Toronto is about to get a whole lot harder – in terms of fit, hard bodies, that is. From none other than her Madgesty comes Hard Candy Fitness – the global luxury fitness partnership between Madonna and New Evolution Ventures. AmongMen got a sneak peek at the downtown gym and here’s what’s got us keen on working up a sweat here:
Madonna as fitness icon
Walls at Hard Candy Fitness Toronto (the first in North America—there are seven others in the world) are plastered with photos of her sculpted body.
The yoga studio
While still being built, the studio will boast a yoga wall for Iyengar classes, in which you can suspend yourself from straps on the wall — this will truly help you decompress your spine. Looking for something more heartpumping? The Electric Yoga classes are held to loud electronica so you can work up a high-energy sweat (but includes a calming savasana, so you get the Zen out of the class, too).
The tricked-out machines
The Spin class boasts 48 top of the line Star Trac Spin bikes, which measure your power in terms of watts, in a spacious room set up as a theatre. If you prefer an individual workout, there are 82 pieces of aerobic equipment, equipped with wifi, so you can surf the net or download a movie if you’re planning a lengthy ride or treadmill run.
Madonna-approved classes
Want a taste of what it’s like to be a backup dancer for Madonna? Sign up for the Addicted to Sweat dance class, developed by Madonna and her choreographer Nicole Winhoffer. Classes end with some siphoning—where the class gathers and you get your turn in the spotlight to show off your dance style. “This is to really encourage a social aspect and create a community,” says Lori Kirwan, group exercise director.
If dance isn’t what gets you pumped, perhaps Engine (a class Madonna developed that combines cardio and weights) or Shredded (in which you use heavier weights for strength training) will. Bosu, ballast ball, Tornado (where you do a well-rounded workout including aerobic, anaerobic, core work, and upper and lower body work) are a few other options for classes, too—so we’re pretty sure even the most finicky exerciser is sure to find a workout they love here.
The DJs
Music is a big component of this luxe gym, so be sure to check the schedule to see which DJ is scheduled so you have the music motivation you’re craving.
Hard Candy Fitness, 382 Yonge St., 4th Floor, Toronto.
