Spawned 28 years ago from a single club in London, Ontario, the chain now has 144 locations across Canada (35 of them in the GTA). Facilities and rates vary depending on the chi-chi factor of the gym, but expect a safe, clean and functional space with well-maintained equipment and certified training (one-on-one sessions $49–$79 per hour). Cardio machines are up to date: offerings include Life Fitness treadmills and elliptical machines, as well as StairMasters, Life Fitness upright and recumbent bikes, and Concept2 rowers. GoodLife holds exclusive Canadian rights to Les Mills programs—classes range from the popular and gruelling BodyPump (focusing on weight training) to BodyStep (a serious step routine) to BodyFlow (a de-stressing mixture of yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates). Change rooms are usually tidy, and all clubs offer TVs, upbeat music and on-site tanning. Members have access to most of the gym’s locations, an advantage for commuters who want a gym that’s close to both home and work.

Eaton Centre South Coed
An expansion brought this club up to 14,767 square feet, helping ease post-work congestion; weekends (as at all downtown locations) are relatively quiet. The first floor caters to the sweat-it-out-on-the-treadmill crowd; the second has more machines, as well as weights and an out-in-the-open spinning studio, cheek by jowl with a small stretching area. 2 Queen St. W. (at Yonge), 5th flr., 416-599-0430.

Manulife
Trading convenient locale for space, this gym often feels cramped. Harried after-work crowds can turn ugly when you’ve overstayed your limit on the cardio machines. Ditch the StairMaster for the five-lane 16-metre-long pool, or one of 20 weekly spinning classes. Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor St. W. (at Bay), Ste. 210, 416-964-0412.

McCaul
This older, steadily busy location recently underwent a major renovation—gone are the half-size lockers and sign-up sheets, replaced by cardio rooms, saunas and change rooms. Four squash courts are a bonus. 21 McCaul St. (at Queen St. W.), 416-979-1422.

St. Clair and Yonge
This subterranean midtown club is spacious—if a bit dark—but it can get packed after work. Pluses include on-site massage therapists, three new massage chairs (free of charge!) and a juice bar. 12 St. Clair Ave. E. (at Yonge), 416-927-8042.

Union Station Platinum
This spacious upscale club boasts double-wide lockers and spotless showers, along with floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also an option for free video rentals with membership. 7 Station St. (at York St.), 416-964-1821.