Academy of Lions

Fantastic experience: Best gym in Toronto.

Fantastic experience: Amazing gym for all sorts of crossfit. For me, I love it for Olympic Weighlifting! It’s difficult to find an OLY gym in downtown but this one checks off all the boxes. The coaches are awesome, Justin is the best of the best!

Fantastic experience: Academy Club is one of the best clubs in Toronto. I hope everyone will participate in this club. Good luck to everyone.

Fantastic experience: Group class experience is second to none when it comes to personal coaching. People are very friendly here, and the doggos...I've attended 2 classes so far and seen different 4-legged doggos laying around lazily.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic gym. If you're serious about pushing your limits or just interested in learning how to move and use your body efficiently; this is the place. Classes feel like personal training sessions. Dedicated and knowledgeable staff. Ample space. Plenty of equipment. No distracting mirrors. Academy provides a safe place to learn and grow. With a staff and community dedicated to physical health. It's cool to be a gym nerd at Lions.

Fantastic experience: Great spot - nice atmosphere & good coaches

Fantastic experience: So grateful for the Baby and Me classes. Freya is such a terrific coach for perinatal and beyond!

Negative experience: The owners of this gym don’t care about the community and have built a gym without proper noise insulation, causing horrible distress to the neighboring residents who are subject to the noise and vibration of heavy weights being dropped starting every day at 6am. They are aware of this and continue to operate without fixing the issues of lack of shock absorption and soundproofing. They already had this issue at their previous location where they also tormented neighboring businesses. Not a business I would want to give my money to.

Fantastic experience: Excelente

Fantastic experience: This is a pretty good gym, especially if one is looking for a more social gym. I didn't spend that much time in it, but my short interactions with their staff and the people that work there were pretty good. I feel like they put a lot of effort into making sure that it is an enjoyable experience for all. It is unfortunate that I will not be able to go here due to certain distance concerns. More importantly, I would also like to say that the staff at the front desk is amazing. I always always ask questions at the front desk with any place that I'm looking to do business with, and in this case, this has been one of the best experiences I've ever had. They sold me on the idea of the gym very well, they were knowledgeable about literally everything.

Fantastic experience: I just started going to this gym and everyone is so friendly and accommodating so far! Great workouts and great facility, highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Staff were very helpful and accommodating to new comers who were unfamiliar with the classes. Clean space with abundance of equipment.

Fantastic experience: What an amazing gym! My coworkers at CAMH and I have been trying out this gym for the past month or so. Not going to lie - was quite intimidated before the first class but it has been such an amazing experience and our little group is so glad to have given it a shot. I particularly enjoy the Metcon classes (I've never seen my heart rate go this fast) which challenge you to your limit. The instructors are always open to provide modifications while also making sure you're pushing yourself. Also in awe of the strength and kindness of the gyms members - don't be scared to give it a go. Thanks to the team and Jed!

Fantastic experience: Great staff! They will def make you feel welcomed.

Positive experience: Great interaction with serious athletes of all ages.

Fantastic experience: Great gym. Strong reco

Fantastic experience: great space and location, friendly staff.

Fantastic experience: Incredible community! I've been going intermittently for about a year. Very Knowledgeable coaches, spacious! Great programming for athletes of all skill levels!

Fantastic experience: Lions Academy has it all. Great classes, great coaches, and a great space. Welcoming staff and trainers always there to help with anything. Also brand new clean showers with towel service. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been attending personal training with Yolo here for 1.5 years and she is great, all the staff and clients are so nice and encouraging. Can’t say enough nice things about this gym.

Fantastic experience: There aren't many gyms that offer the variety of classes that AOL does. They have elite coaches teaching all levels of Olympic Weightlifting, Crossfit, Metcon, Gymnastics, and PT. There's even a run club. So, it's easy to find a class that fits your fitness and health goals. Drop-in friendly. Every workout can be scaled to your ability. The community is open, inclusive, and supportive. Tons of social and fund raising events that bring members together. The cost/value of membership is comparable if not better than a lot of other gyms in the city. Location is excellent - steps from Ossignton strip and right and a TTC stop right across the street. Plenty of street parking available and a parking lot just west of the building.

Positive experience: Academy of purdy cats

Fantastic experience: Only the best train here!

Negative experience: A gym that claims to be "for the community" but proves to be otherwise. There are many genuine members and staff. This review is solely based on my personal experience with the individual I was working with and the owners of the gym. I trained at this facility with a one-on-one coach (personal training) specifically for olympic weightlifting from June/July 2021 - May 2022. For a chunk of this duration, I was emotionally abused, gaslighted, and belittled. The owners and party involved responded to the matter at hand by having me removed from their facility without offering an apology or a resolution of any sort.

Fantastic experience: Soha is an outstanding female leader. Compassionate, bold and intelligent. Their staff and facilities are welcoming for any athlete or beginner wanting to improve their well being and be part of a great community. Keep up the great work & positivity.

Fantastic experience: This is one of the best gym in the city. It’s actually more than a gym. It’s where people come to heal, mentally and physically. The community is second to none. I’m genuinely so happy to be a part of this great community. Love the coaches and the staff. Knowledgeable, friendly and motivating.

Positive experience: Bon gym. Bonne musique. Bon matos.

Fantastic experience: I had my first baby and me fitness class here. I was very pleased! I was welcomed with open arms for a free trial. Freya is an excellent instructor with a very sound background in coaching. All the exercises were about making our post partum bodies strong. The fact that they even have a baby Wrangler so the moms can focus on themselves is a plus. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Great space and knowledgeable trainers! I attended their free intro class with Freya and had a great workout! Freya is super knowledgeable, she helped correct my squat and gave me some helpful tips to improve my ankles mobility. They offer lots of classes for both beginner and experienced lifters and the space is awesome! Definitely looking forward to joining.

Fantastic experience: Lovely gym, great instructors, great community! All welcome!

Negative experience: They may be a great gym but they don't seem concerned with their neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of their homes or backyards.

Fantastic experience: Best gym in Toronto. Great programming, coaching, and community. The new space on Dundas is amazing!

Fantastic experience: Woah, what a gym & community. As soon as you walk in, you're welcomed and treated like family. The instructors are punctual, knowledgeable, hard-working and helpful. They truly are passionate about what they're doing and you feel it every time you step into the gym. Great facility, high ceilings, all around great atmosphere. Thank you so much Academy of Lions, job well done!

Positive experience: Excellent

Fantastic experience: Stopped by for a coffee the other day and it was outstanding. The service, the friendly barista and the latte were all incredible. Been a big fan of the academy for years! Took a fun intro class a few years back, but never stopped in for a coffee until now! Highly reccomend these guys for all they do, but if you're in the area, definitely stop in for a coffee and some friendly conversation. Keep at it guys! Toronto needs you!

Fantastic experience: I’ve lived in 5 countries and been with multiple gyms and this gym/club is the BEST I’ve ever been to. Great range of classes, including informative classes on mobility. No other gym has focused on stretching and mobility as much as this gym which made it a great experience. The staff are really encouraging and down to earth all with a range of different sporting backgrounds. The WODs are the best and the booking system really good as well. They’re always seeking feedback, have a smoothie bar and some real cool merchandise. They even sell skipping ropes and lacrosse balls. Even though I spoke to no one lol it has a great culture and everyone is keen to get sweaty and sore.

Fantastic experience: Awesome gym with awesome coaches and awesome people. Great experience!

Positive experience: This place is great for people who are new to weight training.

Fantastic experience: Looking for a gym that has soooo many layers that you are constantly learning? Look no further! Academy of Lions offers up CrossFit, MetCon, OlyLifting, Mobility, and Gymnastics. The layers between these offerings are endless, you can get personalized programming and most importantly the most knowledgeable, attentive functional strength-training coaches. When I first joined this gym just over a year ago I was looking to start with building endurance, I started with Metcon then a few months ago I included CrossFit into my learning. It's a welcoming learning community like no other! What golden is you end up challenging yourself while making friends. Do yourself a favour and check out Academy of Lions...there's even a free CrossFit/Metcon mixed class once a week so you can get your questions answered!

Fantastic experience: The best place in Toronto to start cross-fit and many other programs. Great atmosphere from the members and professionalism from the staff who are very knowledgeable and helpful. It is worth the relatively high prices

Fantastic experience: Best gym ever with the best coaches and best community!

Fantastic experience: I've been going consistently for the past 6 months and absolutely love it. The energy people bring is amazing, the coaches know what they're doing and take the time to make sure you do everything properly. I personally LOVE Brian's mobility class on Thursdays. It's a special class that I try to take every week. He does a great job in explaining the benefits of each pose and position. Overall, I love this community and being a lion.

Fantastic experience: Amazing space, coaches, programs and community. Such a great vibe!

Fantastic experience: I have been training at AOL for about 2 years now. I cannot rave enough about the quality of their coaches and class options. This gym has changed my life and I can't imagine doing crossfit anywhere else. Thank you and keep up the great work!!

Fantastic experience: The Academy of Lions is so much more than just an amazing gym- it's a community. A place where people find not only friends, but family. The variety of classes and seminars are all taught by extremely knowledgeable and approachable people. There is a class for everyone here, so if the first one you go to doesn't speak to you, don't give up- the staff will be there to support and navigate you towards something that works best for you. AOL provides a place where you can be yourself and reach your goals, all while ensuring that you are safe and most importantly, having fun!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been a member for almost 6 years and the Academy of Lions is like family to me! I have made friends for life here and we compete and have fun together. A very special place!

Fantastic experience: Incredible community with extremely engaged, friendly and knowledgeable coaches. I began my CrossFit journey here just over two years ago and have never looked back. So much camaraderie and support from everyone at AOL including its staff as well as the membership from day 1. I simply can't say enough about how much I love this place.

Fantastic experience: AOL has been my gym for approx. 2 years - as someone with no prior gym experience it has felt like a safe space to take things at my speed, while ensuring I didn't hurt myself or push too far. I've loved the workshops I've attended, and have just worked one on one with a coach (Brian) for a personalized program that is built for what I need that I am really excited for. I also appreciate that it is an inclusive gym - all are clearly welcome.

Fantastic experience: This is by far the best crossfit gym in downtown Toronto. The coaching is amazing - everyone is highly knowledgeable, they have specialty coaches in gymnastics, olympic lifting, mobility, stick mobility and strength and conditioning. The atmosphere is friendly and inclusive but also cool. And the community is outstanding. Even if you just drop by for a coffee in the cafe, this is a fun place to hang out for an hour. But take a class! You won't regret it!

Fantastic experience: Home Away from Home!

Positive experience: Some good classes open to the community.

Fantastic experience: Great box, coaches are super helpful and patient

Fantastic experience: Best gym in Toronto

Positive experience: Trendy strength training gym

Fantastic experience: Dropped in here for a weightlifting then a CrossFit class and loved it! You walk into the eclectic little coffee shop then in the back is where the fun happens (you walk through the coffee shop to get to the gym). People there were super cool, I even bought a shirt to bring back to Winnipeg as a souvenir! If you're a traveling crossfitter or a local, check these guys out!

Fantastic experience: Best community. Best programs. Just, the best.

Fantastic experience: it's a great place to do a cross fit workout. it's a pretty big cross fit place

Fantastic experience: Great classes and friendly staff!

Fantastic experience: Joined my daughter and granddaughter for a mommy and me workout, staff was great checking me in and the class was challenging and fun with all the baby and toddler's running around. Thank you

Fantastic experience: Great classes, great coaches and a real community feeling

Fantastic experience: Coaches are great to work with and knowledgeable. Great community vibe.

Fantastic experience: I can’t NOT give them a five star! Academy of Lions welcomed me with open arms for my open gym needs, since I had a coach and a personalized program. They have an area to get changed, a clean bathroom at all times, and more than enough open space to train. Don’t forget the bar in the lobby for coffee and protein needs. The owners and the administration were more than helpful when I wanted an extension of a couple of days before I left. In conclusion, the place is big, clean, and well equipped. The classes are beyond trained and are extremely fun! It’s three floors filled with space and different classes. I wish I had that in Florida! AOL, thank you for taking good care of me. I will be back!

Fantastic experience: Love the sense of community. Been there for almost 5 yrs now

Fantastic experience: This is been the best workout experience I've had in the city. The classes cover a vast range, so you can find whatever it is you're looking for, at whatever level best suits you. My biggest criticism with crossfit in the past has generally been that it often sacrifices form and function for reps, time, volume etc. But this gym has an incredibly well educated and experienced staff, and they seem to focus much more on proper technique and biomechanics than numbers. As a former athlete with a slew of nagging injuries, I'm grateful to have found this place and I'm looking forward to many more workouts here. In short, I couldn't recommend it more.

Fantastic experience: Yesterday was my first day doing crossfit; ever. The sign up process and trainers were extremely helpful. The trainer was extremely professional and even more importantly, patient with my learning process.

Fantastic experience: Refreshing to see a staff that are intrinsically motivated by what they do. This place has such a great vibe to it. No bravado here. Even beginners feel like they belong right off the bat.

Negative experience: We waited too long for a coffee we even didnt get, we left...

Fantastic experience: As an avid Crossfitter, I was visiting Toronto and wanted to get into an affiliate club for a work out. The Academy of Lions was recommended to me by my trainers at my home club and I have to say that I was not disappointed. Dhani was very accommodating to me and welcomed me to the club. When I first walked into the club, I was excited to see a general store that sells everything Crossfit from shoes to shirts to exercise accessories. There is also a great Paleo bar for drinks and food. The workout area is a bit intimate and the classes are capped but the Academy makes it work. As a visitor, I felt very welcomed and got a very high level of instruction from the trainers. I loved the energy and positive atmosphere during the workout. Getting changed was easy as there is a separate change area upstairs (also space for warming up and warming down after a workout). My only complaint is that there are no showers available but that is reasonable given the location. The location is in a nice central area of Toronto and there was ample street parking when I arrived. For anyone living in downtown Toronto area and want to be part of a great Crossfit affiliate and community, I highly recommend you check out the Academy of Lions.