GoodLife Fitness

You know those stereotypical gyms with stereotypical attitudes.. that’s this place… won’t go back.

I’m neutral at this location because on some days its great, on other its not.
Here is a lists of problems
— Dumbbell weights only go to 75 LBS
— Car parking is only for 2 hours, by the time you get up to the gym and changed and how busy it is all the time, you run the risk of having to pay for parking if you go over by a minute.
— Very snobby clientele which I’ve caught just treating the gym like a social club rather then a gym
Here is a lists of good things
— There is free parking for 2 hours
— Variety of machines, squat racks, etc.
— Great looking people for both gender (which is great motivation for those who need a constant reminder as to why you are at the gym)
— Staff is friendly
Overall it’s an okay gym for the location.

Pros
If you’re an early morning gym goer, it’s not too crowded — I never really struggled to get a piece of equipment between 6.30 and 8am
Good location — if you live in LV it’s extremely handy
Free Parking — 2 hour free parking underground
Good Classes — enjoyed the variety, the instructors and the timetable. Only criticism is that the classes get way too packed sometimes which meant people were kind of working out on top of each other. Would be good if they had a reservation type system
Nice view of downtown area — saw some great sunrises there
Decent amount of TV’s if you like to watch while you workout
I believe they also have a crèche and tanning bed, though I never had the need or inclination to use either
Cons
It’s ridiculously crowded after work… as in, don’t even bother trying crowded
Awkward space for a gym, and not enough space for stretching and floor exercises. The weight areas were always packed with big juice heads as well, which can be intimidating for some people. Due to the awkward space you’ll often find people doing exercises like lunges and sprints down the length of the walkway between the cardio equipment and change rooms which is kind of annoying and has almost resulted in collisions numerous times
They often run out of towels, which is gross and unacceptable given they have washers and dryers onsite
Guy at the front desk early weekday mornings was always friendly, but I found most other times the staff was a bit too cool for school and were too busy conversing with each other or other patrons they were chummy with to offer up any acknowledgement of your existence at all.
The maintenance of the equipment is pretty subpar — on any given day, there was usually a couple of machines completely out of order and it seemed almost every second machine the audio doesn’t work when you plug your earphones in.
And the biggest con of all for me is that I cancelled my membership 6 weeks ago as I was moving to the US and realised today that they are still debiting my account. I have contacted them to rectify and refund — but the fact that they allowed this to happen at all is not on. I am hoping for a quick resolution and will update my review here to follow up on my experience.

I was very reluctant to try this GoodLife location as I heard it was always busy and people were very pretentious because of the Liberty Village clientele and staff service was non-​existent, but I was happy I gave it a try.
The only reason why I tried this location, I owe to a bodypump instructor from the Richmond/​John location who indicated after one class that he taught spinning at this location on Saturday morning, plus at that time I was pretty frustrated with the Union location, so gave his spinning class a try.
To my surprise and delight, this location has an amazing spinning studio with many bikes. Plus the studio was clean and spacious with natural lighting from the large windows and overlooked the train tracks with views of the condo/​townhouses skylines — definitely not the windowless walls like some GoodLife locations.
I used to do the body pump class after spinning on Saturday mornings, but had to give that up after a couple of months since I found it too stressful and sometimes frustrating with rushing from one class to the next and having to line up, then fight for a spot to set up equipment was sometimes an ordeal. The Group Fitness room although quite spacious compared to other locations, was just simply overfilled with people.
Truth was I forgot my training shoes one morning, so decided to do a double spinning class. The 9:30am instructor, Kara, was quite the amazing and energetic instructor. Therefore, for almost the past year, I have been doing double Saturday morning spinning classes and absolutely love it.
The staff at this location are not very friendly at all, perhaps since I usually come on Saturday mornings before 8:30am, they’re still half asleep and only on very rare occasion depending on who’s working I would be greeted with a good morning. I definitely do not get a goodbye or have a nice day when I leave, ever. The staff are usually busy talking among themselves when I leave and would just have a quick glance over because I’m smiling, but they sometimes do not return the smile and simply return to their conversation. At times, I have counted 5 staff members at reception.
I’ve only came here once during the weekday, so cannot comment on how the staff are at other times, but for the most part on Saturday mornings I definitely feel they have unhappy staff working at this location. Even their personal trainers have attitudes of unfriendliness as I never get a smile from them like other locations and I always thought smiles were contagious.
The changing room is a decent size that is kept rather clean, but I gather most people live in the area, so they don’t use the shower facilities. Therefore, I never have to wait to use the showers. The towels at this location are always plush and decent size which is definitely a plus. Perhaps other locations should follow suit and spend more money on decent towels or replenish them more frequently.
The walk to and from the changing room from the entrance/​exit and towards the spinning studio and Group Fitness room feels a bit like a maze as you walk by equipment and machines with staring eyes. Yes, at times I felt like I was walking the catwalk with everyone watching me — perhaps it’s just the way the machines and equipment are set-​up all facing the walkway/​catwalk. Therefore, if you’re looking for some eye-​candy or like to be watched, then this location is for you. Definitely lots of good looking and fit people at this location.
Nevertheless, I only come here on Saturday mornings for double spinning classes as that’s as much of this location I can handle. The spinning instructors (John and Kara) are amazing, so if you haven’t tried their 8:30am and 9:30am classes respectively, please give it a try and you won’t be disappointed.
Overall, this location is great for the Liberty Village convenience and has many classes to fit various schedules. Plus they’re open 24 hours!

Alternative training types different from those offered at Goodlife Training — NOT WELCOME. Received a professional insult from a trainer whom carried himself as a spokesman for Goodlife Fitness. It was further expressed that the facility was geared more for those and only those who resided in the posh and glamourous region of Liberty Village. Anything from outside that cozy little affluent nest need not attend. I will be renegotiating my contract with another fitness provider come October. For now I’ve been advised by a colleague to attend Richmond & Bathurst location. Common knowledge that King/​Liberty is pretentious and unwelcoming.

Way overcrowded with little respect for the members needs in this sense. I have walked out a couple of times as it’s a constant scramble to use anything. Not fun !

Horribly packed gym with useless machines all packed too close together to boot. Got a corporate membership through work for only the remainder of the yr-​renewal Nov 01 never gonna happen!!! Been 4 times at diff times of day/​night. Walked out 3 of the times unable to train due to a mix of too many ppl/​equipment that sucks so in spite of being creative just cannot get my hardcore workout done. Waiting in between sets defeats the whole purpose of training since I cannot stay out of breath and keep my heart rate up. Will Not Be Back!!! Going to a Real Gym where athletes train! This in spite of shift work and hours at this other nearby gym only till 11pm Mon to Friday and diff on weekends. The rates r higher but it is not a chain and it is weight lifter/​bodybuilder heaven!!!

PROS: Great location, free parking, tanning beds, child care, good equipment, and good group classes.
CONS: way over crowded, like mentioned in other reviews it’s almost like a club scene, with the exception of a few the staff are super stuck up. Scanning your card apparently is a hassle for them, they rarely say hello or goodbye, they walk around like the own the place and you actually have to move out of their way to avoid a collision, personal trainers take up all the room and often get in the way. I work shift work so if I can go at an off time I go here, otherwise I will get in my car and drive farther just to avoid this location.

Great gym, while there is one entrance (that i know about) the lay out wraps right around ending in the group exercise room so there is equipment and work out areas all around. There is plenty of natural light coming into the gym and the second set of cardio equipment are right next to and face the windows. The area could have been cleaner, however, which is why I’ve given a ⁴⁄₅.

This gym is more like a club where everyone is fashionably dressed and mostly yuppie hipster crowd.
However I do like all the natural light and that everyone is on the same floor, ie changerooms, weights, cardio machines, etc.
It’s also 24 hours with free 2 hour parking so that’s a major plus.
I tend to avoid this gym as it gets really busy and you get lots of «working-​in» with strangers but it’s convenient if you’re hanging out DT after.

A good gym. However, some equipment is not maintained or repaired as often as should be, and it is jam packed at peak hours.

I reluctantly joined this gym after my previous one KWF closed down and it was between here or 99 Sudbury.
Okay so like any big chain gym, this place gets busy after 4ish. Like so busy you have to line up to use the running machines and weights and busy changing rooms with used towels all over the place.
Kiran S has mentioned, in an earlier review, the eye candy such as myself who frequent this gym so ladies you will like it here for sure.
So back to the busyness, I gave up coming here after work and just tend to go home relax, and come back around 9pm. There is no chance I am going to wake up in the mornings to go gym so this is the best time for me now.
One thing I liked about my previous gym were the extra side rooms to train, the boxing bags, and openness of the gym. This place is crammed, the lack of space means much of the machines and weights are close together.
The large room use for classes is a wasted space and they should think about getting some areas for individuals to train, and especially the boxing bags would be a bonus.
The mens changing room has decent enough showers and a sauna but it is a bit crap and never hot enough.

If you love this gym (as I do), you can thank George MacPherson for that. Having worked with him before, this guy cares about every detail. With my office 5 mins away, it’s ideal for my 1hr tuneout from the world. Great staff and members (many of which are real estate clients of mine now also).

I had a tough time deciding the review of this place.
I may be spoilt from past gym experiences. My gym in Halifax was new, all girls, flat screens everywhere, very clean, easy to get to any machine you wanted.
Then in Burlington I go to a whomping big goodlife. Lots of machines and equipment, and its also very clean.
Good life at Liberty, is ok given its location. They do provide validated free parking, which is solely the reason I chose this gym over others. Their machines are new… but sometimes little things like the ‘tv remote’ doesnt work, (you cant change channels, there is no volume, etc). the channel selection itself is limited to 5 – 10 stations. really wish they would dish our for full cable.
There are alot of good looking people here, its ridiculous. especially the guys (no offence ladies, you look awesome too, but have you seen the dudes? So there eye candy is there for some, but to be honest I feel a lil intimidated do my weights routine beside all these dudes. I wish there was a small girls section to do free weights.
it definitely gets busy during peak time after work. and settles around 8pm. I can get on a treadmill, sometimes have to wait a couple minutes.
The classes get full, but its not crazy, you dont need to sign up for them beforehand
Another bonus is the ²⁴⁄₇ hours. That is super convenient for odd folk like me that like working out after 10 at night.
Oh I should mention the reason I dropped a star on my review. Its partially due to the malfunctioning AV equip, but the other issue is the cleanliness. I mean, TP where there shouldnt be in the bathrooms is common, used towels on the floor, garbage. Alot of that stuff. Im assuming cleaning is infrequent and the gym gets busy, but still, small touches like that make a huge difference.

i loooooooooove this gym. normally i’d be one to say «F**K THAT!» when asked to join a gym (tried duff. mall, BIG BIG BIG MISTAKE) by a friend but when I got asked to join the 24hr goodlife at liberty I took a chance and now i’m never looking back! thank god i listened to my friend because after 3 nightmare gyms of untrained staff, smelly everything and people hooking up (SERIOUSLY, GROSS!) i had enough with gyms and frankly, trying to work out.
everything in liberty village seems perfect thus far. modern, fresh and most importantly CLEAN. sure you will pay a little more in the area for services but it’s totally worth it. especially the personal training considering the trainers here are AWESOME, totally down to earth and really willing to help you.
the staff is fabulous. super friendly, they don’t care what you do and if you look like an idiot running and sweating your butt off. people mind their own business, there is no pretension, no «look at me i’m buff» bull, just normal people trying to get in shape or stay in shape. not only is the atmosphere great, you get a sense of community which makes working out FUN and you stay motivated. nothing better then seeing someone work their butt off and getting a rush from their energy.
i love that this is open 24 hours. i can do all my work, check it out at 10pm if I want and be left alone to do what i want to do– whether i listen to music or watch something. even better, the air in this place is top quality– no longer do i have to inhale exclusively through my mouth so i don’t smell the stank from someone beside me. you actually rarely smell anything.
the equipment is clean and organized. i never have to wait to use a machine, but maybe that’s because i don’t go straight after work which i’m told is the busiest time. i assume that goes for any gym, so for those complaining about rush hour work outs — duh! go at another time when you KNOW there will be less people.
once you’re done your work-​out you have the luxury of checking out the stores in the area, 24 hour metro if you want something to fuel up on if it’s the middle of the night or starbucks if you’re there during the morning/​day for a super refreshing iced tea. overall, i love it here, i recommend this gym to everyone!
working out has never been easier !

The Gym looks much bigger from the outside. Inside it is basically an O-​shaped tube with equipment aligned along the way. In the middle are changing areas.
Unacceptable busy during peak hours (5pm — 8pm), especially early in the week. It is impossible to follow a trainings plan. You have to adapt to what is available and still wait at some stations.
Even the free weight area is full most of peak time.
I did a couple of midnight workouts and was surprised to find always around 30 people there. The atmosphere is good around this time and it was fun to work out. Too bad if you have a day job. You can’t do midnight workouts on the weekend, because the gym closes like most others early on sat + sun.
The lineup for the classes goes through the workout area, so people are lining up right next to workout machines way ahead of time to get a spot inside. Especially for the bike and Yoga sessions, the lineup is pretty bad.
Only very few Yoga classes are offered.
The bikes and other cardio equipment is aligned to face the free weight area. If you are uncomfortable being watched during your workout, this could be a problem. If you like being watched it’s a plus. :)
I did not get an introduction when I signed up. The guy just told me: The dressing rooms are around the corner, just go ahead and take a look and ask me if you have any questions.
An introduction would have been nice. I had to walk to the front desk a lot to ask my questions because it is not really obvious how things are done here.
They watch your kids, but only a few hours during the morning and it costs you $ 5 every time.
IN SHORT: If you are not crazy about classes and like to work out at night: Go for it! Otherwise: No.
There are way better gyms out there. (YMCA-​Westend, Xtreme Couture)
The main reason for my rating is based on the inability to work out during main hours. There should be a limit of clients, or something else to solve that. Money is not everything.
I recommend their biggest competitor ‘Kingwest Fitness’ which is 100m away. You can read my review about that.
Pro:
— Mo-​Fr 24h open –very nice
— friendly staff
— good A/​C takes care of the body odor
— free water stations
Con:
— waay too crowded during main hours. BIG NO!
— No Kettlebells! (what?)
— classes too busy
— very few Yoga classes
— some machines and equipments are reserved for Personal Trainer with their clients only! (Excuse me?!)
— limited hours on the weekend

So I took the plunge and joined a gym. I’m a fluffy guy and I really needed to keep my heart ticking so it was almost a no brainer for me to join. Picked this one because it was down the street from my place. I’ve been coming here for almost a month and a half, and even though I keep my cool around my friends by pretending that going to the gym is a chore, I absolutely love it here.
I have only been inside a gym a hand full of times so it’s not like I’m some expert on the subject but this place absolutely takes the cake* when it comes to atmosphere and service. There might be better gyms out there but fuck em sideways cuz I’m staying here.
Equipment here works fine and the place is clean every time I come here. There are times though that the changing rooms smell like a fresh pile of sh*t but I guess you cant blame the gym for the odours that come from sweaty, greasy men.
The people that work here are effing great too! You’ll always be greeted with a smile and everyone is friendly but a good chunk of them don’t give a rat’s ass about you and to be honest that was a huge plus for me when I first started here since I just wanted to be left alone to sweat my fat away. There are a few people here though that are truly awesome like the guy I always talk sports with and the sales rep girl, who was so patient with my dumbassery during my contract signing. Then there is the community rep girl**. She’s always ribbing me for my poor work out habits and she always catches me with a fatty drink from starbucks in my hand but she is the absolute best. I honestly can’t say enough good things about her.
tl;dr?: Awesome gym with awesome facilities and even more awesomer people employees.
* Is it legal to use common expressions that incorporate fatty treats to describe a gym?
** I left your name out on purpose, so if you read this review, don’t think I forgot your name as fresh ammunition to rag on me.

This is part of the natural progression… Food+Drinks+Love of fashion = I Need to go to the gym!
I have a gym in my building but I was intrigued about taking classes.
Right off the bat I was impressed with this club. To put it bluntly it’s pretty & convenient:
* Spacious change rooms
* Large open windows overlooking Liberty Village
* Open 24 hours
* Grocery store next door (also 24-​hours)
* Lots of cafes and restaurants in the area
* Transit accesible
* And as a bonus their cardio equipment features individual monitors.
SCRORE!
This means that at 1am last night while I was struggling… I mean working out on the treadmill I was able to watch Sex and the City in peace.
Before signing up you should speak to your HR department at work; many companies either have a discount membership with certain gyms or have a wellness program that will pay for parts or all of your membership.

Goodlife Liberty Village is a fairly good gym.
Equipment is in good condition, the locker rooms are kept reasonably clean, wait time for machines/​weights is not too bad. The location is great — close to transit, grocery, LCBO, etc.
Most people at the gym tend to be polite (letting you work in on machines). Busy times tend to be early in the week after work and afternoons on the weekend.
Once all the condos are done in the area I think this gym might be too busy — the actual space is not large and I can see demand growing in excess of capacity.

So this is my gym. I’ve been a member of four different Goodlife’s since 2003 and this one is my second favourite of the group. The only one that topped it was an expansive complex in Burlington that took advantage of the fact that it was in Burlington where all retail locations are double the size of anything in Toronto. So that’s not really a knock, though as the always iron-​pumping Samantha F. points out, it does have a bit of a hallway feel to it at first.
But I’m not going to talk about the gym for its gym-​ness, other than to say that there are tons of free classes, from yoga to spinning to big group classes where people do everything from lift weights to stepping on steps to dancing around like they’re at some Caribbean resort. Something for everyone. Oh and lotsa bikes and stairclimbers and weights… just don’t go after work between Jan 1 and Mar 1. The new years resolution crowd gets the place pretty packed…
What I want to talk about are the more subtle things about the gym. First, the staff are all pretty cool. Even though they don’t know my name (hundreds of ppl go through their daily) they always say hi. There’s always fresh towels and they’re always in good moods. Also, there’s tons of trainers, so if you want one, there’s always one available — though I suspect a couple of them only have the job so they can pick up girls… which brings me to…
This is possibly the most attractive gym crowd I’ve ever been around. Seriously. There’s a ton of good looking folk around and our friends at lululemon have helped make this all the more apparent on the female side of the equation. That’s not to say this is a meet-​market. People are there to work out, so if you are going, appreciate the scenery, but don’t go trying to chop down any of the trees (that’s a metaphor).
I also happen to think the tunes they play at the gym are pretty decent. Sometimes I just neglect to bring my iPod and let them serve it up. It’s a good mix of songs you’ll have a hard time not mouthing the words to (don’t you hate when somebody catches you mouthing the words at the gym??).
It should also be said that the place is always immaculate. From the counters at the entrance to the urinals in the mens changeroom, it’s always well-​maintained (sorry I can’t comment on the ladies facilities). Also, there’s a nice flatscreen in the changeroom with TSN, CNN or BNN always served up and tons of lockers.
The final thing I wanted to say about this place is its super-​convenient. It’s right by a bank, a grocery store, a dry cleaner, a starbucks, an LCBO, some takeout restaurants, one of those booster juice places, a stop on the King streetcar and there’s free parking. If you need to run an errand after your workout, its pretty much impossible not to find what you’re looking for within a 2 minute walk.
Bottom line, I could complain about some things, but there’s way too much good to focus on the bad. If you’ll excuse me, I’m off to pump some iron…