When I became a Fitness 365 member in 2003, I had no idea that this would be one of the best decisions I’d ever make in my life. It was a monumental turning-point for me, second only to the day I got rid of the mullet.

At the commencement of my membership, I weighed 246 lbs. and was not thrilled at the thought of exercising in a gym environment. To say that I felt intimidated by the prospect of exposing my out-of-shapeness to others would be an understatement: jiggling about publicly had never been on my list of favourite ways to occupy my time. As it turned out, though, it was a considerate Fitness 365 staff member who made me see the truth: “You’ve got to hang that up at the door,” he said, referring to my feeling of intimidation. “Everyone’s here for the same goal, believe me.” The same goal that had nothing whatsoever to do with watching and ridiculing me.

It was that simple reassuring statement that enabled me to overcome my life-long insecurities and make working out at Fitness 365 a part of my daily life. As a result, I lost 60 unwanted lbs. of me, improved my strength, lung capacity, endurance and stamina, and began to feel more confident about myself than I had in years. And Fitness 365 became, in a very meaningful way, my second home.

Fitness 365 is an extraordinary gym. The “365” is a reference to the fact that it’s open every single day of the year, every single hour of the day. This “never closing” aspect is an especially valuable incentive in the early days of a fitness regimen, when a person is more susceptible to those lame-but-SO-valid-at-the-time excuses about not being able to fit a work-out into a busy day. As I discovered myself, sticking to the commitment I’d made at the start of my membership ensured that my work-out addiction could become well and truly established. Now, I can’t live without my daily Fitness 365 fix. (Well, I can live – but I ain’t happy, let’s put it that way.)

There are other reasons, of course, that I feel so comfortable applying the word “extraordinary” to Fitness 365. First, I have to mention the gym management and staff: They’re knowledgeable as heck (excuse the strong language) and aren’t shy about sharing that knowledge to make certain that members get the most out of their work-outs and perform exercises safely and effectively. They’re hard-working, taking great pains to keep the gym environment as clean as possible – something other gyms and health clubs are not so strict about at all. As well, Fitness 365 staff are friendly and welcoming to gym members (probably to other people too, but that’s beside the point), making it an actual pleasure to walk in the door every day. It’s always good when people in your second home know your name. Think Cheers without the beer and bar-snacks.

Fitness 365 has got excellent Personal Trainers who know their stuff and, more importantly, know how to communicate said stuff to their clients. And the various fitness classes, available free to members, are a great benefit to those who prefer to sweat in a unified group environment. I never thought I’d be one of these group sweaters (see “jiggling,” above) but, this year, I’ve added a new feature to my work-out addiction: Spinning Classes! Fitness 365’s Spinning Instructors are skilled motivators and encouragers, enabling you, your legs, your heart, your lungs and your mind to achieve more than you would ever have dreamed possible. Each time I enter that Spinning room, I know that I will leave an hour later totally drenched – and feeling thoroughly rejuvenated and alive, no matter how crappy the rest of my day has been.
Still on the subject of “extraordinary,” I have to mention Fitness 365’s equipment. The gym offers an extensive selection of cardio and weight/resistance machines and enough free-weights to ensure that work-outs go smoothly with a minimum of standing around and foot-tapping. New members who’ve switched from one of the many lesser gyms clogging Toronto’s streets marvel at how much greater Fitness 365’s choice of equipment is.

Beyond the aforementioned, there’s a whole social aspect to being a Fitness 365 member for me too – when you see the same people here every day at pretty much the same time, it’s hard not to form friendships – but for those who want to get in the gym, work out, then leave as quickly as they can, that’s a completely valid option too: there’s no obligation to hang around making chit-chat if that’s not your style or desire. I know that, for me, the ANNUAL FITNESS 365 CHARITY BARBECUE is a unique highlight of the year, a chance to eat (among other things: ENORMOUS chicken breasts!), drink and be merry with fellow gym members, under relaxed, sweat-free circumstances. And this year, I experienced another significant social highlight: on my birthday – birthday signs and balloons at the gym entrance, a card from Fitness 365 staff members, many birthday wishes, and a balloon-and-birthday-sign-decorated bike during Spinning Class! Now that was extraordinary…!

Anyone reading the above will likely have gathered that Fitness 365 is an important part of my life. Without question, that’s what a gym should be: an important, regular part of a person’s life. For, as the saying goes, REGULARITY GETS RESULTS. Personally, I find that there’s a great energy at Fitness 365. It comes from the open-concept layout of the gym itself. It comes from the people who work here. And it comes from the people who work out here. It’s the kind of energy that invigorates and inspires, that continues fuelling me after I’ve left the building – and that keeps me coming back, day after day.
What more could you ask of your second home?