Personal Training
Make fitness easy with the support of our expert personal trainers. We’ll help you find the exercises and routines that work for you and we’ll keep you accountable so that you can reach your goals — whether you’re a beginner or long-time gym member.
Personalized training at the YMCA of Greater Toronto
All You Have to Do is Show Up
No planning. No guesswork. Your private trainer will help you define your fitness and be by your side as you work toward your goals.
We’ll Take Care of You
Our friendly, certified personal trainers teach you proper form and provide non-judgemental support. They’ll help you stay motivated, accountable and on track.
Feel Better Inside and Outside the Gym
Feel more comfortable, have more energy, get stronger, reduce stress, sleep better, lose weight, build muscle and bone mass — the benefits are endless.
Book a Free 30-Minute Consultation Today
Is personal training right for you? Meet with one of our knowledgeable fitness trainers to discover how we can help make it easier to achieve your fitness goals
Reach Your Goals With Personal Training
Personal trainers are private fitness coaches who can help you overcome obstacles to reach your fitness goals. Whether you want to improve your technique or strengthen your physique, YMCA certified trainers can help you get there.
Personal training is for you if you’re looking to:
- Start or return to your fitness journey
- Discover new exercises and how to do them right
- Get help making a workout plan
- Reach specific fitness goals
- Overcome plateaus
- Learn about nutrition
- Get and stay motivated
What’s It Like to Work With a Personal Trainer?
If you’ve never had a private fitness coach before, you may be wondering how it works. Here’s a step-by-step guide of the process, from initial consultation to becoming a regular personal training client.
1. Initial Consultation
Every new client begins with a free consultation, which can be done in person, over the phone, or via Zoom. During this session, we’ll discuss your goals, fitness background, lifestyle, and any health considerations. This helps determine the best trainer match based on experience, personality, and availability. Once we have a match, your trainer will be in touch to set up your first session!
2. Session Confirmation and Shine On App
Once you and your trainer have been paired, and set a date for your first session, you’ll get an email confirmation through our Shine On app.
The Shine On app is a great tool for both you and your trainer. You can get reminders about upcoming sessions, see how many sessions you have left, and access your session credit history. Your trainer can also assign personalized workouts through the app to help you stay consistent between sessions. If you’re taking fitness classes such as Muscle Fit, Gravity, or Aquafit, your trainer can see this and design complementary programs for you.
3. Fitness Assessment
At your first session, your trainer will typically conduct a baseline assessment. Each trainer has their own approach, there isn’t a single standardized assessment, as we recognize that everybody and every goal is different. Trainers may spend about 20 minutes of the session on assessment before moving into the workout, depending on your needs and comfort level.
4. Goal Setting and Program Design
Your trainer works with you to create a personalized plan tailored to your goals — whether you want to improve your strength, mobility, endurance, body composition, or overall health. Each plan includes progressive exercises and lifestyle recommendations, designed around your schedule and preferences.
5. Ongoing Coaching and Support
Trainers provide ongoing guidance and motivation, adjusting the program as you progress. They may incorporate a variety of training styles (strength training, cardio conditioning, mobility work, functional movement, etc.) to keep sessions engaging and effective.
6. Progress Tracking and Results
Progress is reviewed regularly through measurements, assessments, and performance tracking. Trainers help you celebrate achievements, adjust goals, and maintain consistency for long-term success.
Get started today!
Trainer Session Guarantee
You deserve to feel confident and supported when working with your trainer. If after the first session, you feel that the match isn’t quite the right fit, we offer a free make-up session with a different trainer. This gives you the chance to try another approach and find a trainer who better aligns with your goals, communication style, and preferences. We want every client to have a positive and motivating experience from the start.
Testimonials
“For the last three years I’ve been training with Omar at the West End YMCA. It may seem like an exaggeration but it’s not — he has truly changed my world. All my life I’ve struggled with back pain and poor posture from scoliosis. Through strength training, Omar helped me transform my posture, which led to a new level of self-confidence and allows me to enjoy movement like I’ve never been able to before. Not only is he knowledgeable, but he’s always trying to learn and improve, both for himself and his clients. Week after week, he’s pushed me to be better through his encouragement and his belief in me. He’s not just a great trainer, he’s also a great person.”
– Julia Rinaldi
“It’s really rewarding to see my clients be able to do things they weren’t able to when we first met or even just a few months back — like one of my senior clients being able to do a deadlift with proper form. As a trainer, I feel really proud of them — it’s very rewarding. I watch my clients gain confidence and emotional well-being, along with physical improvements. I strive to keep our training sessions positive and encourage my clients to challenge themselves. They’re able to explore their potential in a safe and uplifting environment.”
– Savreen Grewal, Personal Trainer at the West End YMCA
“Before starting personal training at the Y, I didn’t feel that I was reaching my full potential or learning all I wanted to learn about my body and my health. I was also dealing with a shoulder injury and was nervous to dive into training without someone to guide me towards proper form and exercises that wouldn’t further my injury but rather make me stronger. I’ve developed a wonderful friendship with my trainer — she pushes me when she knows I can handle it and is gentle and encouraging when I need a different approach. She’s incredibly empathetic, non-judgmental and kind. I just reached my goal of bench pressing 100 pounds! When I reach my goals, it’s a reminder that I can do hard things if I put my mind to it and have the proper support around me. I enjoy connecting with my personal trainer about my week and decompressing physically and emotionally. Working with her has allowed me to gain confidence and more knowledge about my body’s abilities and overall health. I have a more holistic approach to fitness now. And I feel proud that I show up day to day. That was the most important goal for me — consistently showing up.”
– Wendy M.
“Before I started working with a personal trainer, I just felt soft, like a bag of milk. I felt uncomfortable and not very confident in my body or in the gym. I wanted to get in shape but I’m not motivated enough to do it on my own — I needed someone to hold me accountable. The most important part was finding the right person, someone who was going to keep me interested and coming back. The head trainer at the West End YMCA worked really hard to find the right fit for me. My trainer, John, is fun but strict and really personable and motivating. He provides feedback with care, in a way that is positive and encouraging. And I’m making great progress! After a workout, I feel good — more confident — and that stays with me for a couple of days. Having a trainer is a step in the right direction for me.”
– Trevor Pirri
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the free initial consultation?
During the initial consultation, we want to learn where you are on your fitness journey and what you’d like to achieve. We’ll discuss how personal training can make fitness easier for you and help you reach your goals. We’ll also let you know about important details like scheduling, timelines, and cost. Unlike high-pressure environments, there is no hard sell or pressure to commit — we want to help you figure out if personal training is right for you.
How do you pair me with the right personal trainer?
We have an amazing team of passionate certified fitness trainers and each has their own area of interest and expertise. We’ll pair you with the trainer whose knowledge and experience would best suit your needs.
What can I expect during my personal training sessions?
Because personal training is one-on-one, you can expect a session that is fully tailored to you, no matter your fitness level. We will provide proper education on how to exercise safely, choose the right intensity, progress, and stay motivated. We’ll strive to create an experience that you find challenging and positive.
How do you schedule my personal training sessions?
After the initial consultation, we’ll connect you with a trainer. You and your personal fitness coach can schedule a consistent time that works for you.
What happens if I miss a week of personal training?
Don’t worry, you won’t lose your session! You can make up for it the following week or when you can.
Do you offer financial assistance for personal training?
No. However, we do offer financial assistance for membership fees. Find details and how to apply on our Financial Assistance page.
What happens if I go on vacation?
Punch pass credits expire within six months. However, if you go on vacation, we can extend the expiration date. If you wish to extend your credits for another reason, you can arrange to do so by speaking with your personal trainer.
Monthly personal training members can temporarily pause their memberships after their first three months.
Personal training membership credits expire 30 days after cancellation.
Did you know your gym is also a charity?
Donations to the Y can:
- Feed children and families in need at our food banks
- Support youth shelters
- Send teens to camp
- Provide financial assistance for families who can't afford Y services like child care
- And more!