Between studying for midterms, participating in extracurriculars, and maintaining a social life, it can be difficult for students to squeeze exercise into their schedules despite the many health benefits it provides. For some, just climbing up to the McGill fitness centre is enough of a workout. These alternative workout spaces are close by and affordable, making them a great option for any student looking to get their sweat on.
Éconofitness (625 Ste-Catherine Street West)
Located five minutes away from McGill, Éconofitness is the perfect place for exercise without all the frivolous features of fitness clubs. The chain also hosts 25 other establishments throughout the island of Montreal, so many students can find an Éconofitness near their home. The company also runs gyms that are only open to women, providing a safe space for students who feel more comfortable exercising around their own gender. For $4.99 bi-weekly, members have access to the gym, group fitness classes, and training programs.
Spin Energie (3483 Parc Avenue)
While all spin classes are within a higher pricing range, Spin Energie, located on Parc Avenue offers the most affordable spin classes near McGill. For $45, students can buy an unlimited week of introductory spinning or for those who would like to less commitment, Spin Energie offers an affordable trial class for $10. Students also get a 15 per cent discount on all regular series of classes if they present their student card at the studio.
Association Recreative Milton-Parc (3555 Rue St-Urbain)
Another way to get your heart pumping is within the heart of the Milton-Parc neighbourhood at the Centre multiethnique Saint-Louis. With a starting membership fee of $10, the not-for-profit organization Association Recreative Milton-Parc offers a variety of activities from badminton to Zumba, for a small price. The collective allows for people of various commitment levels in any sport, with prices ranging from $6 for drop-ins to $70 for a season pass.
Innocere Yoga (160 Prince Arthur Street East)
A new addition to the yoga scene in Montreal, Innocere Yoga offers great intro prices for new members. With a variety of classes, from beginner Yin and Restorative classes to higher level Flow classes, Innocere Yoga has something for those fascinated with the art of yoga. For $30, members can get one unlimited month of yoga. Innocere also offers discounts for students, so long as they bring their student ID when purchasing classes.
McGill Memorial Pool (475 Pine Ave West)
For those who aren’t fans of weight benches and yoga mats but are still looking for a way to get in shape, consider the McGill Memorial Pool. Recreational swimming hours—known as Lap Swimming times—are offered every day. As students pay for Athletics fees as part of their tuition, they have access to all the other sports complexes—including the gymnasium, indoor and outdoor track, tennis courts, squash courts, and swimming pool—for free. Day passes ranging from $8.70 to $13.04 are also available for non-McGill students.
L’École de Danse Swing Cat’s Corner (3451 St Laurent Blvd)
If moving to the beat is your type of groove, Cat’s Corner is the fitness studio for you. Offering swing dances, blues dances, and tap dance, this studio is sure to sweep you off your feet. To get the most affordable prices, make sure to attend their drop-in classes on Monday to Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. for only $10 per class. For those looking for a deal, a drop-in card for $50 gets six classes for the price of five.
Regardless of the kind of exercise you like to do, Montreal offers something that caters to everyone’s interests and budget. Now get up, put on your sneakers, and get moving!
