Hart House Fitness Centre

Negative experience: I was treated like dirt at Hart House. It was an awful experience that I wish to never relive. In years past -- with different staff, teachers and clientele -- I attended ballet lessons and enjoyed myself sufficiently. Recently I used the gym (cardio specifically) for about three months and was harassed, assaulted and robbed repeatedly. When informed, the staff behaved as though I was the source of the problem. Certainly not the right fitness facility for someone focused on themself. Perhaps a good place to make friends, chat and catch up with classmates. Beware the revolving gossip, should that be your calibre.

Positive experience: musty and hot. has everything you need. smells like what a medieval moat

Positive experience: I found it was clean and a decent place to workout and a good spot on campus, but there isn’t a shower in the gender neutral change room. Staff are friendly and helpful. There are a lot of stairs between the somewhat small workout rooms though so just be aware. Good for socially anxious people.

Fantastic experience: Hair Place in the basement of Hart House is one the best kept secrets on the U of T St George campus. I've been going there for years. Really convenient for students and anyone on campus.

Fantastic experience: A quieter gym on campus.

Positive experience: Weird lane swim schedule, crowded weight room, otherwise fine.

Negative experience: outrageous judo prices

Negative experience: Judo classes used to be 80$ per semester a few years ago. Now they are 720$ for a single semester. I have been a member of the club for a few years and there is absolutely no reason for the prices going up. Same installations, same instructors and same schedule. I honestly dont see how these outrageous prices allign with the alleged goal of helping students work out, it seem like they are trying to take advantage of students who want to try out a new sport. I cannot recommend the place, and how it is being managed.

Fantastic experience: It’s a great place

Fantastic experience: Love this place

Fantastic experience: Like the personal trainer here. very kind and nice.

Fantastic experience: I love this place. So much fun, beautiful building! Steeped in history!!

Fantastic experience: I was born here dealifting, I will die here dealifting. And only the gym rats will mourne me.

Fantastic experience: The Hart House pool is an experience you will love.

Fantastic experience: Great facilities, and even better services! Thank you to Vanessa and Daniella for your amazing programming and services; hope there are more awesome events down the line!

Positive experience: Decent fitness spot for U of T students, expensive otherwise. Beautiful old building and lots of variety of classes

Negative experience: It is a travesty what management has done to this once incredible gym. Everywhere you go, the staff are on their phones, even at the check in desk. You'd have to speak up to get their attention to request a towel or ask for equipment. It's an odd feeling ..because I feel like I'm interrupting them to do their job. The gym hours are awful now ( closing at 830), the bathrooms are dirty, the shower pressure is awful, the manager sat at his desk dismissive of my request to look into extending the hours as they were pre COVID. The place is in the worst shape it's been since I first came to it in 2007 and it will likely never change because they have a captive audience (students and discounted staff). If you're an external or an alum, look elsewhere. This place is hopeless...for now.

Fantastic experience: This place may be old but it is by no means obsolete. The building boasts a swimming pool, many rooms with training equipment, two 2nd floor gyms for sports/fitness sessions, a weight room, and a 3rd floor with plenty of treadmills, isolation exercise machinery, and a running track. I frequently used this place for workouts during my undergrad and graduate days. Honestly an amazing fitness centre that's well equipped on the inside and gorgeous on the outside. I'll miss this place for sure! 5/5, highly recommend to all students and community members!

Positive experience: it's kind of a run down facility, it's not particularly beautiful, but it's also an old building so that's kind of inevitable. I've been going pretty consistently for the last few months and I have no large-scale complaints, the change room are really warm, and the rooms are far apart, but those aren't huge deals. it's got a good variety of equipment, and if you like the architectural style of hart house you may enjoy the atmosphere.

Positive experience: I have actually been visiting Hart House Fitness Centre multiple times per week - sometimes every week day - since I started at U of T four years ago, save the 18 month period between March 2020 and September 2021 when it was closed to the public. But I was inspired to write this by what I consider a manifestly unfair one-star review left a few weeks ago. I'll start by conceding where the reviewer is correct: Although things seem to be slowly improving this winter, the quality of the largely student staff deteriorated markedly last summer, after the remaining restrictions were lifted. Many of them did not enforce or even seem to know rules or were unfriendly. And then they brought in some new staff members in response who could be overzealous in enforcing rules to the point of rudeness. But that's pretty much as far as it goes. It's unfair to criticize a gym in an almost 100-year old building for occasionally having issues with water pressure in the showers or insufficient air conditioning in spaces that were never meant to be air conditioned. When major problems arise, they are fixed fairly expediently. And it's unfair to criticize the gym for not having returned to its pre-pandemic hours when the numbers of patrons have not returned to where they were before the pandemic. The locker room sometimes feels empty and most of the cardio machines will be unoccupied at 6 PM. If I had to guess, it's often 40-50% as busy as it was in February 2020. On a really good day, it's 70-80%. I'm not entirely sure why visitor numbers are not where they were. But I'd assume that (supposedly) rude staff and an ancient building are not a big part of it. It can more likely be attributed to the fact that many faculty/staff never returned to campus full time post-pandemic, that most pre-pandemic student visitors have graduated or moved on by now, and that the new generation of students who started during the pandemic are not accustomed to visiting the gym as part of their routine. I imagine that if patron numbers went back to where they were, HH could justify longer hours. And there still are many good things about this gym. The machines are the highest quality of any gym on campus and well maintained. The personal training is excellent. There are many different spaces to use for every sort of activity. They have comfortable, well maintained showers with shelves and towel racks. They have hairdryers and inexpensive towel service. If you want to see how good it is, just go to the Athletic Centre or Goldring and compare.

Positive experience: The Heart Horse Fitness Center is a vibrant haven of health and wellness that effortlessly combines exercise with enjoyment, creating an exhilarating fitness experience unlike any other. Nestled in the heart of the city, it radiates an infectious energy that propels visitors into a realm of fun-filled workouts and active camaraderie. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere is alive with excitement. Neon lights pulse in sync with energetic beats, setting the stage for an immersive fitness journey. The center's layout is thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of activities, ensuring that every visit is a delightful exploration of movement. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or taking your first steps on the fitness path, there's an activity tailored just for you. The Heart Horse Fitness Center is a haven of innovation, where traditional workouts intertwine with innovative approaches to make exercising an enjoyable adventure. Group classes become a collective celebration of sweat and smiles, as upbeat instructors lead you through heart-pounding routines that feel more like dance parties than workouts. High-tech equipment adds an element of gamification, turning cardio into a playful challenge and strength training into an interactive experience. But what truly sets the center apart is its vibrant community. Friendships are forged over shared goals and shared laughs, fostering a sense of belonging that transforms exercise from a chore into a social highlight. Regulars greet each other with a sense of camaraderie, and newcomers are welcomed with open arms, instantly becoming part of the Heart Horse family. The joy of achievement reverberates through the center. Milestones are celebrated, from hitting a new personal best on the treadmill to mastering a challenging yoga pose. The support is palpable, and the sense of accomplishment is infectious. As you exit the Heart Horse Fitness Center, the endorphins are still coursing through your veins, and a contented exhaustion fills your muscles. You leave with a smile, eagerly anticipating your next visit to this haven of exhilaration. The Heart Horse Fitness Center isn't just a place to work out—it's a vibrant sanctuary where fitness and fun intertwine, leaving you craving more of its invigorating magic.

Positive experience: The Heart Horse Fitness Center is a vibrant haven of health and wellness that effortlessly combines exercise with enjoyment, creating an exhilarating fitness experience unlike any other. Nestled in the heart of the city, it radiates an infectious energy that propels visitors into a realm of fun-filled workouts and active camaraderie. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere is alive with excitement. Neon lights pulse in sync with energetic beats, setting the stage for an immersive fitness journey. The center's layout is thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of activities, ensuring that every visit is a delightful exploration of movement. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or taking your first steps on the fitness path, there's an activity tailored just for you. The Heart Horse Fitness Center is a haven of innovation, where traditional workouts intertwine with innovative approaches to make exercising an enjoyable adventure. Group classes become a collective celebration of sweat and smiles, as upbeat instructors lead you through heart-pounding routines that feel more like dance parties than workouts. High-tech equipment adds an element of gamification, turning cardio into a playful challenge and strength training into an interactive experience. But what truly sets the center apart is its vibrant community. Friendships are forged over shared goals and shared laughs, fostering a sense of belonging that transforms exercise from a chore into a social highlight. Regulars greet each other with a sense of camaraderie, and newcomers are welcomed with open arms, instantly becoming part of the Heart Horse family. The joy of achievement reverberates through the center. Milestones are celebrated, from hitting a new personal best on the treadmill to mastering a challenging yoga pose. The support is palpable, and the sense of accomplishment is infectious. As you exit the Heart Horse Fitness Center, the endorphins are still coursing through your veins, and a contented exhaustion fills your muscles. You leave with a smile, eagerly anticipating your next visit to this haven of exhilaration. The Heart Horse Fitness Center isn't just a place to work out—it's a vibrant sanctuary where fitness and fun intertwine, leaving you craving more of its invigorating magic.

Positive experience: If Hogwarts had a gym. Only for Hogwarts students though.

Positive experience: Overall a good gym. Machines are in good condition but a bit old. There's also a track which is great for running/walking.

Positive experience: There is only one entrance left and it’s the furthest from the street. Clever design of the gym but it’s a bit small, though it still works because there’s not a lot of people. The cool thing is that it looks pretty and the lights automatically turn off when they don’t sense movement to save energy. The biggest problem though, is the lack of air conditioning during summer months. The small windows are not enough for ventilation. It’s extra worse now that we have to wear masks while working out. I have been performing poorly because it is difficult to breathe. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend non-university students to purchase memberships. The pool is also rather small: 2 lanes for fast swimmers, 1 for medium & 1 for slow. The slow lane was crowded so I moved to the fast lane and also swam faster, but was told to move back to the slow/medium lane because I was still too slow, so I moved back to squish with other people. Also the pool opens at weird hours. It closes at 2pm, which is the best time for me to go but then I have to wait till 4pm, which is really late into the afternoon/evening by the time I’m done. Showers are weak and are really only good for rinsing the pool water off, not an actual shower.

Fantastic experience: THE LOCATION IS PERFECT, IT ALSO HAS A VARIETY OF EXERCISE EQUIPMENT, THE INSTRUCTORS ARE NICE AND ALWAYS ATTENTIVE TO YOUR NEEDS OR QUESTIONS.

Fantastic experience: Loved the experience, the architecture and the location of the building. Very accessible and convenient. Can be accessed by bus, or streetcar and a little walk after taking these 2 transports. The building looks old but classic. The basketball court is a very good court in terms of size, floor and grip.

Fantastic experience: Great place to work out. They offer fitness classes, a free weight room, a pool, and a nautilus weight room.

Fantastic experience: Such a great fitness centre and very convenient to everyone including the UofT students.

Fantastic experience: Hands down the best fitness centre at UofT

Fantastic experience: Great place for gothic architecture and gym! Get your retro vibe on!

Positive experience: The weight room is small, but it's alright if you go during nonpeak hours, atmosphere is nice

Positive experience: Out of the gyms at UofT it's probably my favorite. Only complaint I have is that most areas, especially the weightlifting one aren't air conditioned much if at all and it can make working out during the day in summer uncomfortable.

Fantastic experience: Gym is very good has a running track and indoor basket ball and volleyball Court. Weight room and weight machines. Yoga studio large lane pool and large locker rooms.

Fantastic experience: Cheap gym membership: $94. Amazingly nice staff

Fantastic experience: memory

Fantastic experience: The classes are the best here. It can get very hot during the summertime due to lack of A/C.

Fantastic experience: Best gym

Fantastic experience: Great place for gothic architecture and gym! Get your retro vibe on!

Fantastic experience: Classic UofT gym with numerous facilities.

Fantastic experience: A nice gym with a friendly vibe

Fantastic experience: There’s a good selection of equipment, multiple rooms, an indoor track, and plenty of room for stretching. The staff is very friendly and they have offer a wide variety of fun classes - both drop-in and registered. The upper gym especially can get quite hot (there’s no A/C, although there is a large ceiling fan and the windows can be opened) and thus the smell can get a bit off putting during the warmer months. But other than that I have no complaints. They recently put up signs by/in the change rooms and washrooms which encourage trans individuals to use whichever room they feel most comfortable in which I found to be a meaningful act on their part. Definitely a great choice for students and non-students alike.

Positive experience: Out of the gyms at UofT it's probably my favorite. Only complaint I have is that most areas, especially the weightlifting one aren't air conditioned much if at all and it can make working out during the day in summer uncomfortable.

Positive experience: Has all the necessities, but it is very crowded and cramped.

Positive experience: Fun!

Positive experience: Old gym but does the job. Swimming pool in the basement is large enough for lane swimming on busy weekdays.

Positive experience: Great gym with all your basic needs for weights, machines, and a small track to run on.

Positive experience: A little old and dingey, something about the gym always makes me feel unwelcome. The gymnasium, track, and locker rooms are in good shape but the pool is, frankly, pretty disgusting.

Fantastic experience: Pros: 1) all the equipment I need - very good selection of things 2) staff is very friendly and professional and they actually remember people that go regularly 3) open for long hours Cons: 1) upper level doesn't have air conditioning. But there is really good AC in the cardio room, so you can go there if it gets too hot. 2) locker rooms (at least women's) gets really hot in the winter so be prepared that your stuff will start rotting if it's not completely dry (gross) and lockers get rusty because of the heat Disclaimer: I never went to their pool so can't say anything about that

Positive experience: I love this place, the trainers and the staff are great. The equipments are also well maintained. The people who go are also more chill and easier to talk to. It does have its issues though: They don't have AC. It's not very wheelchair accessible. There's sometimes roaches cause it's an old building. The bosu balls are due for a replacement. Having said all of that, I have a membership and I go all the time.

Negative experience: I like coming to this gym because it’s a more interesting place to work out because of the heritage building. The staff are usually dismissive and rude, which is totally unnecessary and unpleasant. I was here on a Wednesday night and a young man yelled at people that the gym was closing —that’s it! Need to leave!— I was there for a good 40 minutes, not wearing headphones, and there was no announcement like “we’re closing in five minutes.” Completely unprofessional behaviour and very disappointing.

Negative experience: I love Hart House overall but I’d avoid the fitness centre. Changing rooms and great but the top floor has inadequate air conditioning and the equptment is dated - this would be fair enough but if you are paying top rate (as I was as a traveller) - £70 for a month - you would expect newer machines. Aside from the fitness centre it’s truest wonderful though.

Positive experience: The fitness centre here has several devided areas of fitness equipment by different purposes. You may go directly to the room and find which kind of equipment you want. Hart house is a historical building, so the fitness centre might looks old but it's very interesting working out in such a place.

Fantastic experience: Pros: 1) all the equipment I need - very good selection of things 2) staff is very friendly and professional and they actually remember people that go regularly 3) open for long hours Cons: 1) upper level doesn't have air conditioning. But there is really good AC in the cardio room, so you can go there if it gets too hot. 2) locker rooms (at least women's) gets really hot in the winter so be prepared that your stuff will start rotting if it's not completely dry (gross) and lockers get rusty because of the heat Disclaimer: I never went to their pool so can't say anything about that

Fantastic experience: Great fitness centre. Lots of machines all available in the same room. Pretty too.

Positive experience: Excellent classes available

Positive experience: cheap but functional

Positive experience: Decently well equipped gym in a unique setting - I just wish they had punching bags.

Positive experience: Great for drop in classes and registered classes such as archery, dance and martial arts

Positive experience: great variety of equipment for all sorts of activites and sports!

Positive experience: Used to be my go-to gym. Great when it's not peak hours. Gym can get quite crowded as the weight room is pretty small. Great track upstairs. However, it's an old building and gets a weird smell in the summer from the humidity.

Fantastic experience: Great swimming pool in the base of the university! Definitely love the feeling of swimming in the basement of an old building. Don't worry, the building is newly renovated.

Fantastic experience: open 365 day

Fantastic experience: Friendly and clean atmosphere.

Fantastic experience: Nice old timey gym. Elevated track is nice. Squash courts are a bonus. The pool is pretty good too

Fantastic experience: Amazing drop in classes for members especially I love Amanda's classes she is really energetic and I enjoy attending her classes

Fantastic experience: Best fitness area at the university. Generally quieter with good machines and running track.

Positive experience: Quite small but comfortable exercise room. The squash courts are a nice addition.

Positive experience: Fairly adequate facilities with usually enough equipment and space to accommodate patrons even during peak times. Convenient location for those in and around the University of Toronto. Affordable membership rates for UofT alumni, and the staff are friendly and helpful.