Algonquin College Fitness/Impact Zone

I’ve been going to the Impact Zone since April 2014 for my Martial Arts training (i.e. Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu and Mauy Thai). The instructors at the Impact Zone, Jamie & Bilal for Mauy Thai, and Ryan, Wade, & Brock for BJJ have been unbelievable. I’ve known these guys from other martial arts schools and they have been amazing, friendly, and informative. Their knowledge in their respective sports is advanced. I’ve trained in martial arts for a number of years and I am still learning new techniques from them. Each one has their own unique approach to teaching and their classes are unique from one another. The pads are plentiful in the Mauy Thai classes and absolutely amazing to hit. You will need to bring your own pair of boxing gloves as there are none to borrow (plus you don’t really want to wear a pair of boxing gloves that have other people’s sweat in them, lol). The Impact Zone has a lot of different martial arts classes as well, such as Boxing, MMA, Krav Maga, Wrestling, and Judo. I have not attended the other classes, so I cannot comment of them. So, whether it is your first time training martial arts or have previous experience, you should definitely come and try a class at the Impact Zone! BJJ and Mauy Thai is my recommendation. The costs for the impact zone are super cheap considering you will have full access to a gym as well!!! Especially if you are a student!!! Most martial arts clubs charge about $ 100/​month but this place is about half the costs! And it includes access to a full gym facility.

It may seem odd that a college has one of the most amazing gyms in the city, but I promise you if you check out Algonquin’s Fitness Zone, you will not be disappointed. I came here as a student, then as a staff member and still work out there as an alumnus. The front desk staff are always helpful, attentive and friendly and the change rooms are super clean and really spacious. And they have steam showers… NICE.
The equipment and atmosphere is awesome. All of the cardio machines were changed out about 8 months ago so they’re all in great shape and top of the line. For those of you who need to catch your shows but still want to work out — GOOD NEWS: each cardio machine has its own screen. Amazing. The strength training equipment is also quite good, and they have some cool machines like the rope pull and some super cool zero gravity thing (note my intense knowledge of the fitness industry…) and the staff are all super helpful and friendly.
There are trainers on staff as well as group fitness classes that you can attend. Algonquin also has an add-​on called the Impact Zone. The Impact Zone is right across the hall from the Fitness Zone and is a state of the art martial arts training facility. They specialize in Thai boxing, boxing, kickboxing, MMA, Krav Maga, wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and every time I walk by it’s always being used. In order to get access to the Impact Zone you have to add $ 50 to your membership… which is a bit pricey for my taste.
The only reason I’m not giving this fantastic gym five stars is because of the aforementioned price. For a community member (yes, anyone can join — it’s not just for college peeps) it’s $ 65 a month or $ 10/​visit. If you’re an Algonquin student, alumni or staff you can only get a four month membership or a one year membership, which can be an issue for people that want to join a month-​to-​month gym. Students are looking at $ ¹³⁰⁄₄ months or $ 260 for the year. Alumni prices are $ ¹⁶⁰⁄₄ months or $ 350/​year. Staff are charged $ ¹⁸⁰⁄₄ months or $ 380 for the year. Despite the seemingly expensive prices, the one awesome deal that I come back to every year is their $ 35/​month during the summer. Remember, the summer goes from May-​August in the post-​secondary world so this can save you a ton.