UNITY Fitness is unlike any wellness club you’ve been to before.
Championing health, wellness and a community driven environment, UNITY is centrally located at Toronto’s waterfront and highlights top-tier fitness equipment and amenities for members. Perks include access to a full-sized basketball court, pickleball courts, pool, infrared hot yoga/Pilates studio and cycling studio. Recently opened, UNITY thoughtfully merges fitness, lounge and work in a convenient, versatile hub.
As part of an exciting experience to explore UNITY for the day, we has the opportunity to chat with experts and take part in some exercises and conversations surrounding health and wellness.
About UNITY Fitness Harbourfront
Upon walking into UNITY, you become completely immersed in the opportunity to stay motivated and united. Greeted by a welcoming staff member, you are encouraged to embrace a new lifestyle journey, discover new ways of moving and understand the power of building a collective.
The space itself is meticulously designed and thoughtfully set up to push the boundaries of your health, wellness and life. Top-tier fitness equipment is available for personal exercise while the brand’s boutique-style fitness studios allow members to engage in movement classes suited for all levels and interests.
The facility, which boasts an impressive 45,000 square feet of space, also features premium amenities such as a members’ lounge, strength training, a cycle studio and a HIIT area—which we will get more into soon.
After a quick tour, we were able to explore different areas of the wellness club, including recovery, stretching nutrition and HIIT. A number of resident experts helped us with pro tips along the way.
Expert Tips: Nutrition, Stretching, Recovery + HIIT Workouts
First stop, recovery. UNITY offers a range of recovery tools including Hyperice devices (massage guns, Normatech air compression boots, vibrational foam rollers), resistance bands and access to a certified FST specialist for deeper recovery support. During our time at UNITY, we tested out the zero gravity chair along with the Normatec leg recovery system, which is designed to promote circulation and soothe tight muscles by using dynamic air compression and precision pulse technology.
When it comes to focusing on recovery support before and/or after workouts, Ryan Naval, master personal trainer and FST therapist, had some tips that we found helpful. For effective recovery, he recommended focusing on static stretching (30-60 seconds) and self-myofascial release after a workout using tools like a Hyperice massage gun or foam roller. Before a workout, dynamic stretching is preferred over static stretching, especially if you have a limited range of motion or muscle tightness, where foam rolling or recovery tools can offer relief.
Next, we got to participate in an exciting HIIT exercise, which included sprinting and sled pushes. Ryan explained that in order to achieve maximum results without overtraining, it’s recommended to incorporate HIIT 2-4 times per week. This is often dependent on individual goals and factors like nutrition, stress and sleep. He says that beginners can start with simple cardio equipment, alternating 10-15 seconds of high-intensity work with 60-90 seconds of active rest, gradually increasing intensity by adding more rounds or adjusting work-to-rest ratios. To further progress, he says you can also try to incorporate more challenging exercises like sled pushes, battle ropes or rowing to increase the workout’s intensity and variety.
Following this, we were introduced to some personalized stretches we could do to address areas of concern or improvement. Through a one-on-one experience at UNITY, we were “prescribed” three stretches to perform at home or at the gym in order to help enhance shoulder movement—something we’re keen to improve.
For effective stretching, Kevin Renada, kinesiologist and mobility specialist, recommended holding each stretch for about 15-30 seconds to allow muscles to relax and lengthen. This is done while focusing on deep, controlled breathing to reduce tension. Kevin explained that the necessity of stretching before a workout depends on the individual’s goals and fitness levels, with dynamic stretching being ideal for high-intensity exercises and static stretching more beneficial for those with limited mobility. To improve flexibility, try to incorporate stretching into your routine consistently—although it’s important to be cautious if you have hypermobile joints, as excessive stretching could lead to instability or injury.
When it comes to nutrition, we admit we’re new to learning about how the best supplements, hydration intake and diet changes can impact one’s health journey. Camila Dechichi, triathlete coach, personal trainer and nutritional consultant, helped us by explaining that the best pre-workout foods depend on individual needs. Generally, this can include a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats and fruits or vegetables, eaten 1-3 hours before exercise.
According to Camila, protein is also essential for muscle recovery and growth, with 20-40 grams consumed post-workout being ideal, while pairing it with carbohydrates can enhance recovery. Hydration is key for performance, with water intake recommended before, during and after exercise, while supplements like protein powder, creatine, omega-3s and vitamin D can support muscle repair and overall performance.
Fitness Trends For 2025
When looking at the future of health and wellness, Adam Reynolds, head of strategy and operations at UNITY Fitness & Hospitality Inc., told us there is a lot to look forward to in 2025. Next year, the fitness industry will likely lean into prioritizing holistic health, community engagement and recovery, with trends such as community centred fitness, low-impact workouts like Hot Pilates and personalized training driven by wearable technology.
At UNITY, a strong focus will be placed on group classes that foster social connections, alongside offerings like Hot Pilates, which provide low-impact, full-body workouts. Recovery tools, mobility work and a personalized approach to fitness through data and expert coaching will also be important factors in achieving long-term health and wellness goals.
Get Started @ UNITY
If you’re interested in starting your health and wellness journey at UNITY, you can sign up here. Tours of the space are also available if you want to take a peek at the facility!
In addition to an unlimited monthly membership, which offers full access to facilities and unlimited boutique classes, UNITY is launching UNITY FLEX passes. Available in single-, five- and 10-class visits, these provide ultimate convenience for busy lifestyles. With the UNITY FLEX pass you can enjoy access to three dedicated boutique studios and choose from over 75 classes each week, including Group Ex, hot yoga and cycle. Here’s to your health! —Samantha Vecchiarelli
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