Blast Athletic

Lately I have been searching for a gym to go to since I recently moved away from Blast Athletic and nothing compares to the most amazing, intense, workouts from Marvin.
I was 15 pounds overweight and feeling like couch potato and within 6 months, I had never been more leaner, trimmer, and stronger.
If you want a serious workout with amazing results, Blast is where you want to go.
Try just one class…
Because in my search to find a gym close to home I am realizing how amazing Marvins work outs truly were and nothing that I am finding compares.

Huge training space with tonnes of wild equipment such as Heavy Tires, Battles Ropes, Gymnast Rings, Kettlebells, TRX, & Strong Man implements… plus all the basics. Great place for raw, hardcore training!

Blast offers classes, private training, and open gym facilities for its members. I mainly did the classes and open gym, although I lucked out when I first showed up by being the only person to attend a free barbell training clinic Marv (the owner) was running. I learned a lot in the session and signed up that night.
If you want to get strong, this is the place for you.
Ditto if you want to get in shape, and if you want classes that are both challenging, interesting, and varied.
On the other hand, if you care more about the amenities in your gym’s change room than the equipment in the workout area, you are better off going somewhere else.
Likewise, if you all you want to do is use cardio machines, I would encourage you to try one of Blast’s classes with an open mind, and failing that, go somewhere else.
One example of what I like about Blast is how it is perfectly acceptable at Blast to drop your barbell if you are doing deadlifts or olympic lifts. They have bumper plates (i.e. plastic coated weighted plates) and understand that when you lift heavy it’s not reasonable (or even safe) to gently put the barbell down. Sadly many other gyms forbid dropping weights.
Another great thing about this place is the sense of community fostered amongst the members, and how people are happy to spot you on the bench press, let you work in a set on the squat rack or lifting platform, etc.
In terms of the equipment my favourite thing is the strongman type stuff they have. Specifically the giant tires you can flip, and the prowler/​weight sleds you can pull with a rope and then push back to the start. There are also Kettlebells all the way up to 70 lbs, which is a heavier weight than most gyms carry.
Lastly, the trainers are a great group of people. The owner and head coach Marv practices what he preaches, and he has a dynamic mix of trainers, some that work for Blast and others that rent out space for their own classes. They all work together and cooperate though.
I’m leaving the country for work soon, and other than my siblings Blast is what I’ll miss most about Toronto!

Really good place to get a intense workout, and I agree with everything Rachel said. The only thing I’d add is while the atmosphere is definitely friendly, I’d suggest that having some type of experience in these classes is helpful before getting to Marv.

This place is where you want to be if you:
1) want to get fit
2) want to get strong
3) aren’t afraid of a tough workout
4) need more motivation than an expensive gym membership
5) hate trainers who treat girls like all they want to do is get a flat stomach and a hot butt
I can’t speak highly enough of this place, but it is very basic with no showers or juice bars! It is based out of an old industrial warehouse and includes an artificial turf running track and plenty of tough looking workout gear, including a large tractor tyre that is even heavier than it looks…
The owner Marv is on site every day and loves what he does. He wants you to get fitter and stronger and offers regular appraisals (optional) to help you stay motivated or change your workouts to help reach your goals.
You can work out with a trainer one-​on-​one or join one of the ‘crew’ or ‘elite’ classes and work out in small groups. There are early morning, evening and weekend classes — so no excuses for not being able to make it.