Higher Ground Health Club

Fantastic experience: Front desk Dylan was incredibly kind and helpful.

Fantastic experience: Just joined this gym for a weekly pass and took a tour. Very good first impressions with ample squat racks, benches and barbells. It has a diverse range of equipment for all casual or serious gym goers. The staff is very friendly and very through in terms of their policies. I foresee myself going here full time after my vacation.

Fantastic experience: I spent some time at this gym, and overall, the atmosphere is excellent. The manager is highly attentive to customer satisfaction and personally greets every member he encounters throughout the day. The equipment is well-maintained, and even during peak hours, it’s manageable to complete your workout since its pretty spacious.

Fantastic experience: This is an amazing gym with great exercise classes. I highly recommend!

Negative experience: Facility is awesome. Occasionally some things break but this is to be expected. The main issue here is that, if you’re like me and workout right at 6am (the time they claim to open) because you only have limited time before work, then it can be tough. The staff are always late and so it’s usually open at 6:20ish. In fact, I’m writing this review at 6:24 as I wait for the morning staff member to get here… That really hurts your ability to workout. There’s usually about 4-5 people waiting in the morning until the guy opens the door… I’m giving a 2 star because it doesn’t matter how great the equipment itself is if I can’t even get in to use it in time. Hopefully this makes sense. I won’t go across the street to planet fitness for now, because I really do like the gym itself, but no doubt, this is how competitors could take over by having better SLA adherence. I’d fix this, guys. Thanks

Negative experience: Edited response to reply included below. Refrain from signing up for the gym, as it is operated by a pushy and unscrupulous salesperson. Access should be restricted to residents of the Aura community because they can go for free and If you choose to visit, it is advisable to do so daily to contribute to the gym’s financial losses. The entitlement and rudeness displayed by the staff are unacceptable. I sincerely hope that this establishment will be closed down and replaced by a reputable and user-friendly service. [Edit] The individual’s response appears to be fabricated. I have no further comments to make and have terminated all business dealings with your establishment. The individual’s assertion that they attempted to contact me and that they do not recall our previous interaction is highly improbable. How could they contact me if they were implying that I have not been to the gym? I have provided a detailed seven-page response explaining why I rejected your fraudulent Visa transaction, after you told Visa my original claim was false. Despite your efforts to extort money from me, I prevailed. Just because you do not remember does not negate the accuracy of my account. You can verify my identity by searching for my name and discovering that I possess an exceptional memory.

Fantastic experience: A lovely facility with all the health professionals you could need to support your fitness goals, there's an expansive gym floor and multiple heavy bags as well as a turf zone. There's also a lovely pup usually around to greet you as well. Lovely natural light really brings the place together as well :)

Positive experience: I recently signed up with this gym and love it during the weekend that is not busy. Plenty of great functioning equipment, spacious, lots of natural light that uplifts the mood during the day. Here are a few opportunities to make it better: 1) AC is not strong enough during busy hours. Maybe today was a hot day but I will know soon when temperature is lower. 2) A few shower taps and some of the lockers need maintenance. 3) I noticed drops of urines and hair in and near urinals. Please clean them frequently during the day. 4) some of the towel are too old and should be disposed. 5) a few of towel bars are missing. 6) sometimes music is bit loud and overwhelming. Personally I prefer no music but that's just my preference. 7) and I noticed a few people were eating food inside the gym. I am not picky but maybe it's better to have food with strong smell outside of the gym. Thank you

Fantastic experience: I have been going to Higher Ground for a while now. I gotta say, this place is rad. It's big yet personal. It's bright, cheery, has everything you could want equipment-wise, and the staff is terrific. And so are the other gym-goers. A very chilled out place. And even when it's busy, it doesn't feel that way. A great place to not only work out at but to just hang out at.

Fantastic experience: Great space and great people!

Fantastic experience: Very nice facility, equipment in good condition. Most importantly the staff are friendly and helpful.

Negative experience: This used to be my go to gym and I loved it but what ruined it for me was when I went to cancel I was told I could have frozen my account in July and then cancel it before August 1st and I won’t be charged but then when I sent an email before August to cancel I was told that was not the case. The person I spoke to at the front was a tall, light skinned brunette girl with a slight accent. Since that is not true, she should not have told that to me because now I am charged another month’s fee when I have moved away from the area. Highly disappointed in this and she should be trained better.

Negative experience: Worst gym ever. When sign the contract, the manager mentioned you can cancel in advance with 1 month notice but turns out they entered you a fixed term contract and you need to pay the full months penalty (my case is 4months). It’s fraud, pls be cautious

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym, spacious, great equipment, and the staff are friendly and helpful. One of the best gyms in Toronto I trained at. Also additional services such as sports doctor etc. can be arranged.

Fantastic experience: Amazing place, much better than planet fitness which is located right next to this gym. Maybe 1 more smith machine would be nice

Fantastic experience: The sports medicine clinic is EXCELLENT!! I have used Dr Tim 5 or 6 times to assess hip/knee joints and arthritis issues for over 10 years. He is extremely knowledgable, gives great advice and is very well connected in the medical community.

Negative experience: Still charging my card despite cancelling my membership and claiming "auto renewal". Same review as the person below liked by 6 others: "I left Canada and I would like to cancel my membership. I have write a couple of emails but no response at all. My friend phoned them, they told her I have to be there with my ID. That is ridiculous. Worst experience ever! Really disappointed!" DO NOT GIVE THESE PEOPLE YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. THEY ARE EXACTLY WHO YOU THINK THEY ARE IN THESE REVIEWS AND WILL OVERCHARGE YOU. Also makes no sense you would have to come in with an ID to cancel. If you can cancel bank accounts, insurance, and literally any subscription service by phone, then the more likely issue is that they are deliberately overcharging and imposing their specific barriers from you leaving. Equipment is also trash in terms of quality (e.g. 5 rows of Hoist machines LOL) and quantity - 2 squat racks with safeties that dont even go all the way up and are not properly adjustable, 2 bench presses, and 2 damn seats for the entire 20,000 sq ft gym with 150 unused cardio equipment solely designed to take up space (1-2 people using). The other seats are stuck in incline position and then there's the two small seats without the adjustable back for seated arms and maybe shoulder press if doing light weight. Get some functional seats absolutely pathetic they charge comparable rates to goodlife, ymca, even planet fitness for 1/3 of the charge has more than 2 properly functioning seats. I can also confirm the review below as someone who entered and exited this facility daily: "Smug and arrogant attitude from the manager. The type of person to belittle you when you’re asking simple questions. Immediately walked out and would never come back here again." The owner will be nice and say words like "Ciao" when you first come in but immediately after he gets your credit card, will not respond to you at all when you say "Hi how are you" (happened 6-7 times upon entry/exit with silence despite clearly hearing and not looking away from his computer) but then say Hi when it's convenient for him and typically when he's around other people to establish social capital. He tries to appear to care, but as shown by the review above and myself, he just wants your money and is far from nice. Very weird energy and I also noticed a high turnover of front desk staff in the short time I was there probably because they have to interact with him all day. Many other members who I was friendly with shared this same view about him often referencing when he would work out in the facility near them they would feel weird and also trying to avoid him on entries and exits. Go to another gym.

Negative experience: Smug and arrogant attitude from the manager. The type of person to belittle you when you’re asking simple questions. Immediately walked out and would never come back here again.

Fantastic experience: Excellent gym! Super spacious, clean and friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful club, I used to work out at the Rosedale Club before they closed and this gym is even nicer! Ask for the owner Steve Lachelt when you come in and he will take good care of you!

Fantastic experience: Pros: even during peak times there is never a fight for equipment or space. Nice change rooms with private shower stalls. Sauna/Steam. Cons: their monthly fees are a bit high. Their classes are very beginner (think Les mills style). Would be nice to see some small CrossFit style or functional training classes considering they have equipment for some of it. Still give them 5 stars as this is WAY better than GoodLife.

Fantastic experience: i love the gym and everyone is nice, but i would love it if they extended the time during the weekend to open earlier!!

Fantastic experience: I’m surprised that I don’t see any reviews about the clinic here as well! I had a massage with Christina, Higher Ground’s registered massage therapist a week or so ago and let me tell you… I was ready to take a nap afterwards. If I could’ve stayed there and slept after I probably would of. I haven’t felt so relaxed in a long time and I felt like she addressed all my pains and aches. Along with being a talented RMT she’s also a very kind, attentive and approachable therapist. 10/10 would recommend and most definitely going to come back!

Fantastic experience: The WiFi issue is clearly fixed, the whole gym gets even better with fixed equipments, more classes and cleanliness. I hereby revised my rating to 5*: The best gym in the neighborhood. Very well equipped Gym dispute some minor issues with some equipment: Verg good 4.8* Air conditioning: Good 4.5* Guest WiFi very unstable and sometimes unconnectable: Not good 4.5*

Positive experience: A gym that has the best equipments for upper body and the worst equipments for lower body

Fantastic experience: Great gym! Kind staff, spacious and clean w/ plenty of natural light. The crowd here feels dynamic as well. Also love that there are hanging bags here! Would love to see a heavy bag added one day

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym. best one around downtown Also pretty cheap

Fantastic experience: A beautiful place, great staff and the owner has a super cute dog

Fantastic experience: Extremely friendly management and great facilities. Would definitely visit again!

Fantastic experience: Best gym I've been to in the downtown core outside of GL. Good equipment and excellent customer service from the staff. Great experience overall!

Negative experience: Very disrespectful place. My friend is a member here and I'm waiting for him for using the bath room withouting using any equipments. The front desk person kept asking me to leave and being so disrespectful. Horrible place

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love the variety of fitness classes offered at Higher Ground! Definitely the best place for fitness, wellness and nutrition in downtown, Toronto!

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym. Has everything you need. Clean, good equipment and beautiful studios

Negative experience: I think this is a decent Gym, with some good equipment and nice staff, but some downsides make me wonder if I will renew my membership. - The place is quite hot, as they don't set the AC temperature properly, and it's often a lot more uncomfortable inside than outside, even in the summertime. - They don't take smart advantage of the space they have! There is a bunch of cardio equipment that people don't use that much, and some of them don't even work (which, in my opinion, is a total waste of space), whereas there are not many benches for people who want to use free weights during their workout sessions. In addition to that, benches are very close to one another and it can be quite uncomfortable exercising on them during busy times. I wish they replaced some of those cardio equipment with more benches and mirrors and better rearranged the space. - The squat area (which is hidden in a tight corner) has a tiny space, and it can be hard to handle and organize free weights over there. - The disinfectant available for people to clean the equipment they use looks a lot like water, without any smell and foam. It doesn't seem to be a cleaning product at all. This gym has the potential to become an amazing place, but there is a lot of space for improvement.

Fantastic experience: Being a member at this place has been a fantastic experience due to the friendly and helpful nature of everyone involved. Special mention goes to Sarah and Tony, whose support and coaching have made a significant difference. (Their running club is dog friendly so bring your dog for a run on the weekend!)

Fantastic experience: Fantastic. If you’re passionate about working out, join this place. This space is inspiring. I was in a gym right around, I quit that coz it was messy and crowded and unsanitary. I’ve joined this gym and I am at my happiest best. The staff, the management are just the nicest lot. 100% genuine review. Joining this gym was the right decision for me!

Negative experience: I left Canada and I would like to cancel my membership. I have write a couple of emails but no response at all. My friend phoned them, they told her I have to be there with my ID. That is ridiculous. Worst experience ever! Really disappointed!

Fantastic experience: Awesome place!! Great space. Clean. All the facilities, and the staff are very friendly. Too many great things to list. You gotta check it out.

Positive experience: Super clean gym with great staff Drawbacks: Super hot in summer - ACs not working properly - outdated equipments - TVs and screens not working

Fantastic experience: The smoothies were the cherry on top. Love the dog 10/10

Fantastic experience: absolutely amazing customer service, classes are so much fun, the location and building is so pretty and the dog is 10/10. Overall great place to be! Definitely recommend! ❤️

Fantastic experience: Shoutout to Newbie for being a Good Boy

Fantastic experience: Came in for a work trip and picked up a day pass ($23). Good gym with good equipment. Free weights up to 100 and a few benches. Not too crowded. Friendly staff at the front.

Fantastic experience: Higher Ground has everything! The space is absolutely beautiful (and massive). Zero waiting for weights or equipment. I love the many classes and personal training options they offer here. The staff is beyond friendly and always willing to help/answer any questions. They even have a smoothie bar, comfortable work space (for when you're not ready to go back to the office) along with speciality in house professionals; acupuncturist/RMT, fitness specialist and physiotherapist (with no referral needed). The change rooms are immaculately clean and the sauna and steam room are a nice touch. A true home away from home vibe :)

Fantastic experience: Spacious and friendly staff

Positive experience: The staff is great. The machines are awesome. Considering its location I would love if they opened a little earlier during the week for the 5am gym goers!

Negative experience: Club is amazing but They don't do maintenance for machines, most of them are broken and not working properly..

Fantastic experience: The gym is very clean and well equipped, and the staff are all super friendly!

Fantastic experience: Nice place to workout and always so clean and beautiful machines

Fantastic experience: Really nice and big gym. Very clean. Going to try the classes and update.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful facility and state of the art equipment. I LOVE that they have a sports medicine doctor onsite (which is covered by OHIP btw) and amazing additional health care services. Truly a one stop shop for all your fitness and wellness needs!!

Fantastic experience: Great place! Great location!

Fantastic experience: Great space and equipment.

Fantastic experience: Enormous facility with a large free-weights area and endless treadmills and other cardio equipment. Super friendly staff. A great place to work out!

Fantastic experience: I had a challenging issue related to recovery from a wrist break and subsequent surgery. I am so glad and grateful to have been pointed in the direction of the physiotherapy division at Higher Ground Health Club. My treatment was top notch. The club is beautiful and the integration of Sports Medicine, Physio, Chiro, and Personal Training with state of the art equipment and space is fantastic. Highly recommend!

Negative experience: Most of the machines and benches are broken/not working/ they don’t have clips you can’t adjust.. Steam room is not working, it’s literally overvalued gym:(

Fantastic experience: This gym has gone through ownership changes 4 times and this time it is by far the best managed! The staff are so accommodating and friendly :) The space and equipment are top notch! Also has a steam room and sauna which is a really nice luxury.

Fantastic experience: Great gym. In Aura. Wonderful and helpful staff.

Fantastic experience: Great place!

Fantastic experience: The best equipped gym in the neighborhood. The Gym has further improved its air-conditioning and made it an even better Gym!

Fantastic experience: The staff is always helpful, never crowded even pick hours, I love that, the equipment, in general, is good maintenance.

Fantastic experience: Great gym. Probably one of the best in the city. Very clean. Unbelievable selection of weights and machines. Friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: Amazing club with new and plenty of equipment, free weights, and lifting racks. Change rooms & workout areas are very spacious, clean, and well-kept. Staff are very friendly and welcoming - shoutout to Max and Jenna. I highly recommend this club.

Positive experience: Great gym! All the old crunch issues are fixed for the most part. Gym isn’t too busy but has somewhat of a planet fitness feel in that half the patrons have no clue what they’re doing and if you’re like me that just gives you anxiety to see someone potentially going to hurt themselves.

Fantastic experience: Great gym. Staff is very friendly. Lots of equipment, free weights, and yoga rooms.

Fantastic experience: It’s a fantastic gym. They have a great hit fit classes after work. Very clean and super friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: Five stars, location downtown Toronto Ontario Canada, Yonge Street and Gerrard. AURA