Now that Gastown has officially been declared our favourite shopping, eating, and even party-going destination (One of a Few, Boneta, and The Modern, anybody?), it seemed only inevitable that it would also become the best spot in the city to tone our abs and burn some fat.
Enter Versus 21, the 6000 square foot, sleek health and fitness playground that opened just last week. Not just a regular gym, this chic studio features exposed brick and Romanesque columns, plus a lounge spruced up with designer chairs, flat screen TVs, flowers and even fresh fruit for guests.
All activities are instructor administered, meaning better, more targeted workouts (Bonus: no more having to figure out those machines and weights ourselves!). Offering yoga, mixed martial arts with kickboxing world champion Blake Lirette, indoor cycling, and personal fitness sessions (plus après-workout massage therapy), we went with the Zen Ride ($18/class; punch or unlimited monthly passes also available), a 60-minute combo class of invigorating cycling followed by conditioning, calming yoga. Next time, we’ll try the Ride Core, a 40-minute ride plus 20-minute core workout, or the Ride Strength, a 30-minute mountain ride and 15-minute strength and conditioning workout.
Looks like our killer afternoons in Gastown just got a little more serious.
Versus 21
www.versus21.com
210 – 21 Water St. (at Carrall)
604-909-0201