By Jessica Finch

A newly launched boutique fitness concept has officially opened in downtown Toronto. Located at 225 Yonge Street, on the corner of Yonge and Shuter, Sweat & Tonic is the city’s newest hotspot for fitness enthusiasts at a time when other concepts are also expanding in the city.

Encompassing 16,000 square feet in a historic three-storey facility steps from the CF Toronto Eaton Centre - North America’s busiest mall - Sweat & Tonic positions itself as a state-of-the-art, world-class boutique fitness and wellness hub.

Providing members with a cocktail of fitness classes, such as yoga, HIIT, and ride, Sweat & Tonic’s dynamic space also houses a premium cafe and bar, a spa and wellness area, and an event space, all offering room for guests to recharge, recover, socialize, and work.

“The wellness aspect of Sweat & Tonic is just as important to us as the fitness aspect. We ensure that members have room to relax before and after class, and have areas to get some work done or socialize with friends”, says Morgan Thomas, Sweat & Tonic’s General Manager.

With over 150 fitness classes offered to members weekly, Sweat & Tonic prides itself on proving top-quality fitness and strength training all offered by expert instructors, each who have designed their individual classes to ensure optimal physical and mental strength.

*chi junky yoga studio. photo: sweat & tonic*

The yoga studio by Chi Junky is a warm and inviting space located on the top floor of the building. Chi Junky, which also operates out of a studio in Toronto’s Leslieville area, says that it believes that yoga and meditation are often interrupted by the dragging of mats, moving of props, and the general inconveniences that come along with attending a yoga class. Chi Junky says that it is currently the only yoga studio in Toronto that provides members with everything required for a productive class and will also take care of the clean up afterwards, ensuring that the benefits of Savasana continue throughout your day. This ideology has been carried through to their Sweat & Tonic studio, making the experience both luxurious and immersive.

The HIIT studio, located on the ground floor, is brimming with TechnoGym treadmills (that have the ability to turn into sled pushes and a multitude of other sweat-inducing activities), free weights, resistance bands, punching bags, and more. This high-intensity training is provided at different intensities, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to avail of the studio, regardless of your fitness level.

SLIDESHOW (swipe)

RIDE STUDIO. PHOTOS: SWEAT & TONIC

The ride studio can be found in the basement providing a range of immersive spin classes. Incorporating both metric and rhythm rides, the music, lights, and comfortability of the bike allow for a transformative and exciting workout. The TechnoGym bikes are comfortable and ahead of competitors in terms of technology.

The wide variety of classes means there is something for everyones’ ability and preference, according to Sweat & Tonic. Yoga mats, boxing gloves, and cycling shoes are all provided free of charge.

The three fitness studios in the facility are joined by the elite Tonic House — an event and workspace designed to host corporate retreats and pop-ups, and also for people to catch up on business before and after classes. There is even a dedicated soundproof pod for people to take important or confidential business calls while working in Tonic House.

Creative lounge spaces inspire collaboration and innovation, and these characteristics embody what Sweat & Tonic is all about. “So many people work flexible schedules or work remotely in today’s society. We wanted to create a conducive space for people to work before or after their work out. It was important for us to create a one-stop-shop so to speak. We want people to spend time in this space and feel productive and/or relaxed while doing so,” said Ms. Thomas.

Given its proximity to the Toronto Eaton Centre and local hospitals, Sweat & Tonic has broadened its available class times. There will be classes offered as early as 5:30am and as late as 9:00pm to facilitate those who work shifts at the hospital or retail at the mall. This commitment further drives home the feeling of community, inclusiveness, and convenience that all create the backbone for the studio.

Also under the Sweat & Tonic roof is ‘nutbar’. Described as a “superfood snack cafe”, nutbar was founded by Toronto-based holistic nutritionist Kate Taylor Martin, and works in collaboration with Sweat & Tonic to provide members with the full wellness experience. A range of nutbar snacks are available to both members and others who are passing by the studio. The nutbar concept has two other locations within the city — one in Summerhill and the other in Leslieville.

*sweat & tonnic bar. photo: sweat & Tonic*

In addition to the nutbar cafe, a full bar is available to those who need to wind down after a workout. The Sweat & Tonic bar celebrates the heritage of the building it now resides in which opened in 1947 as The Silver Rail, Toronto’s first cocktail bar. The bar was designed with this in mind, even including one barstool upholstered to match the original pink seating.

*somadome meditation pod. photo: sweat & tonic*

The wellness experience continues into the locker rooms, with post-workout luxuries such as rain showers, all-natural spa products, and towel services all available. The lockers feature usb charging stations so that devices will be ready to work after one’s class.

SLIDESHOW (swipe)

RETAIL SPACE. PHOTOS: SWEAT & TONIC

Spa services round out the wellness experience at Sweat & Tonic. Infrared Saunas, made locally by SaunaRay and featuring all-natural solid Ontario basswood, are available to members, as well as Somadome meditation pods, express facials, and RMT massage.

A retail space featuring an assortment of apparel such as Lululemon and Sweat & Tonic gear, as well as a curated variety of wellness products are accessible to members and the public alike.

This innovative wellness hub is unlike anything in North America to date. The community aspect that has been intertwined into every corner of the studio sets it apart from its competitors.

The magnificent and intricate studio design was imagined and executed by award-winning design, architecture, and project management firm, Cutler, based out of Vancouver. Their vision was a vital part of ensuring Sweat & Tonic became Toronto’s newest, hottest gym. To learn more or to sign up for a membership or credits visit sweatandtonic.com.