Defy Functional Fitness

Expérience fantastique: Darren and his team are solid professionals, inspiring elite performance while developing a unique community. Thanks guys and gals of Defy for your hard work!

Expérience fantastique: If you are thinking about joining Defy, do not hesitate. Hindsight is 20/20 and if you procrastinate the only result of that procrastination will be you wishing you had pulled the trigger sooner. Defy is a home of pure fitness and pure athleticism. There is no hiding. No half reps. No days off. If you want to be challenged, this is the place for you. If you are looking for more of the junk food of the fitness industry, a place where you are not held accountable, and you can kind of just show up without putting in the work, then Defy is not for you. You need to keep on looking for a home suitable for your needs. The complete opposite of that statement is Defy. Hands down. 2nd to none.

Expérience fantastique: I know I need to be lifting heavy weights to maintain my strength and DEFY makes it easy to be sure I'm hitting these goals safely. I enjoy the variety of drop in class times, as well as the community of people I have met there.

Expérience fantastique: Fabulously friendly and pragmatic place with terrific coaches and a great training vibe

Expérience fantastique: Great community to get healthy with, packed with positive vibes and encouragement.

Expérience fantastique: Excellent coaching, great facility, killer workouts.

Expérience fantastique: I am so glad i joined Defy! Coaches are very supportive and the workouts are always great and challenging i can feel i am getting stronger every time.

Expérience fantastique: Great atmosphere!!! Everyone is very friendly, and you can be assured you’ll get a GREAT workout!! Hats off to my personal trainer Stephane!!! Showed a lot of patience with this old lady!!! Thank you Stephane!!

Expérience fantastique: I joined Defy recently on my own with the goal of consistent participation in group classes. I got that and more: professional, individualised coaching which corrected years of bad form and increased my confidence and accountability, and a friendly and fun community group.

Expérience fantastique: Great gym with friendly staff. My coach Adam understands my goals and helps push me to stay motivated.

Expérience fantastique: After googling several gyms in the east end, I am so happy that I made an appointment to talk to Darren and see the Defy space. The staff are all so friendly and helpful and I have enjoyed every second of my sessions so far. I feel very supported to push myself in a positive way and I have definitely pushed myself more than I ever have because I’m enjoying the workouts so much! If you’re looking to challenge yourself and feel stronger than ever, I highly recommend coming into this gym.

Expérience fantastique: I like the clean rooms and bathroom I love Zumba and yoga class on Friday and Saturday

Expérience fantastique: I am thrilled with the experience so far. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist. The atmosphere is motivating, and I appreciate the inclusive and supportive community, adding to the overall positive experience.

Expérience fantastique: My workouts are great. Look forward to them ! Getting stronger and feeling so good. Balance also improved significantly. Thanks to my trainer !

Expérience fantastique: I was a soccer player and due to injury i had to stop and 3-4 years went by when I lost my conditioning and got into bad habits. I decided to join Defy and it changed my life. Not only Defy helped me to elevate my strenght and cardio to the highest level i have ever been, but also and most importantly it provided me with an incredible mental toughness i have never had in my life. The coach staff is top notch and people and social environment are great. Thanks Defy.

Expérience fantastique: I joined Defy ~6 months ago and am really loving it! The coaches are very helpful and friendly which has made learning this type of fitness (new for me) more enjoyable and already feeling confident in the classes. Defy has also created such a wonderful community of folks which has been such a plus - everyone is super friendly and inviting! Highly recommend!

Expérience fantastique: "You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try" Defy is the perfect place to join if you are looking for a clean space, with great equipment, amazing & passionate coaches and a program that will transform your body. You will look and feel great and wished you joined sooner. The community at Defy is next level too! So dust off your gym shoes and start now!

Expérience fantastique: Defy is fantastic. The coaches are knowledgable and the programming is amazing. I started to notice improvements in my overall fitness immediately after joining. I can't say enough about Defy!

Expérience fantastique: A morning workout at Defy is the best way to start any day! Amazing coaches and a like-minded, fun community have made this something I look forward to every day, and have made it easy to build as a habit. The consistent programming is accessible and challenging, and it's rewarding to see measurable progress over time. 10 out of 10 would recommend!

Expérience fantastique: Great place, great vibe and great team!! plenty of schedule options during the week, and always new workouts every day, you will not get enough of it!

Expérience fantastique: An amazing community of people led by the most dedicated and encouraging group of coaches! They make showing up to the gym something you actually look forward to in your week!

Expérience fantastique: I joined Defy looking to gain overall fitness and stick to a convenient schedule. What I have experienced is that and so much more. Defy has helped me clarify and expand my fitness goals, gain strength, confidence, and my vision for what I can achieve. The Defy community is welcoming, supportive, inclusive and won’t shy away from giving you a push when you need it. I highly recommend Defy!

Expérience fantastique: The trainers are extremely helpful and knowledgeable and the community makes it a very welcoming place.

Expérience fantastique: I’m new to Defy after a long fitness layoff due to injury and the pandemic. I’ve loved the supportive environment and feel that I’ve made significant progress towards better fitness and general well being. I highly recommend.

Expérience fantastique: One of the best facilities I have ever trained in, Darren and the team treat exercise as an activity to not only get fit but also to live a better life, seldom you will come across a combination of humble and elite coaching along with well maintained facility! Kudos to the team for creating such an environment. (I live in leaside just to be closer to Defy! ;))

Expérience fantastique: I joined Defy almost two months ago and have been extremely impressed. The coaches are very professional and pay close attention to your form - they really care that you learn the proper mechanics. The classes are smaller and the facilities are clean. Finally the people are great- its a very welcoming community!

Expérience fantastique: Been a member for about a month now. Great approach, great people, great classes. Very motivating. Highly recommend!

Expérience fantastique: I joined Defy recently after mulling it over for literally years. My only regret is not joining sooner. I was nervous I wasn’t “fit enough” for a gym like Defy but have had no issues learning the ropes and jumping in. I have bounced around a few gyms and trainers in the city, and have found training with Stephane to be the most rewarding experience. He challenges me to push myself outside my comfort zone while providing the support necessary to get there. The gym itself is clean and bright and has everything you need to reach your fitness goals. Everyone I’ve encountered - from management to other trainers and members - has been very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.

Expérience fantastique: As a 55-year-old female at a healthy weight, I joined Defy gym to focus on body composition rather than weight loss. She was initially intimidated by functional training but found the coaches and members to be supportive and welcoming. After completing the 12-week introduction program, I lost 2 pounds of fat and gained 2 pounds of muscle, reduced body pain, and feels stronger. I highly recommend Defy gym to anyone looking to get healthier, stronger, and happier.

Expérience fantastique: Incredible gym with the best trainers in the business!

Expérience fantastique: I joined Defy two months ago and only have positive feedback to share. I was nervous about returning to exercise after an injury I had that was making me resist physical activity. I initially met with the owner, Darren, and he made me feel comfortable, welcome, and motivated to begin. My coach, Xochil, has done an excellent job balancing how she pushes me to work hard, while listening to me when I feel that an exercise is too much for my injury--she makes quick modifications or substitutions on-the-fly as needed. I appreciate that the coaches are focused on proper form and body mechanics to ensure that I build a solid foundation and avoid future injuries. It feels like a great little community in Defy and I’m excited to continue my journey there!

Expérience fantastique: the Defy Fitness team have been awesome for both myself and my two girls who play competitive sports. The team has been welcoming and more importantly the community in the gym has been amazing.

Expérience fantastique: Amazing gym and really great coaches. I came with an injury and my coach is helping me train the right muscles, and to feel strong despite not being my 100% pre-injury self. Highly recommend it!

Expérience fantastique: I can’t recommend Defy highly enough. The staff are excellent, friendly, encouraging and knowledgeable, the gym is perfect as is the location. I would encourage people not to compare Defy to other gyms out there in terms of cost, but rather by expected outcomes - put simply you’ll get more from dollar for dollar at Defy an any other gym I’ve experienced.

Expérience fantastique: I recently joined, have gone through 6 personal training sessions and 2 complete 1 hour workouts. It's been a fun, interesting and challenging process learning the proper technique for all of the different exercises. The staff is terrific, knowledgeable and patient. I highly recommend for the methodology and diversity of the exercises.

Expérience fantastique: Overall - highly professional, knowledgeable, organized and impactful functional fitness gym (really a community). Irrespective of your goal - you will be empowered & supported by a team of amazing coaches to reach your peak performance both physically and mentally in a sustainable and progressive manner, whilst benefiting from a community of dedicated members from all walks of life and fitness levels. I joined Defy a little over two months ago with a goal to build an early morning sustainable fitness routine, mitigate the damage of decade+ sedentary screen based career, and build back physical and mental strength & resilience I once had in university. I’ve tried the larger standard gym settings before, but didn’t get the return on investment (results or benefit from knowledgeable coaching). We kicked off my journey at Defy with focused personal training sessions to build on form & functional fitness moves, and assess strength and metabolic conditioning. I’ve since progressed to group classes, which are amazing, challenging, sweaty and gritty and overall fun, never repetitive! I absolutely love the endorphin kick and energy the workouts add to my day, I can now say I thoroughly look forward to waking up early for the 5:30 am classes, and amazed at the progress I’ve made in such a short time (burpees and all). Classes are max 14 ppl, each workout is dynamic and never repetitive, the coaches take the time to explain and correct form, and test out moves. I am encouraged to see many members come often daily, while also balancing busy professional and family lives. Everyone is super friendly and supportive. Overall great sweat family! Highly recommend it

Expérience fantastique: ✨️Very friendly community! I like my trainer keep encouraging me to reach my goals!!!❤️

Expérience fantastique: The gym and the people are amazing. This helped me transform my body and i'm thrilled with the results. Chris Wise is the best in the business.

Expérience fantastique: Defy is the best gym I have been to and I am so glad I decided to join! I knew I was in the right place as soon as I stepped through the door. Darren was fantastic at figuring out what my individual training needs were such that I would get the maximum benefit from my training plan. Training one-on-one with Coach Sean (who is amazing!!) helped me build a foundation for all the movements and the confidence I needed to join group classes. I was a little apprehensive about being the new person but everyone was so supportive. I love that all the coaches pay attention to my posture and correct my technique because it gives me the confidence that I can continue to get stronger without compromising safety. Defy truly is everything I could want in a gym and I look forward to every workout!

Expérience fantastique: There is nothing negative coming to my mind about Defy Functional Fitness. Michelle, Darren, and team run a very tight ship. Super efficienct work outs in a gym that is also a very tight knit community. No matter if you are in the best shape of your life or beginning your journey to get there, you are welcome with open arms and zero judgement. The onboarding process prepares you for what's coming your way in the classes and ensures you dont get hurt. The gym is kept spotless, equipment is top notch, coaches care and are making sure everyone's form is how it should be. The only regret I have is not to have joined sooner.

Expérience fantastique: Truly one of the best fitness experiences out there. If you are looking for a place that has incredibly supportive coaches that are always challenging you, this is the place for you. Everyday is different at Defy - they are always keeping you on your toes! I am incredibly grateful for everything Darren and team have done, and continue to do at Defy. Thank you!!

Expérience fantastique: I have been thoroughly impressed with Defy since I joined just over a month ago. The Community is super welcoming and supportive, and the team is top notch. Every coach is extremely skilled and knowledgeable, and you can see that they are 100% committed to the personal growth of each and every member. Highly recommend!!

Expérience fantastique: I joined Defy at 7 weeks postpartum and have had a wonderful experience to date. The coaches are always extremely helpful and focus a lot on good form which is where I would always find I’d get injured at some of the other mainstream gyms around. If you’re looking for more personalized attention and a good challenge, this is the place to be.

Expérience fantastique: Excellent workout experience. Very clean and well organized. Trainers are highly skilled and provide great coaching. Very challenging but alternatives are readily accommodated which is great if dealing with injuries. Super fun and friendly coaches and members.

Expérience fantastique: We can do hard things! Darren and his team make sure we work hard to achieve our fitness goals while staying motivated. Defy is now part of my lifestyle and can’t imagine not challenging myself to improve each time I go to class. Keep it up!

Expérience fantastique: Amazing coaches and classes. Got me hooked on the suffering

Expérience fantastique: Love it! Defy Functional Fitness is not just a place to workout, but a community. I was intimidated when I first walked in, but Darren and all the instructors, have made me feel welcomed. All the staff is very supportive and knowledgeable and they easily adapt difficult exercises to a less advanced level without making it easy and still pushing me to become stronger. I highly recommend this place if you need guidance with your overall fitness.

Expérience fantastique: I joined this gym recently and have had a great experience so far. The coaches are top-notch, the facility is clean and the the gym features high-end equipment. The workouts themselves feature a ton of variety across strength training, metabolic conditioning, etc. The level system is also really cool for having goals to strive for. Would recommend!

Expérience fantastique: Amazing team and approach on 360 health and fitness mentality. I love their meticulousness and attention to detail ensuring first movement is as good as the last, that you are getting the most of your workout and staying healthy all around.

Expérience fantastique: Such a great atmosphere that is truly so welcoming and supportive. Darren and the entire team at Defy are so committed to providing an amazing experience and although I’ve only been coming a few short weeks, you can really feel and see the community that’s been built here. Don’t think twice about joining this community, it is so worth it!

Expérience fantastique: I can't say enough great things about Defy. I joined in August and instantly felt welcomed and that I was in good hands. The coaches are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about what they do. During my 1:1 sessions with Darren, he really paid attention to form and made sure I was prepared for group classes. Being shy, I was nervous to join the group classes - however the entire class is filled with genuine, nice people who are all there to build community and help each other - no egos. I'm so happy that I made the decision to join and excited for the journey ahead.

Expérience fantastique: I have been physically active my whole life but have never tried funtional exercise. Darren addressed my concerns and questions and outlined the training plan. The initial personal sessions gave me the understanding and confidence to safety join the group classes. The instructors are very knowledgeable and motivate you to reach your potential. The facility and the equipment are excellent. I recommend Defy functional fitness to everyone that is stuck in the traditional gym model or that wants to discover the new limits of their physical strength.

Expérience fantastique: Coaches are excellent, very knowledgeable and professional. They are attentive to proper execution of movements and walked me through proper technique. I also love Defy’s level system that can be used as baseline to measure progress in our fitness journey. The gym is very organized and clean! Amazing people, awesome gym culture and community!

Expérience fantastique: Leave your ego and bro lifts at the door! Defy has impressed me from my first contact with Darren. His professionalism, knowledge and regard for safe, progressive, functional training were apparent immediately and hooked me in from the get go. I was concerned with injury or over training affecting my ability to work a physical job but at Defy, you must first train 1 on 1 to learn and demonstrate competence in all lifts before moving on to well structured and thought out classes, where you progress at an appropriate pace for you. The trainers at Defy are great at working with you on exercises and helping you to progress at a safe and efficient pace, without any excessive pressure or ego lifting. The atmosphere in the gym is friendly and inclusive of everyone. It’s great fun. Defy has a brilliant achievement/progression badge system which keeps you moving in the right direction with your fitness goals. I’m really happy so far and looking forward to training with these guys for the foreseeable. Thank you Defy coaches!

Expérience fantastique: Fantastic gym. The first thing I noticed is they hold everyone accountable to proper form. This is critical to preventing injuries and allowing a long-term fitness journey. The gym has great energy, attentive coaching and excellent programming. As a bonus, it is fun! Highly recommend.

Expérience fantastique: I started at Defy in September, and have had such a positive and welcoming experience! The coaches are super knowledgeable and welcoming. It’s definitely a place where I can be challenged and feel excited about reaching goals! Xochil has been an amazing coach and I enjoy attending her classes. It’s definitely a place that I can go to and feel my best!

Expérience fantastique: I love training at Defy! The coaches and members alike are all super friendly, the workouts are challenging and fun and the progress I’m making keeps me hungry for more! A motivating experience in every aspect!

Expérience fantastique: Been attending sessions with the team at Defy Functional Fitness for 6 weeks now. Super impressed and have nothing but great things to say about the team. I was a bit intimidated by the idea of working with a personal trainer and started to attend classes, but the team quickly put those worries to rest. I called and we did a quick consult to gauge my background and fitness level. I started doing one-on-one sessions with a trainer to learn the fundamentals and get acclimatized to the gym, and man has it been great. While this is my first week doing training sessions with the larger group, the people are nice and supportive and the coaches are very present and helpful. I love how easy the booking is through the mobile app that they've got, and most importantly, I am really, really happy with how much better I feel and the progress I am seeing. Amazing place. Amazing people. Amazing communication.

Expérience fantastique: I've got nothing but positive things to say about my experiences at Defy! The coaches are all incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and genuinely enthusiastic! It's a great community of members in a very well equipped space. Working 1:1 with Chris and the group classes have been a great challenge for me. You won't regret reaching out to Darren and having a chat about your goals and building a plan to achieve them.

Expérience fantastique: I was referred to DEFY after wanting to push myself and become stronger. I have to say, it has been such a positive experience from the start! Co-owners Michelle and Darren have fostered a supportive and welcoming community that likes to give back. DEFY coaches are professional and knowledgeable, attentive to detail and dedicated to your growth. Since beginning with the fundamentals training in October to now having integrated into the group classes, I have felt encouraged and challenged throughout my journey!

Expérience fantastique: It is amazing to finally find a place where they care to build your strength/technique instead of throwing a bunch of nonsense workouts, I have enjoyed so much!! From the friendly coaches to the amazing stretching/mobility exercises, so worth it!!

Expérience fantastique: So happy I found Defy. The classes are fun and challenging, and the coaches are first class. Highly recommend Defy for everyone, no matter what your current fitness level.

Expérience fantastique: I joined Defy in April as I was coming back from an injury, and I’m so glad I did!! The coaches are amazing - always attentive and encouraging, and having the initial 1:1 sessions is both a great foundation program and exactly what I needed after so much time away from activity. I never have to worry about not being able to do something, because there’s always something I can do! Everyone - coaches and members alike - is so welcoming and supportive. Defy pays attention to the little things that really make you feel part of the community - working hard and having fun!

Expérience fantastique: Very good workouts and amazing environment overall. If you want to get in shape bring your fat and lazy A#$…..!!’ And Darren and his team will help you out to achieve your goals… I know; you may think that I am politically incorrect but deep inside you want to be better… , so join!!

Expérience fantastique: Defy Functional Fitness is one of the best gyms I have been to. From the first day, I felt like a part of a team. Everyone from the coaches to the gym members is so supportive and friendly. There is always someone that has your back. I moved to Toronto last year, and the decision to join Defy is one of the best decisions I have made. The workouts are challenging in the best way possible, and the atmosphere is fantastic. I highly recommend Defy Functional Fitness to anyone looking for an excellent gym and a healthier lifestyle.

Expérience fantastique: I’ve been going to Defy for the past couple of months now - first with 1:1 sessions and then in the group classes. Having never been part of a gym before, I didn’t know what to expect, but they’ve done a great job of coaching me through the fundamentals with strength training. Everyone is super supportive and classes are a fun challenge - looking forward to getting stronger!

Expérience fantastique: I joined Defy a few months ago and so far I’m loving this gym! Compared to other CrossFit gyms I’ve been to where they put you in classes immediately, regardless of your experience level, Defy sets you up with a good foundation with one on one training first to go through all exercises. The coaches make sure your familiar with proper technique and form with each exercise before putting you in a class and are extremely passionate, patient and good at instruction. I love the structure of this program and highly recommended this gym to anyone looking to reach their fitness goals and meet some great people at the same time.

Expérience fantastique: I joined Defy a few months ago and so far I’m loving this gym! Compared to other CrossFit gyms I’ve been to where they put you in classes immediately, regardless of your experience level, Defy sets you up with a good foundation with one on one training first to go through all exercises. The coaches make sure your familiar with proper technique and form with each exercise before putting you in a class and are extremely passionate, patient and good at instruction. I love the structure of this program and highly recommended this gym to anyone looking to reach their fitness goals and meet some great people at the same time.

Expérience fantastique: Highly recommend this amazing gym! Just joined three months ago and already feel apart of the community and seeing results. Darren and the other trainers are so supportive and attentive to each and every member. Having a recent shoulder injury not related to training, the trainers have helped me continue to train in a safe and comfortable manner that has totally kept me happy and motivated to keep fit. I love that every workout is different and challenging to keep members interested, all members support one another and are all trying to reach a similar goal of being strong and healthy. Darren keeps members engaged by having fun events outside your typical workout and did an incredible job online during the lockdown.

Expérience fantastique: I've been here for 6 months. My overall fitness level has increased drastically. Stephane has been an amazing at what he does and I would highly recommend anyone who's looking for training to come here.

Expérience fantastique: I highly recommend this gym, Darren and his team of coaches are the best of the best in the city. The hour long classes are intense and challenging but at the end you feel amazing, they limit the class size so the coaches will always have an eye on you. I have been to a lot of gyms and fitness studios in Toronto, this one is absolutely top notch.

Expérience fantastique: I've been attending classes at Defy for about 2 months and it has quickly become part of my regular routine. The coaches are friendly and very supportive. The members are also a friendly bunch - no egos, just achieving personal goals in a fun, safe environment. Progress will take time but I am excited to see where my commitment will take me.

Expérience fantastique: Amazing space with excellent trainers and a real friendly atmosphere.

Expérience fantastique: I was lucky enough to meet owners Darren and Michelle by chance through my profession, and it was that meeting which led to me learning about and ultimately joining Defy. I can't thank that encounter enough, as joining Defy allowed me to join a community that was welcoming and made me feel comfortable improving my fitness, something I long desired to do, but never had the success I was looking for. Defy offers everything you could want, a friendly and educated team of coaches, thorough and broad offerings of fitness solutions, and as I already said a warm and supportive community. I would and have recommended Defy to anyone who asks about it!

Expérience fantastique: Thanks to the team at Defy…it’s only been a short time but already feeling better, extending myself and having a good time. Cheers to the team!

Expérience fantastique: This place is something special!

Expérience fantastique: Staff are so amazing, place is really clean, up with all precautions measure. Any questions you may have they can answer. The programs they have running there are amazing. If you want to challenge yourself and really see a difference in your every day life you should definitely give this place a try. Money well spent. Xochil is one of the amazing trainers there, she listen to you and also push you to surpass your limits

Expérience fantastique: Defy Functional Fitness is a great gym with great coaches and workouts. I've joined them a month ago and I've never felt as motivated and as excited about going to gym, getting in shape, staying in shape and improving my health for years to come. I really like that they start working with you 1:1 to teach you the fundamentals and give you tools and modifications to address your individual fitness level. Regular classes when I need that are super effective, varied daily, and the coaching is super attentive: they're motivating, keep "you" progressing, and help you keep good form to avoid injury and getting the most out of your time there. I'm super happy having joined and met these guys. Thanks Darren and team.

Expérience fantastique: At Defy Functional Fitness, you will get excellent service. They demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for their clients and provide you with the tools you need to succeed and achieve your fitness and nutritional goals. A very super clean gym and friendly environment with professional and highly knowledgeable and skilled trainers/coaches, who motivate you to learn and push yourself in a positive direction for a healthier and stronger you!

Expérience fantastique: Defy is a fantastic gym. I really like that they start working with you 1:1 to teach you the fundamentals and give you tools and modifications to address your individual fitness level. Everyone at Defy is friendly, supportive and passionate about health, fitness and overall wellness. It is very evident how invested they are in everyone's personal success.

Expérience fantastique: Just started working out at this gym and I am impressed. Love the program and that they check in with you to help you with meeting your goals. Coach Xochil is awesome and is very knowledgeable. She is a great motivator and trains well.

Expérience fantastique: Defy is not a regular gym. If you're ready to commit to learning new things and lifting it's the place for you.

Expérience fantastique: Clean, organized, friendly

Expérience fantastique: I joined with my wife 4 months ago. We both had no Crossfit experience and were certainly not in very good shape. Its been an exceptional experience for us both, largely a result of Darren and his team and how they approach training and development on an individual and group basis . We are both much stronger than we have been in years and are very excited about continuing our development with Darren and his team in 2020!

Expérience fantastique: I’ve been going to CrossFit Defy for the last 3 months and I must say that it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have been regularly going to the gym since my 20’s, and after 20 years I didn’t think that I could be pushed beyond what I thought my limits were. Darren is a super knowledgeable coach, and has continued to teach me new techniques every time I’ve met with him. I very much recommend the staff at CrossFit Defy. Super friendly, yet know how to push you.

Expérience fantastique: CrossFit Defy is a great gym with great coaches and workouts. I've joined for a few months now and I've never felt as motivated and as excited about getting in shape, staying in shape and improving my health for years to come. I've been to other gyms: the mass gyms, tennis club gyms, taken personal coaching sessions elsewhere but there was always something missing like classes not regular everyday, coaching that was inaccessible regularly, or operating hours weren't early enough. CrossFit Defy has regular classes when I need that are super effective (sometimes too "effective"), varied daily, and the coaching is super attentive: they're motivating, keep "you" progressing, and help you keep good form to avoid injury and getting the most out of your time there. I'm super happy having joined and met these guys, and I'm just usually too exhausted when leaving the gym to thank them. Thanks Darren, Michelle, Chris!

Expérience fantastique: It's been just over 3 months since I joined Cross Fit Defy. That's over 3 months of waking up at 4:45am and driving across town to catch the 5:30am workout and there is no looking back for me. If you're looking for a gym that is supportive, fun + friendly with coaches who gently push you to work your hardest, this is the place for you.

Expérience fantastique: I started at Defy Functional Fitness in February 2020 after deciding, for the first time in my life, to invest in my physical health. The 90 day program was the key to my success as it gave me a chance for one on one training to learn the fundamental movements and build my confidence before joining group classes. The encouragement, and coaching I received in the weeks leading to the pandemic shut down, continues with the online classes and I continue to see progress in my physical strength, weight loss and cardio health. I believe that Darren, Michelle, Chris and Stephane genuinely care about my progress and help make each work out work for me at my skill level. If, like me, you have stayed away from gyms for fear of being judged by others, I assure you the Defy Community is a safe space, with a community of people who will be cheering you on!!

Expérience fantastique: Absolutely love this gym. It is a great balance of strength and cardio (which I enjoy the most). The group training feels like personal training since Darren and Chris are so hands on. Sometimes it's the smallest adjustments that make the biggest differences. I look forward to the workouts - which always leave me feeling energized. Highly recommend trying it out!

Expérience fantastique: I began my DEFY journey a week ago after spending a few weeks learning the fundamentals. I joined because of the rave reviews from my son and my neighbors who are active members. Admittedly, I was nervous. I never considered myself the “weight lifting” type but this is different. The workouts are well designed and effective. Anyone can do them! What makes the place great is the atmosphere and the quality of instruction. Darren and his team are true coaches who prioritize safety above all while coaxing members to work to our potential. I am excited to see what I can accomplish!

Expérience fantastique: I love CrossFit Defy! The staff/owners are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. They push me to do better and it feels great! The community that has been built here is welcoming and encouraging. I highly recommend CrossFit Defy to anyone who wants to improve themselves physically and mentally. It has helped me tremendously.

Expérience fantastique: Best gym ever. Amazing coaches who care and help you achieve results. Meticulous supervision and good sense of humour. The community is fantastic and it’s worth every penny. Every level is welcome as they are so good about tailoring the workouts for you. Thank you Crossfit Defy!

Expérience fantastique: I joined CrossFit Defy in December of 2018 and have been quite surprised by how much I am enjoying it. While I have always been active, a change in my work situation required me to find an alternative to mid-day working out. I tried out cross fit at Defy one morning and have essentially been addicted to it since. Defy is a great gym, very clean, new, and spacious, with all new equipment and parking in the vicinity. Darren is an incredible instructor; he is super knowledgable, and encouraging, energetic, as one would expect, but also very engaging and dedicated to building a positive community. I have some health issues related to an injury from many years ago and Darren has been excellent at tailoring the work-outs slightly for me to ensure I am able to work out to my maximum effort without any risk of further injury. He is a great guy and this gym is a very welcome addition to the Leaside neighbourhood. The culture in the gym is family friendly, mature, hard working, and welcoming of all fitness levels. But be prepared to work hard and get fit. Highly recommended. R*

Expérience fantastique: Highly knowledgeable coaches, very friendly and welcoming regardless of your skill level. They work hard to ensure the environment is positive and open to all...no intimidation factor that other CrossFit gyms have. But you will work hard and get a really great workout every time. Darren actually coaches and teaches you proper technique. He’ll make you push yourself beyond what you think you are capable of. I’ve been to many CrossFit gyms in Canada and the US...this one stands out as exceptional.

Expérience fantastique: I was in a really bad place when I found Crossfit Defy and the community and positivity really helped me change my mindset. Not only did I manage to lose a ton of weight but I've found emotional fortitude and a deeper sense of calm and happiness through fitness. Thanks Darren and Michelle! They really make everyone feel welcome and they just want everyone to do well. I dont go to this gym anymore and they STILL reach out and support me. Incredible people! Just go!

Expérience fantastique: In my effort to live a healthier life and to be stronger doing it. I joined this gym and signed up for one on one training. I need the extra support to help me to strengthen my core and increase my cardiovascular abilities. My overall experience has been great. With the support and guidance of the owners through their motivating newsletters and personal accounts of other members I feel like I am part of a team. Great gym!

Expérience fantastique: I can’t imagine my life without CrossFit Defy! Yes, I know, so dramatic, but it’s true! I love CrossFit, and the feeling of getting strong is amazing! But it’s CrossFit Defy’s Partner and Coach Darren Thornton that makes this gym extraordinary! He is so knowledgeable about everything fitness and always ensures form is the priority. This makes me feel physically safe every time I walk into the gym. I never feel there’s opportunity for injury. Darren also has an innate ability to know how to push each person individually while teaching a group! He makes every class a crazy hard workout, yet super fun at the same time!!! And the amazing community of members that Darren and his Partner Michelle have attracted to their gym is fantastic! Everyone is so friendly and supportive! I plan to be a member at CrossFit Defy for a long, long time!

Expérience fantastique: A great place to improve your health and fitness! They make exercise fun and the coaches truly care about you and your goals!

Expérience fantastique: Darren and his team at Defy are knowledgeable, professional, and caring.

Expérience fantastique: Very good. Great program, well prepared staff. Good facilities. Overall very good value.