with a year long commitment to unlimited group classes costing $170 per month.